Merlin
ExploreBirds
Merlin
Falco columbarius
The Merlin is a small, speedy falcon! They are great at flying fast to catch their food in the sky.
Appearance
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.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderFalconiformesFamilyFalconidaeGenusFalco
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
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!
Special abilities
Ability
Agile Aerial Pursuit
Merlin can make lightning-fast turns because of their compact body and pointed wings that help them pursue agile prey.
Ability
Stealthy Striker
Merlin has keen eyesight and quick reflexes that help them spot and ambush small birds in open country.
Ability
Powerful Wind Rider
Merlin can glide and soar efficiently because of their aerodynamic shape and strong flight muscles that help them conserve energy.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 24-33 cm
- Wingspan
- 53-73 cm
- Weight
- 0.12-0.25 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-12 years
- Top Speed
- 80 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-6
- Incubation
- 28-32 days
- Migration Distance
- 5000 km
Diet & Feeding
Merlins are expert hunters that primarily eat small birds and insects.
Primary Foods
- small birds
- dragonflies
- moths
- grasshoppers
- voles
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
a common prey item in open and semi-urban areas.
hunts
Water Pipit
Anthus spinoletta
often targeted in coastal and open grassland habitats.
depends on
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
often uses old crow nests for breeding purposes.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
Pigeon Hawk
Collections
Safety
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Merlin?
24-33 cm
What is Merlin's wingspan?
53-73 cm
How much does Merlin weigh?
0.12-0.25 kg
How long does Merlin live?
10-12 years
How fast can Merlin move?
80 km/h
What does Merlin eat?
Merlins are expert hunters that primarily eat small birds and insects.
How does Merlin hunt?
Pursuit
How many eggs does Merlin lay?
3-6
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