Merlin (bird)
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| Falco columbarius (Linnaeus, 1758) |
The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a falcon that breeds in northern North America, Europe and Asia. In North America it was once known as the pigeon hawk.
This small bird of prey is 26-33 cm long with a 55-69 cm wingspan. It breeds in open country such as moorland, taiga or willow or birch scrub. Like the larger Peregrine Falcon, it is migratory, wintering in more temperate regions. Northern European birds move to southern Europe and North Africa, and North American populations to the southern USA and northern South America. In winter, the Merlin may be found in almost any open country, from coasts to prairies to desert scrub. In the mildest parts of its breeding range, such as Great Britain, it will desert higher ground and move to coasts and lowland.
In Europe, Merlins will roost communally in winter, often with Hen Harriers. In North America, communal roosting is rare, and Merlins are well known for attacking any birds of prey that they encounter, even eagles.
The male Merlin has a blue-grey back and orange-tinted underparts. The female and immature are dark brown above and whitish spotted with brown below. American subspecies range from pale (Great Plains) to nearly black (Pacific Northwest). This species' small size, darker underparts, and less strongly marked face distinguish it from the Peregrine Falcon.
Merlins rely on speed and agility to hunt their prey, which is mainly small birds such as larks and pipits and also large insects. They often hunt by flying fast and low, typically less than 1 metre above the ground, trying to take prey by surprise.
Merlins nest on the ground in most of their range. In the UK this is usually in a shallow scrape on heather moorland. They have a preference for long heather so are susceptible to over management, by burning.
In medieval Europe, Merlins were popular in falconry.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Falco columbarius. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 09 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
[edit] External links
- Merlin Falcon Foundation A non-profit organization that researches the Coastal Forest Merlin's life history and educates scientists and citizens about this raptor's importance to the Northwest environment.
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Merlin
- USGS Patuxent - Merlin
- South Dakota Birds - Merlin Information and Photos
- Picture of Black Merlin (Falco columbarius suckleyi subspecies)
