Merlins and Kestrels

[vinnychameleon]

Whats the best way to identify a merlin from a kestrel?

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by vinnychameleon

Whats the best way to identify a merlin from a kestrel?

A merlin is smaller than a kestrel and has a shorter tail.
The merlin male is somewhat greyer and the female kestrel has rich rusty brown shades

[Oscar2006]

Merlin has a pointed hat

Merlins are usually seen flying fast, direct and low in search of their prey (like meadow pipits), Kestrels are more obliging as they usually fly more slowly, regularly stalling in flight, hovering and then dropping towards the ground.

Hope that helps a bit?