Taiga Merlin
Falco columbarius
I think that this is probably a
Merlin. From a distance, its general appearance was that of a
Kestrel, but unlike Kestrels, this bird was not disturbed by my
being under its tree.
Its breast pattern differs, and the bars across the tail are a
Merlin's, not a Kestrel's. This bird lacks the double moustache
of the Kestrel.
"Lacks the strong facial markings
and russet upperparts of kestrels ... strongly barred tail distinguishes
Merlin from the much larger Peregrine and Prairie Falcon ... Underparts
and underwings darker than kestrels ...." (Jon L. Dunn &
Jonathan Alderfer. Field Guide to the Birds of North America,
p. 148)
Photo taken with a Nikon D90 using
a Nikon 400, f/5.6.
November 23, 2012.