Expert: Roger Lederer - 11/28/2006

Question
We are in the Wichita Falls, Texas area and have some small birds that may be merlins ( pigeon hawks?) but they are either all white or the palest grey in color( not red/ pink legged). They are the size of a largish pigeon and nest up in a dead tree in out very urban neighborhood in the spring. They are great to watch- very fierce and brave for the size and sometimes take one of the pigeons or smaller birds,some mice; sometimes get harassed by the grackles. As parents, the birds are excellent- one youngster was determined that he ( she) should be brought food to whichever branch he landed on !

So, the question we have is what exactly are these birds? The body shape and wings appear very very similiar to the merlins, but there are several white/ pale pale colored birds and merlins are dark? What could we have here?

Thank you!

Answer
Well, I'm not sure from your description. The problem here is that you say they are nesting in an urban neighborhood. That pretty much rules out most hawks. And all white? I'm just not aware of any hawk that fits that description. Any chance you could get a photo and send it to me at rlederer@csuchico.edu? That would be very helpful. Also more details - do the birds have any markings or are they just white? Roger Lederer