Merlin
Falco columbarius
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Falco columbarius
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Mass
~190 g
Habitat
Woodlands and parks
Diet
Small vertebrates
How to recognize it
Merlin is a small, sturdy falcon with a fast, agile way of flying. In the city, it stands out less by size than by its sharp movements and alert, tightly focused manner.
It is usually quiet and not very social, but when disturbed it gives a short, sharp call. It hunts low over the ground, can take prey in the air, and a pair may work together, driving prey toward each other.
It favors open places with shrubs, scattered trees, marsh edges, steppe, and woodland edges, while avoiding dense forest. It mostly eats small songbirds, but also takes rodents, lizards, and insects; in most places it is migratory, though some populations stay year-round.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
Merlin is a small, sturdy falcon with a fast, agile way of flying. In the city, it stands out less by size than by its sharp movements and alert, tightly focused manner.
It is usually quiet and not very social, but when disturbed it gives a short, sharp call. It hunts low over the ground, can take prey in the air, and a pair may work together, driving prey toward each other.
It favors open places with shrubs, scattered trees, marsh edges, steppe, and woodland edges, while avoiding dense forest. It mostly eats small songbirds, but also takes rodents, lizards, and insects; in most places it is migratory, though some populations stay year-round.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Falco columbarius Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Merlin (bird) Encyclopedia article