© Photo by Rob Jordan/2020VISION Merlin Falco columbarius The Merlin is a small falcon, not much bigger than a blackbird. Merlins feed on small birds, especially Meadow Pipits, which they chase in flight, low to the ground. © Photo by Rob Jordan/2020VISION Its small size also allows it to ‘hang’ in the breeze as it pursues its prey. They nest on the ground, amongst the heather. In the winter, our population of Merlins increases as breeding birds are joined by migrants from Iceland in search of warmer climes. How to Identify Male Merlins are blue-grey above with a grey head and orangey-cream underparts streaked in black. The female is mainly grey-brown, with dark streaking underneath. Merlins have blunt tails and compact, broad-based wings that are pointed at the tip. Where to Find Nests on moorlands in North and South West England, Wales and Scotland; winters on coastal marshes and farmland in the lowlands. How People Can Help The Merlin suffered a devastating population crash in the 20th century due to habitat loss and pesticide poisoning but is now making a recovery. To ensure their continued success, The Wildlife Trusts work closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a ‘Living Landscape’: a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust. Did you know? The Merlin is the smallest European falcon. Its diminutive size made it a popular choice for lady falconers and was used in the 20th century for lark-hawking. Key FactsLength: 26-31cmWingspan: 56cmWeight: 180-230gAverage lifespan: 3 years Donate Donate to help support Merlins and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Barn Owl Birds Black-Headed Gull Birds Blackbird Birds Blackcap Birds Blue Tit Birds Bullfinch Birds Buzzard Birds Canada Goose Birds Carrion Crow Birds Chaffinch Birds Chiffchaff Birds Coal Tit Birds Collared Dove Birds Coot Birds Crossbill Birds Cuckoo Birds Curlew Birds Dipper Birds Dunnock Birds Fieldfare Birds Goldcrest Birds Golden Plover Birds Goldfinch Birds Goosander Birds Great Crested Grebe Birds Great Spotted Woodpecker Birds Great Tit Birds Greenfinch Birds Grey Heron Birds Grey Wagtail Birds Hen Harrier Birds Herring Gull Birds Hobby Birds House Martin Birds House Sparrow Birds Jackdaw Birds Jay Birds Kestrel Birds Kingfisher Birds Lapwing Birds Lesser Redpoll Birds Linnet Birds Little Egret Birds Little Grebe Birds Little Owl Birds Little Ringed Plover Birds Long-Eared Owl Birds Long-Tailed Tit Birds Magpie Birds Mallard Birds Mandarin Duck Birds Marsh Harrier Birds Meadow Pipit Birds Mistle Thrush Birds Moorhen Birds Nightjar Birds Nuthatch Birds Osprey Birds Oystercatcher Birds Peregrine falcon Birds Pied Wagtail Birds Raven Birds Red Grouse Birds Red Kite Birds Redstart Birds Redwing Birds Reed Bunting Birds Reed Warbler Birds Ringed Plover Birds Robin Birds Rock Pipit Birds Rook Birds Sedge Warbler Birds Short-Eared Owl Birds Siskin Birds Skylark Birds Snipe Birds Song Thrush Birds Sparrowhawk Birds Spotted Flycatcher Birds Starling Birds Stonechat Birds Swallow Birds Swift Birds Tawny owl Birds Teal Birds Tree Sparrow Birds Treecreeper Birds Tufted Duck Birds Water Rail Birds Waxwing Birds Wheatear Birds Whimbrel Birds Whinchat Birds Whitethroat Birds Wigeon Birds Willow Warbler Birds Wood Pigeon Birds Wood Warbler Birds Woodcock Birds Wren Birds Yellow Wagtail Birds Yellowhammer Birds