Merlin
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Falco columbarius
Population size
250,000-3.2Mln
Life Span
7-10 years
Top speed
48
30
km/hmph
km/h mph 
Weight
125-300
4.4-10.6
goz
g oz 
Length
24-33
9.4-13
cminch
cm inch 
Wingspan
50-73
19.7-28.7
cminch
cm inch 

The merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small but fierce falcon from the Northern Hemisphere. It is a swift flier and skilled hunter and has for centuries been well regarded as a falconry bird.

Di

Diurnal

Ca

Carnivore

Te

Terrestrial

Ar

Arboreal

Al

Altricial

Pr

Predator

Co

Congregatory

Ov

Oviparous

Pu

Pursuit predator

Se

Serial monogamy

So

Solitary

Mi

Migrating

M

starts with

Appearance

The male merlin has a blue-grey back, ranging from almost black to silver-grey in different subspecies. Its underparts are buff- to orange-tinted and more or less heavily streaked with black to reddish brown. The female and immature are brownish-grey to dark brown above, and whitish buff spotted with brown below. Besides a weak whitish supercilium and the faint dark malar stripe - which are barely recognizable in both the palest and the darkest birds - the face of the merlin is less strongly patterned than in most other falcons. The eye and beak are dark, the latter with a yellow cere. The feet are also yellow, with black claws. Nestlings are covered in pale buff down feathers, shading to whitish on the belly.

Video

Distribution

Geography

Merlins are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Most of the populations are migratory, wintering in warmer regions. Northern European birds move to southern Europe and North Africa, and North American populations to the southern United States and to northern South America. Merlins inhabit fairly open country, such as willow or birch scrub, and shrubland, but also taiga forest, parks, and grasslands such as steppe and prairies, sand dunes, deserts, or moorland. In general, they prefer a mix of low and medium-height vegetation with some trees and avoid dense forests as well as treeless arid regions.

Merlin habitat map
Merlin habitat map
Merlin
Attribution-ShareAlike License

Habits and Lifestyle

Merlins usually lead a solitary life outside of the breeding season. However, in the winter they may roost communally or sometimes migrate in loose groups. They start migrating to the breeding grounds in late February. Migration to winter quarters at least in Eurasia peaks in August/September. Merlins are diurnal hunters and rely on speed and agility to hunt their prey. They often hunt by flying fast and low, typically less than 1 m (3.3 ft) above the ground, using trees and large shrubs to take prey by surprise. But they actually capture most prey in the air, and will "tail-chase" startled birds. Breeding pairs will frequently hunt cooperatively, with one bird flushing the prey toward its mate. Merlins communicate vocally and are usually noisy near the nest and during the displays. When alarmed birds produce 'kikiki' or 'kekeke' shrills.

Seasonal behavior
Bird's call

Diet and Nutrition

Merlins are carnivores and specialize in preying on small birds including sparrows, quail, larks, or pipits. Larger birds and other animals such as insects (especially dragonflies and moths), small mammals like bats and voles, and reptiles complement their diet as well.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
REPRODUCTION SEASON
May-June
INCUBATION PERIOD
28-32 days
INDEPENDENT AGE
8 weeks
BABY NAME
eyas, eyass
web.animal_clutch_size
3-6 eggs

Merlins are serially monogamous and pairs form for one season only. Their breeding season occurs typically in May-June and during this time birds perform aerial courtship displays. Merlins do not build nests but mainly use abandoned crow or hawk nests which are located in conifer or mixed tree stands. In moorland-particularly in the UK- females usually make a shallow scrape in dense heather to use as a nest. Others nest in crevices on cliff-faces and on the ground, and some may even use buildings. The female lays 3 to 6 (usually 4 or 5) rusty brown eggs. She incubates them within 28 to 32 days while the male hunts to feed the family. Hatchlings weigh about 13 g (0.46 oz) and fledge after another 30 days or so. They are dependent on their parents for up to 4 more weeks. Sometimes first-year merlins (especially males) will serve as a "nest helper" for an adult pair. Merlins become reproductively mature at one year of age and usually attempt to breed right away.

Population

Population threats

The most serious threat to merlins is habitat destruction, especially in their breeding areas. These birds also suffer collision with man-made objects, particularly during attacks, from pesticides and human disturbances.

Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total merlin population size is around 250,000-3,200,000 mature individuals. Overall, currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • Merlins were once known as the “Pigeon hawk” in North America because they resemble a pigeon in flight.
  • The name 'merlin' comes from Old French 'esmerillon'.
  • Merlins are quite fearless birds, and will readily attack anything that moves conspicuously. They have even been observed trying to "catch" automobiles and trains.
  • Sometimes, merlins cache food and eat it later.
  • Due to their high intelligence and great speed, merlins were once popular in falconry. The Book of St. Albans listed these birds as "the falcon for a lady", where they were noted for classic "ringing" (circling rapidly upward) pursuits of the English skylark.

Coloring Pages

References

2. Merlin on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22696453/93562971
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/679893

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