Our Resident Merlins

Juno

Brought to Sharon Audubon Center:

March 20, 2008

History: Juno was found injured in Hartford, CT. The person who found her did not bring her to get medical attention and when she was finally brought to Sharon Audubon Center two weeks later, her original injury had already started to heal. Juno had a broken wing and an infection. Surgery was attempted but, unfortunately, the wounds had healed improperly rendering her wing useless. Juno now resides in a large outdoor aviary with our male Merlin, Petrie.

Petrie

Brought to Sharon Audubon Center: November 26, 2008

History: Petrie was found by an employee of the CT Dept. of Environmental Protection in November of 2008 after the bird was struck by a car in Burlington, CT.  Petrie was a young male and did not have his adult plumage yet. His wing was broken in two places and surgical correction was not an option, thus Petrie now has limited flight capabilities.

Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Average Height = 10-14 inches

Average Weight = males: 5-6 ounces, females: 8 ounces

Average Wingspan = 2 feet

Lifespan = 7 years in wild

Description:  The Merlin, also commonly known as the Pigeon Hawk, is a medium-sized falcon.  The males are slate colored on top and light below, while the females are brown on top and light below.  Merlins are fast, aggressive flyers with thin, pointed wings.

Call:  The Merlin has an earpiercing defense cry ki-ki-ki-ki-kee! 

Range:  Breeding range of the Merlin covers much of Canada and the northern part of the United States.  The winter range includes southern U.S.  The Merlin, along with its relatives the American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon and the Gyrfalcon are known as long distance migrants.  They migrate along rivers and marshes, following the migration of smaller songbirds, upon which it feeds.

Habitat:  Merlins prefer coniferous forests, open grasslands or marshes.

Diet:  The Merlin feeds mostly on small songbirds, but occasionally eats insects, amphibians and small mammals.  High speed and agility allows the Merlin to outmaneuver dragonflies and tree swallows in the air.

Nest:  Merlins nest in natural tree cavities or old crow and hawk nests.  They do not usually nest in man-made nest boxes.

Courtship:  Merlins are very social during mating season showing off special flight displays.  Once the young leave the nest, the adults return to living solitary lives.

Breeding:  The female lays 5-6 buff colored eggs with purple and brown markings in May or June.  Eggs are incubated mostly by the female for about one month.  The young fledge 25-30 days after hatching.

Other Notes: Merlins have a flight speed of 30-45 miles per hour.  These birds live solitary lives and do not like to be bothered even by other Merlins.  They become extremely aggressive and will harass any birds in their territory (even larger hawks and eagles.) Humans approaching Merlin nests may also be challenged.

Did you know…Falcons have specialized baffles in their nostrils to help them breathe while in a high speed dive, also known as a stoop?