MERLIN
(falco columbarius)
The Merlin is Britain's smallest falcon with a maximum
wingspan of only 2ft, but it is probably the most active.
It does not stoop on its prey but chases it down in high
speed pursuit, rising above the prey at the last instant to
strike downwards with its talons.
Britain's 1,300 Merlin pairs represent about 95% of the
total European population. It is a population which
continues to decline: the reasons for the fall are not
fully understood but, since the Merlin is a predominantly
ground-nesting bird which preys largely on small birds, one
of the major factors would be secondary pesticide
poisoning.
FACT
FILE:
LENGTH:
25 - 30cms (10 - I 2ins)WINGSPAN:
50 - 62cms (20 - 24ins)WEIGHT:
0.12 - 0.30kg (4oz - I I oz)HABITAT:
Open upland country. Hilly areas offer the best vantage
points. Nests frequently in patches of heather. Some birds
have recently taken to the forest
margins.CONSERVATION
STATUS:
Ironically, Britain's northern grouse moors seem to offer
this bird its best chance of survival, but only if the
Merlin is allowed to live free of persecution by
gamekeepers.