Merlins are small, powerful falcons. The adult male merlin is blue-gray above and heavily streaked below. The tail is dark with narrow light bands. Females and immatures are brown above. The larger and paler Great Plains form of the merlin is regular in western Missouri. In flight, merlins flap quickly and continually and rarely glide.
Similar species: Like other falcons, merlins have long, narrow, pointed wings that typically bend back sharply at the “wrist.” But in flight, seen from below, their tails look darker and are more boldly banded than our other falcons. Peregrine and prairie falcons are much larger. American kestrels are smaller and always have two prominent black vertical stripes on their faces, while the merlin’s single mustache stripe is faint. Accipiter hawks, such as Cooper’s and sharp-shinned, have short, rounded wings and longer tails, and they are mostly seen in wooded areas. They typically alternate between a few flaps and gliding.
Length: 10–12 inches; wingspan: 22–25 inches.
Statewide.
Habitat and Conservation
Usually seen in grasslands and crop fields near woodlands. May be seen in urban and suburban areas.
Food
Merlins feed on birds and occasionally insects by flying swiftly, close to the ground, and overtaking fleeing prey. Merlins often chase a flock of small birds until they overtake the weakest individual in the flock as it lags behind.
Status
Rare migrant; rare winter resident.
Life Cycle
Present in Missouri during migration: March through May, and September through October. In North America, their summer breeding territory is mostly in Canada and Alaska. Merlins perform breathtaking aerial courtship displays. Merlins don’t build their own nests; instead, they use the former nests of other raptors, crows, or magpies. Clutches comprise 4 or 5 eggs, which are incubated for about a month. After another month, the young are ready to leave the nest. There is only one brood a year.
Human Connections
Merlins, which occur in Eurasia as well as North America, have a long history in the ancient sport of falconry, and falconers still use merlins to hunt for birds the size of pigeons and smaller. House sparrows and European starlings, both exotic invasive birds in America, are often targeted. Falconers also hunt game birds such as quail and doves; as with any other form of hunting, falconers must follow the current Wildlife Code of Missouri.
The common name, merlin, is derived from the Old French word for the species, “esmerillon.” Although it has the same spelling, this bird’s name is unrelated to the legendary wizard Merlin, whose name is based on a Welsh personal name, Myrddin.
Ecosystem Connections
Merlins are predators that help to limit the populations of the animals they eat. Their populations have increased in some cities, where they relish the many house sparrows that proliferate near people. In fact, the breeding range of merlins has expanded southeastward into New England, in part due to the plentiful house sparrows in cities. Adult merlins are sometimes preyed upon by larger hawks.
About 350 species of birds are likely to be seen in Missouri, though nearly 400 have been recorded within our borders. Most people know a bird when they see one — it has feathers, wings, and a bill. Birds are warm-blooded, and most species can fly. Many migrate hundreds or thousands of miles. Birds lay hard-shelled eggs (often in a nest), and the parents care for the young. Many communicate with songs and calls.