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The Merlin is a small falcon, known for its amazing speed and agility, exceeding 80 km an hour. There is no bird that cannot be overtaken by the Merlin, who snatches prey right out of the air. This swift and aggressive bird feeds on smaller birds. The only hope for their escape is to find cover. To survive, the Merlin must have areas with wide-open spaces and a good supply of small birds. Without room for their incredible speed, they cannot catch their prey. For this reason, the Merlin is not common in the Algonquin Highlands area.
Measuring 25 to 36 cm, the male Merlin is slate coloured, while the female is brownish, both with light and streaked bellies. They have long bold tails and, unlike most other falcons, lack facial stripes.
The Merlin does not build a nest, instead uses an abandoned crow’s nest, or lays its eggs in a tree cavity or rocky ledge. It will lay 5 or 6 buff eggs, each lightly spotted with purple and brown. Although usually silent, the Merlin produces a high and loud cackle, and also a klee-klee-klee.
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MERLIN
Falco columbarius
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