Fauna
Bird

Merlin

Falco columbarius

Also known as Pigeon Hawk, Lady Hawk

Merlins are compact, fierce raptors known for their relentless low-level pursuit of songbirds and shorebirds over open terrain. Instead of hovering or plunging from soaring heights like many relatives, they streak horizontally just above the treetops or grass, surprising quarry with sudden bursts of speed. During the breeding season, pairs frequently take over abandoned stick nests built by crows or magpies rather than constructing their own.

RaptorBird of PreyCarnivore
Merlin reference1 / 7
Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyHouse Sparrow, Horned Lark, Dunlin
Predators
  • Great Horned Owl
  • Peregrine Falcon
  • Northern Goshawk
ThreatsHistorical pesticide accumulation, habitat alteration, collisions with windows and vehicles
HabitatsTaiga, open tundra, coastal grasslands, open woodlands, prairies, and increasingly urban parks
Life span8–12 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyFalconidae
  2. SpeciesFalco columbarius
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Look low: Watch for rapid, powerful flapping low over open fields rather than high thermaling.
  • Listen for chatter: Listen for rapid, high-pitched klee-klee-klee calls echoing near urban nest groves.
  • Binoculars first: Keep a respectful distance, especially around active spring nest trees in city parks.
Related species
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