The merlin is a small species of falcon from the Northern Hemisphere, with numerous subspecies throughout North America and Eurasia. A bird of prey, the merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter. Males typically have wingspans of 53–58 centimetres (21–23 in), with females being slightly larger. They are swift fliers and skilled hunters which specialize in preying on small birds in the size range of sparrows to doves and medium-sized shorebirds. In recent decades merlin populations in North America have been significantly increasing, with some merlins becoming so well adapted to city life that they forgo migration; in Europe, populations increased up to about 2000 but have been steady subsequently. The merlin has for centuries been well regarded as a falconry bird.
Region
Northern Hemisphere (Holarctic: North America and Eurasia)
Typical Environment
Breeds across boreal forests, taiga edges, moorlands, coastal dunes, and open tundra margins. In winter it ranges south into temperate and some subtropical regions, frequenting open country, coastal flats, prairies, farmland, and urban areas. Prefers mosaic landscapes with scattered trees or perches near open hunting space. Often uses old corvid nests, cliffs, or the ground in treeless habitats for breeding. Urban-adapted birds may remain resident where prey is available year-round.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The merlin is a small, swift falcon of the Holarctic, famed in falconry for its speed and boldness relative to its size. It specializes in hunting small birds with rapid, low-level pursuits rather than high stoops. In many cities it now hunts abundant urban songbirds and has adapted to nesting near human structures. Females are noticeably larger than males, a common pattern among falcons.
European subspecies F. c. aesalon, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
Coastal forest merlin (F. c. suckelyi), Lake Los Carneros Park, Goleta, California, United States
Male (presumably F. c./a. pallidus) wintering in Little Rann of Kutch (Gujarat, India)
Juvenile, F. c. columbarius
Upperside pattern of male (presumably F. c./a. pallidus) wintering in Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India
F. c. columbarius hunting a northern blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata bromia), Mount Auburn Cemetery, Massachusetts, United States
Falco columbarius egg
Falco columbarius subaesalon - MHNT
Nestlings
A male smyril is featured on this Faroese stamp by Edward Fuglø
Hunter with trained merlin, Jandari Lake, Georgia SSR, November 1979
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, low-level pursuit
Social Behavior
Pairs defend nesting territories during the breeding season. Nests are often on the ground in open country or in abandoned corvid nests; clutch size typically 3–6 eggs. The male provides most prey to the incubating female and young. Outside breeding, individuals may roost loosely near one another where prey is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet, but alarm and territorial calls are sharp, rapid kek-kek-kek notes. Courtship includes excited chatter and loud scolding near the nest.
