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Birds
Merlin
Merlin · Falco columbarius
The merlin is an agile small falcon with impressive flight speed and lively hunting behaviour.
Fact file
- Size
- Size from 26 to 33 cm; wingspan from 60 to 70 cm; males are smaller than females
- Males and females
- Males have blue-grey plumage, while females are brown in colour
- Sounds
- Loud calls, often while flying, to signal territorial claims
- Diet
- Prefers insects, small birds and mice
- Offspring
- A clutch consists of up to 5 eggs, which the female incubates on her own
How to identify Merlin
The merlin is a small falcon with a typical length of about 26 to 33 centimetres. Its wingspan ranges from 60 to 70 centimetres. Striking features include the blue-grey upperparts of the male, while the female has a more brownish mottling. Both sexes have a characteristic, narrow, feathered silhouette.
Particularly notable are the rusty-brown crossbars on the underside and the narrow, long wings, which give it an agile way of flying. The head pattern of the males is characterised by a darker crown and a pale facial mask.
More in the app
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- general viewing tips
Where Merlin live
Discover Merlin on your trip.
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