merlin

The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small, energetic falcon known for its incredible speed and aggressive hunting style. Often referred to as a 'lady hawk' in historical falconry, this raptor is a master of the skies, patrolling open landscapes across the Northern Hemisphere with precision and power.

Measuring between 25-30 cm in length, the Merlin is a compact and robust bird of prey. Males typically display a blue-gray back, while females and juveniles are brown with heavy streaking on their underparts. They possess pointed wings and a relatively short, square-ended tail marked with dark bands, giving them a silhouette that is often mistaken for a pigeon during flight.

The Merlin thrives in open habitats such as grasslands, moorlands, prairies, and coastal dunes. During the breeding season, they are frequently found in taiga forests and shrubby tundras. In the winter months, they often migrate to more urban areas or open agricultural fields where prey is abundant and easy to spot.

The diet of a Merlin consists primarily of small birds, such as sparrows, larks, and sandpipers. They are also known to consume large insects, particularly dragonflies, and occasionally small mammals like bats or voles. They hunt by flying low and fast, using the terrain for cover to surprise their prey in mid-air.

Merlins do not build their own nests. Instead, they typically take over abandoned nests of crows, ravens, or larger hawks. In some regions, they may also nest on the ground or in tree cavities. A typical clutch consists of 4 to 5 eggs, which are incubated mainly by the female while the male provides food for the family.

Known for their bold and feisty temperament, Merlins are powerful flyers that do not hover like kestrels. They are highly territorial and will fiercely defend their nesting sites against much larger raptors. Their flight is characterized by rapid, continuous wingbeats and sudden, sharp turns.

The Merlin is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. While their populations are stable in many regions, they were historically impacted by organochlorine pesticides. Today, habitat preservation and the protection of small songbird populations remain vital for their continued success.

1. The Merlin was traditionally the falcon of choice for noblewomen in medieval times, including Mary Queen of Scots.
2. They can reach flight speeds of up to 30 miles per hour during a chase.
3. Unlike many other falcons, Merlins often hunt in pairs to flush out and capture prey.
4. Their scientific name, columbarius, refers to pigeons, though they rarely hunt birds that large.

• Look for them perched on high, exposed branches or telephone poles in open country.
• Scan for low-flying raptors that move with a rapid, flickering flight pattern.
• Winter is an excellent time to spot them near coastal mudflats or near bird feeders where small birds congregate.
• Listen for their high-pitched, chattering 'klee-klee-klee' call during the breeding season.

The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a remarkable raptor that proves size is no indicator of power. Whether you are an experienced birder or a casual observer, spotting this swift and courageous falcon in action is always a thrilling highlight of any birdwatching excursion.