Identifying birds of prey can be challenging, especially when two species look quite similar. Sharp-shinned Hawks and Merlins are both small falcons commonly seen in North America, and knowing how to distinguish between them helps birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts improve their observation skills and enjoy their sightings more fully. This guide walks you through practical, reliable ways to tell these two raptors apart, whether in flight or perched.
What You’ll Need
- Binoculars or a spotting scope for a closer view
- A field guide or bird identification app
- A notebook or smartphone to jot down observations
- Patience and time spent watching the birds in their natural habitat
Step-by-Step
- Observe the size and shape carefully. Sharp-shinned Hawks are slightly smaller and more compact, with short, rounded wings and a long, squared-off tail. Merlins are a bit bulkier with broader, more pointed wings and a longer tail with a rounded tip. When perched, a Sharp-shinned Hawk often appears slimmer and more delicate.
- Look at the wing shape in flight. Sharp-shinned Hawks have short, rounded wings that create a quick, fluttery wingbeat. Merlins show longer, more pointed wings and a faster, more direct flight pattern. Watching wingbeats can be a key clue.
- Check the tail pattern and shape. Sharp-shinned Hawks have a squared tail with narrow white bands on the underside and a dark band at the tip. Merlins’ tails are more rounded at the tip with wider, more prominent bands. The tail feathers of a Merlin usually appear more boldly marked.
- Note the coloration and plumage details. Adult Sharp-shinned Hawks have bluish-gray upperparts and fine reddish barring on the chest. Merlins tend to have darker, slate-gray upperparts with a more streaked, less barred chest. Females and juveniles of both species can be tricky, but Merlins usually have a more heavily streaked underside, while Sharp-shinned Hawks show finer barring.
- Listen for vocalizations. Sharp-shinned Hawks have a high-pitched, thin “kik-kik-kik” call, often faster and more shrill. Merlins produce a more rapid, chattering “klee-klee-klee” or “ki-ki-ki” that is harsher and more mechanical sounding. If you hear the bird, this can be a helpful distinguishing factor.
- Consider the habitat and behavior. Sharp-shinned Hawks prefer dense forests and often hunt birds at bird feeders or in wooded areas. Merlins favor open country, edges, and coastal areas, and they chase birds in more open spaces with fast, direct pursuits. Observing where and how the bird hunts can provide additional context.
- Compare size relative to other birds nearby. Sharp-shinned Hawks are about the size of a Blue Jay, while Merlins are slightly larger, closer to the size of a crow but more compact. If other species are present, this comparison can help.
- Use multiple characteristics together. No single feature is always definitive. Combine size, shape, wing and tail patterns, plumage, vocalizations, and behavior to increase your confidence in identification.
Common Mistakes
- Relying on size alone. Because Sharp-shinned Hawks and Merlins overlap in size, estimating size without a reference can lead to errors.
- Ignoring the wing shape and flight style. Both species are fast, but their wing shapes and flight patterns differ—overlooking this can cause confusion.
- Misidentifying juveniles and females. Immature birds of both species look more alike than adults; failing to note subtle plumage differences leads to mistakes.
- Not considering habitat and behavior. Assuming all small falcons in wooded areas are Sharp-shinned Hawks ignores Merlins’ more open habitat preference.
- Overlooking vocal differences. Missing the distinct calls reduces identification accuracy, especially when birds are distant or obscured.
Tips
- Use binoculars or a spotting scope whenever possible for detailed observation.
- Practice identifying both species in various conditions to become familiar with their subtle differences.
- Photograph birds when possible to review details later or get expert help.
- Listen carefully to calls and try to memorize the differences; audio apps can help train your ear.
- Watch the bird’s hunting style—Merlins often chase in open air, while Sharp-shinned Hawks dart quickly through trees and brush.
- Join local birdwatching groups or online forums to share sightings and get feedback.
Troubleshooting
If you find it difficult to tell these two raptors apart despite your efforts, try the following:
- Wait for the bird to perch. Perched birds reveal tail shape and plumage better than birds in fast flight.
- Record the call. Use a smartphone to capture vocalizations and compare later with recordings from trusted sources.
- Observe multiple sightings. Sometimes one look isn’t enough—try to see several individuals over time to learn patterns.
- Use a field guide or app with detailed photos and descriptions. Cross-reference features to confirm your identification.
- Ask for expert help. Share photos or descriptions with experienced birders or local birding organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Sharp-shinned Hawks and Merlins closely related?
- They belong to different genera—Sharp-shinned Hawks are Accipiter species, while Merlins are falcons (Falco genus). They share some hunting traits but have distinct evolutionary histories.
- Can you tell the difference by their flight speed?
- Both are fast, but Merlins tend to fly faster and in straighter paths, while Sharp-shinned Hawks exhibit quick, agile flapping with sudden turns.
- Do juveniles look very different from adults?
- Yes, juveniles of both species have browner, streakier plumage that can make identification more challenging, but Merlins are generally more heavily streaked underneath.
- Which species is more likely to visit backyard feeders?
- Sharp-shinned Hawks are more commonly seen near feeders since they hunt small songbirds, whereas Merlins prefer open areas and tend to hunt in flight rather than near feeders.
- Is one species more common than the other?
- Sharp-shinned Hawks are generally more widespread and numerous across North America, while Merlins are less common and more localized depending on habitat.
- What time of year can you see these birds?
- Both species can be seen year-round in parts of their range, but many Sharp-shinned Hawks migrate south in winter, and Merlins also show seasonal movements depending on region.
By carefully observing size, shape, plumage, flight style, vocalizations, and habitat, you can confidently tell a Sharp-shinned Hawk from a Merlin. With practice and patience, your birdwatching skills will improve, making each sighting more rewarding and accurate.
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How to Tell the Difference Between a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Merlin