Birds of Ireland: Merlin

Merlin (Falco columbarius) Meirliún 

Merlin | Meirliún | Falco columbarius

A merlin is about 26-30 centimetres long with a wingspan of 56-62 centimetres. They are a scarce breeding species here typically found on upland and farmland in Autumn, Winter, and Spring. 

A merlin is a bit bigger than a blackbird and smaller than a kestrel. 

Male merlin are slate-blue on their back and wings and their colouring is darker toward the wing tips. They have a grey tail with a white-tipped dark terminal band; and they are heavily streaked red-brown on their underside. 

Females have dark brown upperparts and are heavily streaked dark brown on their underside. They have broad, dark brown bars on their tail. 

Merlin

Juvenile and immature merlin look similar to the females but have more heavily barred wings and tail. 

A merlin is an agile flier when hunting and their pointed wings are visible. They look smaller and darker than a kestrel. 

Tip of the Week

Most duck species can be legally shot between September 1 and January 31. Other 'game' species with a hunting season include snipe, jack snipe, woodcock, pheasant and red grouse.

All goose species are fully protected.

Some species are regarded as pest species, eg magpies, and can be legally killed more widely. Other species can be killed only under licence and if there is a proven need to do so such as where the health of safety of people is threatened, eg at airports. 

Featured in Birds of Ireland: A field guide by Jim Wilson, with photographs by Mark Carmody

• Jim Wilson is a wildlife writer, broadcaster, tour leader, and former chairman of BirdWatch Ireland. He has been involved in the study and conservation of birds in Ireland for more than 45 years, contributing to several major surveys and international projects.
• Mark Carmody is an award-winning wildlife photographer, has a PhD in biochemistry and works as a European patent attorney.