Female Merlin (was - help with raptor i.d)

MB Lacey

Hi all,
I took these pics in october on heath/bogland in wicklow. The Raptor chased a smaller song bird at quite a low level and it became quite acrobatic, ending with the Raptor getting the smaller bird.
I think it was probably a Merlin, but I've never been sure so thought I'd throw it out there.
I'm hoping you'll be able to magnify the photos at your end because the original photos only show a tiny image.
You will see the brown upper parts and very pale under tail with brown and cream bands.
What's throwing me is the large white cheeks and chin - so maybe juv Merlin - really don't think it was a Hobby.
Any help appreciated.

Feargal as Luimneach

Looks like an adult female merlin. A juvenile Merlin would have barring on the upper wing in flight.

Hobby lacks the barring on uppertail.

A juvenile peregrine can be confused with female Merlin, but the wings tip reach the end of the tail in the perched bird. Juv Peregrine is huge compared to a merlin.

MB Lacey

Thanks Feargal. This section would be pretty lost without your knowledge.

cuddlycavies

Pic 1 is very clear when magnified. Defo female merlin. I live in wicklow also. Have seen them near Lugala, hunting low to the ground. I see many more peregrines to Merlins these days. Only two Merlins last year, one Wicklow, one curragh.

MB Lacey

Thanks CC.
A friend has lent me a book on Merlins in Wicklow (written 2005), just about to start reading it. Interesting you see more peregrines than Merlins now.