Merlin

Falco columbarius

What They Look Like

The Merlin is another species that is sexually dimorphic, meaning that the male and the female look different.  They both stand about ten inches tall and their wingspan is 21-27 inches.  The Male is blue-gray on its back and wings and is lighter and has light brown streaking on its chest and belly.  Female Merlins have a dark brown back and wings and a light chest with heavy brown streaks, she is sometimes referred to as the “chocolate falcon” because of this brown coloring.

  

Where They Live

In Michigan the Merlin can be found in the Upper Peninsula and the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula and on Isle Royale.  The type of habitat that they prefer is a forest edge next to extensive openings.  Abandoned crow and other bird nests are often used to raise their young in.

What They Eat

The Merlin primarily catches birds on the wing to eat, but they will also prey upon rodents, lizards, snakes, and insects when available.

Things to Know

This little falcon is listed in the state of Michigan as a threatened species.  The major population of Merlins is north of the Upper Peninsula so fluctuating numbers are not abnormal and Michigan’s population is expanding on both peninsulas.

Why We Have One

We got our Merlin in February of 2002.  She somehow damaged her right wing and cannot lift or flap it.  Because of this she cannot fly or be returned to the wild.