Merlin

an Old World species of falcon. It is closely related to the American sparrowhawk, which it resembles in size. It is an active, easily trained bird. It was popular in the days of falconry, being used to take pigeons, partridges, and quails. Unlike other falcons, it will pursue its prey, if necessary, through underbrush. The merlin is still abundant in Europe, nesting on the ground and preferring stony localities. It is of a bluish ash color above, with a reddish yellow on the breast. See Falcon