Where does the Merlin live?
Falco columbarius
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Open the appThe Merlin lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Tundra, boreal forest, temperate forests, grasslands, coastal areas, agricultural lands, urban and suburban environments during migration and winter.
Geographic range
Holarctic distribution. Breeds across northern North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters in southern North America, Central America, northern South America, North Africa, and southern Asia.
Preferred environments
Open country with scattered trees or shrubs for perching and nesting. Often found near water bodies, coastlines, and areas with high concentrations of small birds. During winter, they adapt to a variety of open habitats, including urban parks.
Elevation range
Sea level to approximately 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), depending on geographic location and season.
Where to look
Coastal Areas
During migration and winter, Merlins are often found along coastlines, barrier islands, and estuaries where shorebirds and other small migrants congregate.
Open Woodlands and Forest Edges
Breeding Merlins prefer open coniferous or mixed woodlands, often near clearings or water, where they can find abandoned nests.
Grasslands and Prairies
In some parts of their range, particularly the prairies, Merlins can be found hunting over open grasslands, often perching on fence posts or utility poles.
Urban/Suburban Parks and Green Spaces
During migration and winter, Merlins can adapt to human-modified landscapes, hunting small birds in parks, cemeteries, and even backyards.
Tundra
In northern breeding grounds, they can be found nesting on the ground or in low shrubs in open tundra environments.
Field tips
- Look for fast, low flight. Merlins often fly low to the ground, using terrain to surprise prey. Scan open areas, especially near flocks of small birds.
- Watch for 'bullet-like' pursuit. Their hunting style is distinctive: a rapid, direct chase of prey, often with relentless pursuit. If you see a small bird being chased aggressively, it might be a Merlin.
- Check utility poles and snags. Merlins often perch on prominent vantage points like utility poles, dead trees (snags), or tall shrubs to scan for prey.
- Listen for calls. During the breeding season, their rapid 'kik-kik-kik' call can help locate them, especially if they are agitated by your presence near a nest.
- Observe bird alarm calls. Flocks of small birds often give alarm calls and scatter when a Merlin is in the vicinity, indicating its presence.
- Visit coastal areas during migration. Coastal migration hotspots can be excellent places to see Merlins as they hunt migrating shorebirds and passerines.
Migration
Most populations are migratory, moving south from their northern breeding grounds to warmer wintering areas. Migration routes can be extensive, covering thousands of kilometers. Some coastal populations in milder climates may be resident.
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