Merlin Falcons
Merlin falcons are known to those who are familiar with the species simply as a Merlin, although the Merlin is a small falcon is often referred to as a hawk due to its small statute even though its ancestry is much closer to that of a falcon than a hawk.
Merlin’s are found throughout North America, Asia, and Europe and measure 60-80 cm in length with a wingspan that ranges between 53-69 cm. Female Merlin’s outweigh males in this species due to the fact that they are the major predators of the two genders with females weighing in on average at about 230g and males at 165g.
Females and males can be easily recognized by their variety of markings as well as their size since the genders have separate colour schemes. Males typically have a greyish blue back with orange accents underneath their wings. Females and males that are still young have solid dark brown across their backs with white speckles sprinkled across their brown chest and belly regions.
Merlin falcons have genealogy that traces back as far as five million years ago and today still have a broad population leading them to rank at the bottom of the endangered list with the status of ‘least concern.’ They are considered to have the most in common with the red-necked falcon due to their similar hunting habits but do not share much in common when it comes to overall appearance.
There are colour variations between Merlin falcons that live in North America and those that live in the area scientifically classified as Eurasia. Those that live in Eurasia tend to have more black on their upper side and darker speckles across the belly versus the North American varieties which tend to be lighter in these areas.
Merlin’s usually breed in areas that contain moorland, willow, birch, or taiga scrub and enjoy open areas since it is easier to spot prey. They also prefer warmer temperatures leading the Merlin’s that live in the UK to migrate to Southern areas of Asia and Europe during winter times.
Those that live in Great Britain usually head to lowland and coastlines versus higher ground areas. European Merlin’s are also unique due to the fact that they roost communally during the winter months to conserve heat sometimes with Hen Harriers as well as other Merlins.
