Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MAALIN, n. Also maalen (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). A Sh. name for the merlin, Falco aesalon (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1962). Also applied to the kestrel, Falco tinnunculus (Sh. 1885 C. Swainson Brit. Birds 140); the sparrow-hawk, Accipiter nisus (Ib. 136, Sh. 1932 J. Saxby Trad. Lore 199); or to any hawk (Sh. 1962).Sh. 1861 Zoologist XIX. 7339:
F[alco] tinnunculus. Permanent. This and other members of the hawk tribe are locally designated “maalin”.
