Merlin
Falco columbarius
UK Birds of Conservation Concern: Red
Schedule 1 Protected
Wingspan
50-62 cm
Sightings Logged
0
Legal Protection
Schedule 1 (Special penalties for disturbance)
Species Overview
The UK’s smallest bird of prey. A compact, fast-flying falcon that nests on upland moors and moves to coastal marshes and lowland farmland during the winter.
Field Identification & Silhouette
Small, dashing flight low to the ground; pointed wings shorter than a kestrel’s; males are slate-blue above with orange-streaked underparts; females are dark brown; lacks the distinct facial mustache of other falcons.
Recent Observations
Exact coordinates blurred to protect breeding territories
🔭
No observations logged yet for this species.