Merlin

The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small, swift, and highly maneuverable falcon found across the Northern Hemisphere, often nesting on the ground in moorlands or open woodlands. With an average lifespan of 3 years, they are specialized hunters of small birds, using high-speed, agile pursuits. They are partially migratory, often moving to lower latitudes or coastal areas in winter. 

Key Life History Aspects:

• Appearance & Size: The smallest bird of prey in the UK, measuring 26-31 cm in length with a 56 cm wingspan and a weight of 180-230g. Males are smaller and bluer-grey, while females are larger and brown.

• Habitat: Prefers open habitats, including moorland, coastal areas, tundra, and, increasingly, urban parks.

• Diet: Primarily feeds on small birds (such as meadow pipits, sparrows, and finches), which they chase at high speeds.

• Breeding: Highly territorial; nests are typically on the ground among heather or sometimes in old trees. They lay 3-5 eggs, which are incubated for roughly 28-32 days, with young fledging in 25-35 days.

• Lifespan & Mortality: While average lifespan in the wild is 3 years, some have lived to nearly 13 years. First-year survival is low, at around 23%.

• Behavior & Movement: Unlike kestrels, they do not hover but rely on speed, sometimes flying only a few feet off the ground to ambush prey. Some populations are sedentary, while others migrate, with many British breeding birds moving to lower, warmer areas in winter. 

Conservation Status:

• In the UK, the species is considered of conservation concern (Amber/Red list depending on regional data) due to historical declines.

• In North America, populations have been increasing, and they have adapted well to urban environments, sometimes foregoing migration.