




Falco columbarius
The Merlin is a small, speedy falcon! They are great at flying fast to catch their food in the sky.
The Merlin is a small, compact falcon with pointed wings. Males have a slate-grey back with rufous-streaked underparts, while females and juveniles are browner. They possess a short, dark tail often with light bands, and lack the prominent malar stripe of larger falcons.





Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
3
Despite their small size, Merlins are fierce hunters of much larger birds!
Merlins are sometimes called 'pigeon hawks' due to their speed and hunting style!
Merlins often hunt in pairs, coordinating their attacks on fast-flying prey!
They prefer to nest in old crow or hawk nests, rather than building their own!
Merlin can make lightning-fast turns because of their compact body and pointed wings that help them pursue agile prey.
Merlin has keen eyesight and quick reflexes that help them spot and ambush small birds in open country.
Merlin can glide and soar efficiently because of their aerodynamic shape and strong flight muscles that help them conserve energy.
Merlins are expert hunters that primarily eat small birds and insects.

Passer domesticus
a common prey item in open and semi-urban areas.
Anthus spinoletta
often targeted in coastal and open grassland habitats.

Corvus brachyrhynchos
often uses old crow nests for breeding purposes.
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Merlins are wild animals, so it's best to watch them from a distance and not try to touch them.
The easiest way to identify Merlin is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
24-33 cm
53-73 cm
0.12-0.25 kg
10-12 years
80 km/h
Merlins are expert hunters that primarily eat small birds and insects.
Pursuit
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

California, US
You might spot Common Raven and Red-Tailed Hawk.
View guide →

New York, US
You might spot Eastern Gray Squirrel and Brown-Lipped Snail.
View guide →

Maine, US
You might spot American Herring Gull and Himalayan Balsam.
View guide →

Pennsylvania, US
You might spot Common Eastern Bumble Bee and Eastern Gray Squirrel.
View guide →

Alaska, US
You might spot Red Fox, Wolverine, and Gray Wolf.
View guide →