Merlin / Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Gebirgsstelze verspiegelt im Staldenweiher - ich dachte zuerst es wäre ein Zaun-könig, aber Merlin hat so einen gehört. 2026-02-26 10:29:36 Staldenweiher

Observations

First documented observation: 2024-05-16 in Kaltbrunner-Riet. Most recent observation: 2026-04-29 in Switzerland.

Description

Classification: Genus Falcons (Falco); Family Falconidae (Falconidae)
Geography: This bird appears across the great seas in the following continents: Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia.
General: The merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small species of falcon from the Northern Hemisphere,^[2] with numerous subspecies throughout North America and Eurasia. A bird of prey, the merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter. Males typically have wingspans of 53–58 centimetres (21–23 in), with females being slightly larger. They are swift fliers and skilled hunters which specialize in preying on small birds in the size range of sparrows to doves and medium-sized shorebirds. In recent decades merlin populations in North America have been significantly increasing, with some merlins becoming so well adapted to city life that they forgo migration; in Europe, populations increased up to about 2000 but have been steady subsequently.^[3] The merlin has for centuries been well regarded as a falconry bird. [more]
Deutschland: Zugvogel, Wintergast
Vocalization: Series of harsh "kwik-wik wik". Coarseness similar to Peregrine, but pace much quicker. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird
Migration in: 02-20 - 03-01
Migration out: 02-22 - 03-01
More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=25-30 cm, wingspan=50-62 cm, weight=125-300 g
Habitats: Agricultural