The Merlin Falcon

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Ranked #756 in Animals, #18,588 overall

A Small, But Deadly Bird of Prey

The Merlin Falcon is a small, but deadly bird of prey. They often prey on small to medium size birds, swooping down and grabbing the unsuspecting bird in flight. Once they've sunk their razor-sharp talons into their prey, the fight is over. The songbird, the Merlin's prey of choice, didn't have a prayer.

Merlin Falcons can be seen throughout North America but they are an elusive bird. For the birder, spotting one is a rare treat.

Small but Deadly

Description 

The Merlin Falcon is a small bird of prey measuring just 10 to 13 inches with a wing span of two feet, but like all falcons, they have large heads, notched beaks, and heavy shoulders. Its breast and belly are buff colored with dark brown streaks. Its back, wings, tail, and crown are a light blue-gray. Like its breast and belly, the Merlin's head is buff colored and its eyebrows distinct. Its tail is narrow and banded ad the wings pointed. Its legs and feet are yellow and its talons black. The Merlin Falcon resembles a pigeon in flight thus being coined the Pigeon Hawk.

The Female Merlin is similar in size to the male, but its wings and back are brown rather than blue-gray. Immature Merlin Falcons resemble the female.

The Merlin Falcon 

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The Thinker.....

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Merlin Falcon having...

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Snack time!

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Range and Habitat 

The Merlin Falcon can be found throughout North America but are not a common sight in any particular area. A breeding pair needs a large territory in which to hunt and they are very territorial. They do not share the same space.

During the breeding season they inhabit the coniferous forests, but throughout the remainder of the year, they prefer open areas found in fields, grasslands, marshlands, and lakeshores. They are a migratory bird and will move southward when the weather cools.

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Mating and Nesting 

As with most falcons, the Merlin Falcon's courtship rituals include fancy flying and increased vocalization. Once mated, a nest site is chosen. The nest can be in a tree, tucked into a crevice, or high on a cliff. They often use abandoned nests of other raptors.

The female will lay a clutch of four to six eggs. The eggs are a cream color with brown markings. The eggs are not laid all at once but spaced out with two to three days between them. The eggs are incubated for 27 to 32 days with the female taking primary responsibility. The young usually fledge at six to eight weeks and are able to breed the following year.

Diet 

The Merlin Falcon feeds primarily on small to medium size birds, but they will also hunt bats, insects, mice, and other rodents. They often swoop down from a perch snatching their prey before the danger has even registered.

Merlins usually catch their prey in flight. They rush toward their prey, make an abrupt turn, and smack their prey with their feet to knock it out.

Voice 

The Merlin Falcon is a quiet bird. When they are heard it's a rhythmic ki-ki-k-ik-ki-ki-ki.

Conservation Status 

The Merlin Falcon has experienced some decline due to habitat loss and human disturbance. However, the habit loss has been offset as they have begun to occupy some suburban and urban environments. The key is safe nesting sites and an abundance of songbird prey. Some Merlin Falcons are lost due to collisions with vehicles and windows, shooting, poisoning, and predation. They are not currently on any watch lists.

Falconry and Hawking 

Falconry & Hawking

Amazon Price: $31.46 (as of 02/05/2010)Buy Now


An Amazon Review by A Reader
For anyone seriously considering falconry this is still THE bible albeit there are some ommissions from a US perspective. I have nearly 20 years experience and have read virtually every recognised book on the subject. This is still the book I refer back to the most. A classic.

The Raptor Almanac 

The Raptor Almanac: A Comprehensive Guide to Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, and Vultures

Amazon Price: (as of 02/05/2010)Buy Now

Amazon.com Review
Few people, writes Scott Weidensaul, are apathetic toward raptors. Once you've seen a hawk or a falcon or an eagle in action, you're likely to take an interest in how these great birds of prey make their homes in the world. The Weidensaul's encyclopedic guidebook to the world's principal raptor species, well illustrated with photographs, maps, and charts and full of detailed information, is an ideal companion.

What is your favorite bird of prey and when did you last see it? 

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About the Author 

Lensmaster ElizabethJeanAllen has been a member since March 16 2008, has rated 4,082 lenses, favorited 446, and has created 215 lenses from scratch. Lizzy Jean donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "The Kitchen Garden". See all my lenses

Birder's World 

Birder's World

Amazon Price: $18.95 (as of 02/05/2010)Buy Now



Keep current with what's happening in the birding world. Birder's World offers great articles and pictures, as well as information on conservation efforts and research. I receive several birding magazines each month but its Birder's that has me dropping everything to sit down and read.

6 issues/12 months

Resources used to construct this page. 

Dunn, J.L. & Alderfer, J., Editors. 2006. National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition. National Geographic Society.

Peterson, T.P. & Peterson, V.M. 2002. Birds of Eastern and Central North America, Fifth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, N.Y.

Snake River Birds of Prey Conservation Area
The Peregrine Fund
Kidszone

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