Merlin (Falco columbarius)
- HABITAT - A compact and fast-flying falcon, the Merlin is a common breeder across the northern forests of North America and Eurasia. They generally breed in semi-open terrain having trees for nest sites and open areas for hunting.
- DIET - Merlin diet is mainly small birds like sparrows, pipits and sandpipers. They will also eat large insects, rodents, bats, reptiles. They do most of their hunting by watching from a perch, then flying out to capture prey in the air. Also hunts by flying low among trees or over ground. Birds, insects, and bats are usually caught in mid-air.
- FACTS - Merlins sometimes feed on birds such as feral pigeons, which are twice their size.
