Birds and wildlife

Merlin

Falco columbariusGroup: falconsUK Conservation status:Red

How to identify

The UK's smallest bird of prey, this compact, dashing falcon has a relatively square-cut tail and rather broad-based pointed wings, shorter than those of other falcons. Its wingbeat tends to be rapid with occasional glides, wings held close to the body. In winter, the UK population increases as most of the Icelandic breeding birds migrate to our warmer climate. Although recovering from a population crash in the late 20th century, it is on the Red List. It is a Schedule 1 listed species on The Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Call

Merlin

Tayler Brooks / xeno-canto

Key features to look out for

  • The UK’s smallest bird of prey. Males are not much bigger than a Blackbird
  • They have pointed wings and a very compact shape
  • Adult males have a blue-grey back, rusty underparts with dark streaks, and dark outer wing feathers
  • Immature males and females are mostly brown, with paler buff underparts streaked with brown
  • Narrow, square-ended tail that is shorter than a Kestrel’s
  • Dark eyes, unlike a Sparrowhawk
  • Small black beak with a yellow base
  • Yellow legs
A lone male Merlin perched on a long amongst some trees.
Male Merlin
What’s that bird of prey

From tiny Merlins to enormous White-tailed Eagles, the UK’s birds of prey come in all shapes and sizes. These masterful predators are a real treat to see, but they’re often super-fast and many species look quite similar, which can make identifying them a challenge. In this guide, we share some simple ID tips to help you.

Where to see them

Merlins breed in the uplands of northern and south-west England, as well as in parts of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In winter, Merlins relocate to lowland farmland and coastal marshes.  

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Where best to see them

A juvenile female Merlin mid-flight with their wings fully spread out.
Female Juvenile Merlin
Behaviour

Merlins are extremely fast and agile, twisting and turning in the air as their chase small birds. They fly with faster wingbeats than other falcons, often followed by short glides where they hold their wings close to their bodies.   

Key facts