Identification

Merlin are smaller than crows but make up for it with their robust build. Colour is highly dependent on geography and thus is not a great identifier, additionally, populations and individuals may lack certain defining features depending on their plumage.

To distinguish merlin from other birds of prey it is most useful to observe their overall stature, movements and take a good look at the patterns on their underwing, chest and tail.

Immature males and adult females can be difficult to distinguish from afar due to similar plumage. Adult females are considerably larger than adult males, up to 35% larger by mass, and they are additionally more brown in colour than adult males (Lusby et all., 2017).

History in Falconry

In medieval Europe, the merlin became popular in falconry despite its small size. The merlin is unable to fetch large game, but they excel in hunting small-medium sized birds such as songbirds, quail and possibly ducks (All About Birds). In the late 1400s, the merlin became known as “the falcon for a lady”, referencing a published guide to the sport in which societal classes were recommended an appropriate falcon. Less commonly referenced is that Emperors were also recommended merlins, in addition to eagles and vultures (Clark, 2022).

In the current day, merlins continue to be a favourite in falconry, a sport that remains somewhat prevalent in some countries including the United States and Canada. Exact requirements vary by region, but both countries regulate the impact of falconry on merlin populations by issuing permits and licenses based on population estimates (Konrad et al., 2020).

Breeding Season

Returning to the Breeding Grounds
Males return from winter first, preparing to claim territory before the females return from the south. Males are more likely to return to the same area to breed as the previous year, fewer females opt to return (Konrad et al., 2020).

Finding a Mate…… or not
Males attempt to win over females by showing off their hunting and flying skills; performing showy dives, and slow flutter flights. They also show off their tail and wings, figure eight around a potential mate, or offer her food (All About Birds). First-year males have little luck finding a mate, probably due to their small size, inexperienced hunting skills, and inferior nesting site. More first-year females will breed but may have a smaller nest or end up mating with another first-year. By the second year, males are nearly fully grown, and most will successfully find a mate. (Warkentin et al., 2016).

Many find comfort in knowing merlin, among other falcons are monogamous. Unfortunately, it’s not so cut and dry, in fact, there’s less than a 20% chance the breeding pair will remain together (All About Birds) for two years in a row. Another blow to monogamous animal lovers is the reports of extra-pair copulations amongst merlin during the breeding season. That means that a merlin from outside the breeding pair; typically an outsider male will breed with the female while her mate is out hunting (Sodhi, 1991). While merlin may not be faithful they are reliable! A breeding pair is truly socially bound and will continue to raise and protect their young together, no matter the funny business going on amongst them (Sodhi, 1991).

A Merlin showing off his chest, possibly to impress a potential mate.
Photo by: Rhododendrites.

Choosing the Perfect Nest
Merlins are frugal when it comes to nesting season. Instead of building their own nests they utilize abandoned crow, raven, magpie and hawk nests. They choose nests in semi-open forested areas so they can keep watch on the surrounding area. In desperate times they may choose a nest in a tree cavity, on a cliff or on the ground (All About Birds). Older individuals often get the first pick of available nests, leaving the smaller undesirable ones to the young inexperienced birds (Warkentin et al., 2016).

Defending their Territory
Both sexes are highly defensive of their nesting territory. They do so by soaring high above the area and making frequent calls. Merlins successfully intimidate other species away from their nesting territory. The area surrounding merlin’s nests have a lower bird abundance, even in species that are not preyed upon by merlin. This is likely due to merlin’s intimidation tactics, or simply because other species don’t want to risk injury by being the next victim of hunting practice (Sodhi et al., 1990). The home range appears to depend on prey abundance, with merlins who nest near sufficient food requiring a smaller range (Konrad et al., 2020).

The mating pair will each choose a favourite perch in their territory and make frequent calls to each other.