Merlin (Falco columbarius)
DESCRIPTION
Merlin's are small to medium sized raptor. The Male is more distinctive in the field with an almost Bluish/Grey back and orange buff under belly. The female is much darker than the male more of an earthy brown colour. Both male and female lack the same facial markings of the Peregrine.
HABITAT
Mainly upland heather moors. Merlin's are known to nest in trees or steep crags, natural nests are a simple scrape in well sheltered heather moorland, often near a prominent rock or boulder for viewing and plucking prey. Commonly now they utilise an old corvid nests typically on the edge of conifer plantations.
FOOD
Mainly prey on small birds meadow pipits, skylark and many common passerines at forest edges. Food can be supplemented by large moths and sometimes small mammals.
BREEDING
Courtship displays during late March and late April. Egg laying from early to mid May and hatching through late May to early July. Clutch sizes range between 1 to 6 eggs