About the Merlin
The merlin is a small species of falcon from the Northern Hemisphere, with numerous subspecies throughout North America and Eurasia. A bird of prey, the merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter. Males typically have wingspans of 53–58 centimetres (21–23 in), with females being slightly larger. They are swift fliers and skilled hunters which specialize in preying on small birds in the size range of sparrows to doves and medium-sized shorebirds. In recent decades merlin populations in North America have been significantly increasing, with some merlins becoming so well adapted to city life that they forgo migration; in Europe,…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The merlin is 24–33 cm (9.4–13.0 in) long with a 50–73 cm (20–29 in) wingspan. Compared with most other small falcons, it is more robust and heavily built. Males average at about 165 g (5.8 oz) and females are typically about 230 g (8.1 oz). There is considerable variation, however, throughout the birds' range and—in particular in migratory populations—over the course of a year. Thus, adult males may weigh 125–210 g (4.4–7.4 oz), and females 190–300 g (6.7–10.6 oz). Each wing measures 18.2–23.8 cm (7.2–9.4 in), the tail measures 12.7–18.5 cm (5.0–7.3 in) and the tarsus measures 3.7 cm (1.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Merlin sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Taiwan, Brazil, Luxembourg, Thailand, Gibraltar, Mauritania.
When to see it
Peak activity in September · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinusThe peregrine falcon has a body length of 34 to 58 cm (13–23 in) and a wingspan from 74 to 120 cm (29–47 in).
Eurasian HobbyFalco subbuteoAdults are slate-grey above with a dark crown and two short black moustache stripes.
Nankeen KestrelFalco cenchroidesThe nankeen kestrel is a small, slim falcon 28 to 35 cm (11 to 14 in) long with a wingspan of 66 to 78 cm (26 to 31 in).
Side by side: American Kestrel vs Merlin · Common Kestrel vs Merlin · Merlin vs Peregrine Falcon · Crested Caracara vs Merlin · Eurasian Hobby vs Merlin · Merlin vs Nankeen Kestrel
Learn the Merlin for real
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