The Merlin is an uncommon circumboreal falcon, breeding across Canada and northern USA, in Iceland and northern Eurasia. Formerly known in North America as the "Pigeon Hawk", it probably is still increasing in numbers, having been a victim of the pesticide DDT. In Alberta, two subspecies occur: the darker Taiga Merlin of the northern forest, and the very pale Richardson's Merlin of the grassland and aspen parkland. Between the two races, it ranges completely across the province in suitable
habitat.
In the breeding season, northern birds prefer open forests. In the prairies, it usually nests in wooded valleys. In recent years, Merlins have increasingly taken to nesting in urban areas, mainly in maturing coniferous trees. An estimated 25-50 pairs now breed within the city of Calgary. While most individuals migrate, going as far south as northern South America, a considerable number regularly overwinter.
The Merlin's main food is small birds, mostly caught on the wing in high speed pursuit. In migration, this includes shorebirds. It also takes some small rodents and large insects. Wintering birds survive mainly on the introduced House Sparrow and visiting Bohemian Waxwings.
This small falcon does not construct its own nest, preferentially using old ones made by a crow, magpie or other large species in the
northern woods such as a Sharp-shinned Hawk. It occasionally uses a cliff ledge, open tree cavity or when no other site is available, will nest on the ground. The four to six eggs are incubated mainly by the female for 28-32 days. She broods and feeds the young while the male does all the hunting. They fledge at 25-30 days but remain near the nest, becoming fully independent at about six weeks of age.
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Where to find Merlins in Alberta
The Merlin is a confirmed breeding species in the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area and it is the easiest of our five falcon species to find. Watch for both dark and light races perching on the top spires of the tallest conifers -- especially in areas where illegal bird feeders are kept by frequent park visitors. Occurrence for this species ranges from rare to uncommon in summer months to absent or rare during the winter. Brent Johner
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