Merlin (Falco columbarius) 

Bred in captivity in Herefordshire, Diesel, is a new addition to the centre for 2009. He has been hand-raised as we hope to use him for displays and especially for educational talks as the Merlin is rare species in the UK.

In the wild

The Merlin is the smallest species of bird of prey in the UK. They are a member of the falcon family. In medieval times the Merlin was flown by a Lady. The male merlin is known as the Jack. 

Origin: Widespread across Northern Hemisphere: North America (Canada and U.S) migrating to central and very northern South America. In Britain, partially migratory. Europe and Asia most are migratory.

Diet:  Mainly small birds of open country which nest or feed near the ground. Other prey includes large flying insects, small mammals and occasionally small lizards, snakes or amphibians. Most common prey are pipits, larks and small finches; prey is typically caught in flight or on ground during low dash; if prey rings up (skylarks in particular) chases extend up into the sky usually followed by a stoop.

Habitat: Wide variety of habitats in or adjacent to open country at all seasons. Found in coastal areas, tundra, open boreal forest, moorland, lightly wooded prairie, parkland and steppe and more recently within the bounds of cities. Very often found along coastal areas and in particular estuaries on migration.

Population: This is the most northerly of small falcons and has declined over parts of its range from 19th Century onwards due to human persecution. Populations suffered with DDT pesticide use from 1950s which caused eggshell thinning and breeding failure. Species showed some recovery in late 1970s and 1980s but since then there have been further declines due to loss of habitat and disturbance in areas ranging from American prairies to British moorlands. Population in UK has been estimated at 1,300 pairs (2008, RSPB).