Birds of Ireland: Merlin

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

Merlin (Falco columbarius) Meirliún 

Sun, 16 Nov, 2025 - 06:35
Jim Wilson and Mark Carmody

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. 

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