Species Profile
Merlin
Falco columbarius
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
8–11 years
Length
24–33 cm
Weight
125–300 g
Wingspan
50–62 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Pigeon Hawk
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Appearance
The Merlin is a compact falcon with a stocky build and pointed wings. Males display blue-grey upperparts, while females are brown above. Both sexes have streaked underparts, with males showing rufous barring and females having heavier brown streaking.
Juveniles resemble adult females but have a brown tail with narrow pale bands. All Merlins have a distinctive dark moustache mark and yellow legs, contrasting with their dark plumage.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Blue
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Yellow
Male Markings
Dark banding on tail, streaked underparts
Tail: Short and square
Female Markings
Heavily streaked underparts
Tail: Short and square
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Merlins inhabit many open to semi-open landscapes, including tundra, grasslands, and coastal areas. They breed across northern North America, Europe, and Asia, favouring boreal forests and open moorlands.
During winter, many Merlins migrate south to the United States, southern Europe, and parts of Asia. In the UK, they are year-round residents in Scotland and northern England, with winter visitors in southern regions.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Diet
Merlins primarily hunt small to medium-sized birds, such as sparrows, pipits, and sandpipers. They also consume large insects, particularly dragonflies, and occasionally small mammals.
Merlins often catch prey in mid-air, showcasing their exceptional flying skills and agility.
Behaviour
Merlins are agile and swift hunters, often seen flying low over open areas in pursuit of small birds. They frequently perch on exposed branches or posts, scanning for prey.
During the breeding season, Merlins become territorial and may perform impressive aerial displays to defend their nesting areas.
Calls & Sounds
Merlins have a distinctive, rapid-fire call often described as 'kee-kee-kee' or 'ki-ki-ki'. This high-pitched, chattering vocalisation is commonly heard during territorial disputes or when alarmed. During courtship, males may produce a softer, rolling 'krrrr' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Merlins typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which varies by region but generally occurs from May to July. They do not build their own nests, instead using abandoned nests of other birds, particularly crows.
Females lay 3-5 eggs, which are creamy-white with reddish-brown spots. The eggs are incubated primarily by the female for about 28-32 days.
Both parents care for the nestlings, which fledge after 25-35 days. The young remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation
While the Merlin is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss and pesticide use.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving breeding habitats and reducing the use of harmful chemicals in their hunting grounds. Monitoring programs track population trends across their range.
Population
Estimated: 250,000 - 3,200,000 mature individuals[3]
Trend: Stable[2]
Overall population stable, some regional fluctuations due to habitat loss
Elevation
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- Approximately 4cm x 3cm
- Predators:
- Adult Merlins have few natural predators, but eggs and nestlings may fall prey to larger raptors, corvids, and climbing mammals such as martens and squirrels.
- Alarm calls:
- Sharp, loud klee-klee-klee
- Breeding age:
- 1
- Maturity age:
- 1
- Feeding times:
- Primarily crepuscular, with peaks at dawn and dusk
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, pesticides, collision with vehicles
- Parental care:
- Both parents feed chicks, female primarily incubates eggs
- Primary calls:
- High-pitched chittering and kee-kee-kee sounds
- Social habits:
- Mostly solitary, forms pairs during breeding season
- Egg appearance:
- Pale blue with brown spots
- Feeding habits:
- Hunts from a perch or in flight, often catching prey mid-air
- Breeding season:
- Spring to early summer
- Diet variations:
- Diet varies with season and location, includes more insects in summer
- Fledging period:
- Approximately 4 weeks
- Average lifespan:
- 7
- Call description:
- Rapid series of high-pitched notes, often given in flight
- Daily activities:
- Active during the day, particularly at dawn and dusk
- Nesting location:
- In old crow or raptor nests, on cliffs or in trees
- Number of broods:
- 1 brood
- Incubation period:
- Around 28 days
- Nest construction:
- Does not build its own nest, uses existing structures
- Migration patterns:
- Populations in northern range migrate south for winter
- Migratory patterns:
- Partial migrant, with populations in northern range migrating south for winter
- Age related changes:
- Adult plumage acquired at 1 year
- Prey capture method:
- Stooping and pursuit flight
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the US, some habitat conservation efforts
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends nesting territory aggressively, particularly against larger raptors
- Reproductive behavior:
- Monogamous, often returns to same nesting site
- Special dietary needs:
- None known
- Clutch characteristics:
- 3-6 eggs, usually four
- Interaction with other species:
- Occasionally forms mixed-species flocks during migration
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Merlins in open areas near woodland edges
- Observe their rapid, direct flight pattern
- Listen for their high-pitched, chattering call
- In North America, watch for them during fall migration along coastlines
- In the UK, scan moorlands and coastal areas during the winter months
Did You Know?
- Merlins can reach speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h) in level flight.
- They were historically used in falconry, prized for their ability to hunt skylarks.
- Merlins sometimes hunt cooperatively in pairs, with one bird flushing prey for the other to catch.
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