Merlin (Falco columbarius)

County List:

Rule:

Forested or Mixed Forested/Nonforested Landscapes

      (Any Upland Conifer Except Conifer Plantations (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven)) 
      or (Any Upland Mixed (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Any Lowland Mixed (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
   adjacent to:
      Lake
      or Sedge Meadow 
      or Bog
      or Grass 
      or Upland Brush

Habitat List:

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Literature:

Habitat: Nesting is restricted to forest edge adjacent to extensive openings. The forests, including residential woodlots, may be mixed or coniferous, wet, mesic, or dry, mature or second-growth. Old nests of other birds, especially the American Crow are used. Nests are almost invariably in conifers. Six Michigan nests were rather well concealed 10.4 to 13.7 m up near the tops of pines, two each in eastern white, jack, and red pine. In Ontario, 18 of 31 nests were in spruce.

Most localities where breeding has been confirmed or is probable are on or close to the shores of the Great Lakes especially Lake Superior. Even most inland locales, past and present, are near lakes, impoundments, marshes, or extensive open bogs. This association with aquatic habitats reflects the Merlin's need for large openings in which to chase and catch exposed birds on the wing; water holds no attraction but its presence does add aquatic birds to the menu.

Habitat: Breeding: Open coniferous forest, marshes, fields in migration.

The Merlin is generally found in wild places, but since about 1960 it has become a common urban bird in several towns on the northern prairies; there it nests and remains to winter, relying on a steady supply of House Sparrows as prey.

Habitat: Open conifer woodland, prairie groves; in migration, also foothills, marshes, open country. Generally breeds in semi-open terrain having trees for nest sites and open areas for hunting. Habitat varies from coniferous forest in north and on northwest coast to isolated deciduous groves and suburban yards on prairies. May winter in more open areas such as grasslands, coastal marshes.

Diet: Mostly small birds. Often specializes in locally abundant species of birds (such as Horned Larks on the plains, House Sparrows in urban settings, small sandpipers on coast). Also feeds on large insects (especially dragonflies), rodents, bats, reptiles.

Nest: Site is usually in tree in old nest of hawk, crow, or magpie, 10-60 feet above ground. Sometimes in large tree cavity, on cliff ledge, or on ground. Usually little or no material added to existing nest.

They do not utilize lowland conifers or any lowland types.