Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Merlin
Scientific Name:
Falco columbarius
Common Family:
Falcons
Scientific Family:
Falconidae
Also Known As:
Pigeon Hawk (Although it is a Falcon)
Length:
24-32cm
Wingspan (mm):
53-73cm
Speed:
40-60 MPH Level straight flight faster in a stoop
Lifespan:
13 years in the wild Description
The male is slate grey on the back and with dark primaries dark bar at the tip of tail and a speckled tan breast. When close note faint moustache , rusty sides of face. Female and immature are brownish-grey to dark brown above, and whitish buff spotted with brown below.
Distribution
Merlins mainly breed on the upland moorlands in Scotland, the north of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a few pairs still remain on the south-west moors. It moves to coastal areas and wetlands in the lowlands in the winter. as well as Europe,Asia,and north America
Habitat
Wide variety of habitats Found in coastal areas, moorland,Hilly areas offer the best vantage points Very often found along coastal areas and in particular estuaries
Diet
Mainly small birds of open country which nest or feed near the ground. Mainly pipits, larks and finches but will also take large insects and occasional small mammal including bats.
Behaviour
In Europe, Merlins will roost communally in winter, often with Hen Harriers.Merlins rely on speed and agility to hunt their prey. They often hunt by flying fast and low, typically less than 1 metre above the ground, using trees and large shrubs to take prey by surprise. But they actually capture most prey in the air.If a sky lark is above a Merlin both birds will ring up until the Merlin can swoop on the lark. stoops with a wild Merlin are a lot less common than pursuit flight which is the norm.
Reproduction
Female will form a scrape in deep cover in heather on moorland but will use an old crow’s nest if in a tree. The female lays between 3-6 eggs which are incubated for 26-32 days. The young stay in the nest for 27-33 days and after fledging, the young are provided with food by their parents for another 4 weeks.
Population
European population at between 30,870 and 48,405 pairs.For the UK, the RSPB gives a number of 1,330 pairs
Status
Status IUCN/BirdLife Least Concern
Did You Know?
This species is specially protected by Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This legislation protects Merlin from nest destruction, killing or injuring but also disturbance while breeding.Merlin are some times called Pigeon Hawk in America