Page 146 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Falconidae Species Falco columbarius
Merlin small, square
head with
little pattern
broad-based mud-brown bluish grey
wings taper above upperparts
to point
small, chunky
body
pale MALE cream below
tail with with streaks
black band

FEMALE
orange-
buff
brown FEMALE below
and cream
banded tail
IN FLIGHT
MALE
FLIGHT: fast, low, direct, with almost constant
wingbeats; chases prey with in-out flicked wing
action and finally rapid, twisting, acrobatic chase.
small, dynamic, chunky falcon of open ground,
Athe Merlin usually keeps low, chasing down its
prey in quick, agile flights. It spends much of its time
perched on low posts, rocks, and even clods of earth,
scanning the landscape. In summer, it is an elusive
bird, especially if nesting on the ground, although
tree-nesting pairs can be more demonstrative if
approached, boldy diving at intruders.
VOICE Male has quick, sharp kik-kik-ki-kik; female
has deeper, more nasal kee-kee-kee-kee; quiet away
from nest and in winter.
NESTING Bare scrape on ground among heather or
old crow’s nest in tree; 3–6 eggs; 1 brood;April–June. LOW PERCH
FEEDING Mostly eats small birds, caught in flight; A brown female Merlin perches on a low, mossy rock in a typical squat,
also eats variety of large aerial insects. upright pose, alert and ready to chase prey.
SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRENCE
Widespread but scarce breeder on
moors in N Europe, sometimes
bold bold head using slopes with trees or edges of
white pattern conifer plantations. In winter, over
cheeks
larger most of Europe in open country-
side, especially pastureland and
coastal marshes with open spaces.
HOBBY PEREGRINE Seen in the UK
see p.142 see p.143 J F M A M JJ A S O N D
Length 25–30cm (10–12in) Wingspan 60–65cm (23 1 ⁄2 –26in) Weight 140–230g (5–8oz)
Social Family groups Lifespan Up to 10 years Status Secure
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