The Merlin, or “Pigeon Hawk”, is a smaller stockier member of the falcon family, slightly larger than the kestrel or “Sparrow Hawk”, with males about 5.5 ounces, and females about 8 ounces, with a wing span of about two feet. Merlins usually Summer in Canada and the northern US, and their Winter range reaches from the Western US down to Mexico, and the northeastern rim of South America. Once uncommon in the Adirondacks, we’ve seen 3 in the last 12 months.

  Merlins are also found in Europe and Asia. In Europe they were used extensively in falconry, and were considered suitable for “lady” falconers.

  Merlins are generally monogamous, and breed in open country, often taking over abandoned hawk and crow nests.

  They prey on small birds, which they surprise and grab while flying swiftly just above ground level. A pair of breeding merlins may work as a team, with the lead merlin flushing the prey, and the second merlin seizing it in midair. Merlins are clever and aggressive, and have been observed shadowing farm tillers, sharp shinned hawks, or other sources which may flush small birds. Merlins will also grab flying insects, small mammals and reptiles.