# Merlin (*Falco columbarius*) The Merlin is a small, speedy falcon! They are great at flying fast to catch their food in the sky. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Also known as:** Pigeon Hawk ![Merlin](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425774/objects/4601.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Falconiformes - **Family:** Falconidae - **Genus:** Falco ## 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 - **Agile Aerial Pursuit:** Merlin can make lightning-fast turns because of their compact body and pointed wings that help them pursue agile prey. - **Stealthy Striker:** Merlin has keen eyesight and quick reflexes that help them spot and ambush small birds in open country. - **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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — a common prey item in open and semi-urban areas. - **Hunts:** [Water Pipit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/water-pipit) (*Anthus spinoletta*) — often targeted in coastal and open grassland habitats. - **Depends on:** [American Crow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-crow) (*Corvus brachyrhynchos*) — often uses old crow nests for breeding purposes. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## 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 to identify Merlin? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Parc Jean-Drapeau](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/parc-jean-drapeau) — Quebec, CA · Park - [Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/colonel-allensworth-state-historic-park) — California, US · State Park - [Public Square](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/public-square) — New York, US · Park - [Rockland Residential Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/rockland-residential-historic-district) — Maine, US · Historic District - [The Arboretum at Penn State](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/the-arboretum-at-penn-state) — Pennsylvania, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Merlin](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/merlin) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Merlin: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/merlin)