Most North American subspecies are migratory to some degree and return to their breeding grounds in the northern US and Canada by March–April. Merlins breed at two years old, though some start as yearlings. (Fledgling merlins are especially fond of dragonflies.) Reproduction They hunt small rodents, reptiles, and bats, and also catch insects. If unsuccessful on the first attack, the merlin may keep after its prey with a series of short stoops, known as “tail-chasing.” Other times, the merlin and prey may circle higher and higher in a chase known as “ringing flights.” Merlin pairs have been observed to hunt cooperatively, where one flies towards a flock of birds to flush them into the other’s line of attack.They may also take nestling birds directly from the nest.ĭepending on conditions, birds are not the only prey for this agile flyer. House sparrows ( Passer domesticus) are frequent prey in urban areas.Ī common foraging strategy is to scan for prey from a perch and then launch a short, fast flight to catch it in mid-air. ![]() Merlins hunt small to medium-sized birds such as sparrows, waxwings, larks, and small shorebirds, like the least sandpiper ( Calidris minutilla). Merlins have increasingly occupied urban sites in Canada and northern US, presumably drawn to the plentiful songbird supply. Wintering habitat may include more open areas, such as grasslands, coastal marshes, and tidal flats, where merlins hunt small shorebirds. This provides trees for nesting and open areas for hunting. All three North American subspecies may be seen during the winter or migration in the western US, though the taiga subspecies ( Falco columbarius columbarius) is the most likely to be seen in southern Oregon and northern California.īreeding habitat, predominantly in the northern, colder parts of the Northern Hemisphere, is typically open forest and woodland. Merlins are divided into 10 subspecies across North America and Eurasia. ![]() Note the long, banded tail and pointed wings.įrank D Lospalluto CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. In Washington, one species from this family belongs to the caracara group, while the others are true falcons.Merlin in flight. Extended parental care is the norm for this family, as it takes a relatively long time for the young to learn to hunt. Once the young no longer need to be brooded, both parents bring food. The female generally incubates the eggs and broods the young, while the male brings food to the nest. Some caracaras build stick nests in trees, but most species in this family nest on cliffs, in other birds' nests, or in cavities, and typically do not add any nesting material. They are generally monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. Like other birds of prey, females are larger than males. Regardless of the approach, members of this family almost always use their feet to catch prey. Members of the caracara group are more opportunistic, taking carrion as well as live prey and often foraging on the ground. ![]() Many catch avian prey in flight, but others prey on large insects, mammals, and ground-dwelling birds. Built for speed, most falcons have pointed wings and long tails. ![]() Some of the fastest-flying birds can be found in the falcon group. This widespread and diverse family of predatory birds is divided into two groups.
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