Falco columbarius
Least Concern
The merlin is a predominantly ground nesting falcon and the UK’s smallest bird of prey. Preferring upland and moorland areas for breeding the bird may venture in to lowland regions during the winter when it is joined by migrating merlins from Iceland.
Bluish Gray
Brown
Brown
White, Brown
White, Black
White, Black
Bluish Gray
Brown
Brown
Hooked
Black
Black
Black
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Dark banding on tail, streaked underparts
Darker streaking on underparts, up to 30% larger than males
Fainter streaking on underparts
Short and square
Short and square
Short and square
24cm to 33cm
Length
53cm to 69cm
Wingspan
165g to 230g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Female Merlin
Close up of a Merlin
Merlin in flight
Merlin perched in a tree
The nest of a Merlin
Merlin mid flight
High-pitched chittering and kee-kee-kee sounds
Rapid series of high-pitched notes, often given in flight
Sharp, loud klee-klee-klee
Active during the day, particularly at dawn and dusk
Mostly solitary, forms pairs during breeding season
Defends nesting territory aggressively, particularly against larger raptors
Populations in northern range migrate south for winter
Occasionally forms mixed-species flocks during migration
Small birds, Insects
Hunts from a perch or in flight, often catching prey mid-air
Primarily crepuscular, with peaks at dawn and dusk
Stooping and pursuit flight
Diet varies with season and location, includes more insects in summer
None known
In old crow or raptor nests, on cliffs or in trees
Does not build its own nest, uses existing structures
Spring to early summer
1 brood
Pale blue with brown spots
Approximately 4cm x 3cm
3-6 eggs, usually four
Around 28 days
Approximately 4 weeks
Both parents feed chicks, female primarily incubates eggs
Widespread across Northern Hemisphere, from tundra to desert habitats
Open country, forests, coastlines, and cities
Sea level to 2000m
Populations in northern range migrate south for winter
Forest, Grassland, Desert
Polar, Temperate, Subtropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Resident or Present
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant
5
10
7 year(s)
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Monogamous, often returns to same nesting site
Adult plumage acquired at 1 year
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, pesticides, collision with vehicles
Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the US, some habitat conservation efforts
Overall population stable, some regional fluctuations due to habitat loss
Other names:
Pigeon Hawk
Family:
FalconidaePopulation size:
250000-3200000
Population trend:
Stable
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
Brighten up your inbox with our exclusive newsletter, enjoyed by thousands of people from around the world.
Your information will be used in accordance with Birdfact's privacy policy. You may opt out at any time.
© 2024 - Birdfact. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.
