Merlin

The Merlin is a small, stocky falcon, larger and darker than an American Kestrel but smaller than a Peregrine, built for fast, low-level pursuit of other birds. Males are blue-gray above with heavily streaked underparts, while females and immatures are brown above with similar streaking below; both sexes show a faint, indistinct facial mustache mark rather than the bold pattern of larger falcons.

Once known as the "pigeon hawk" for its size and shape resembling a pigeon in flight, the Merlin is a fierce and determined hunter, often chasing small flocking birds such as shorebirds and songbirds in direct, high-speed tail chases rather than the high stoops used by Peregrines.

Key Field Marks

• Small, compact, broad-chested falcon shape
• Males blue-gray above; females and juveniles brown above; both heavily streaked below
• Faint or indistinct facial mustache mark, unlike the bold pattern of Peregrine Falcons
• Fast, direct, powerful flight low to the ground or water

Similar Species

• American Kestrel: Smaller, more slender, rufous back and tail, bold facial stripes, frequently hovers (Merlin rarely hovers)
• Peregrine Falcon: Larger, with a bold black hood and thick mustache stripe
• Sharp-shinned Hawk: Rounded wingtips and flap-flap-glide flight rather than the Merlin's continuous powerful wingbeats

Habitat

Breeds in open boreal forest, forest edges, and increasingly in towns with scattered conifers for nesting; in winter and migration found along coastlines, open fields, marshes, and urban areas with flocks of small birds.

Range

Breeds across the boreal regions of North America and Eurasia; winters from the southern United States through Central America and, for Eurasian populations, into southern Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Migration

A medium- to long-distance migrant; many Merlins pass along coastlines and open habitats in large numbers during migration, and the species has increasingly taken up winter residence in cities.

Behavior

An aggressive, energetic hunter that pursues small birds in fast, low, direct chases rather than hunting from great height; can be seen harassing larger raptors that stray into its territory.

Voice

A rapid, high, chattering ki-ki-ki-ki, especially near the nest.

Feeding

Primarily hunts small birds such as sparrows, shorebirds, and starlings in fast tail chases, occasionally supplementing its diet with large insects like dragonflies.

Nesting & Breeding

Does not build its own nest, instead using old crow or hawk nests in trees, or nesting on cliff ledges or the ground in treeless tundra habitats.