A merlin devours a junco in Groton on Jan. 2, 2022. (Photo: Tom Murray)
Henry David Thoreau as soon as stated that the hawk is the “aerial brother of the wave which he sails over and surveys.” Although a merlin is a falcon, not a hawk, this description suits it completely, for the merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small, extraordinarily quick falcon that skims low over the bottom like a wave. Once known as a pigeon hawk, it’s a couple of foot lengthy with a 2-foot wingspan. In the Middle Ages, falconers known as this fowl the “Lady’s hawk.” Mary Queen of Scots and Russia’s Catherine the Great used these feisty birds to hunt for larks. Other royalty prized its maneuverability and pace when looking small birds from the dimensions of a sparrow to the dimensions of a pigeon.
Although about the identical measurement as an American kestrel, merlins weigh thrice as a lot and are far more highly effective. Renowned ornithologists Pete Dunne, David Sibley and Clay Sutton as soon as wrote, “The merlin is to an American kestrel what a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is to a bicycle.”
A merlin in Salisbury followers its tail, displaying alternating mild and darkish bands, on Feb. 18, 2018. (Photo: Tom Murray)
Unlike another falcons, a merlin doesn’t dive bomb prey to catch it. Rather, it darts with fast wingbeats low over the bottom into flocks of starlings, sandpipers or pigeons at speeds as much as 30 mph, catching the prey in flight. It makes a fast flip, smacking the prey with its toes to kill or stun it. Merlins typically prey on bats leaving their roosts or massive bugs similar to dragonflies. A merlin feeds totally on smaller birds, similar to sparrows. Occasionally it’ll attack a pigeon. Birds make up about 80 % of a merlin’s weight loss plan. Insects make up about 15 %, and mammals 5 %.
A merlin eats a home finch in May. (Photo: Tom Murray)
According to W.B.O. Peabody in 1839, the pigeon hawk, because the merlin was then identified,
is migratory in its habits, and, when in pursuit of its prey, cares not whither it goes. It seizes the robin, the wild pigeon, and even the gold-winged woodpecker, on the land; and on the water, it pursues a lot bigger birds, which might escape from it solely by diving. It has been identified to attack birds in cages, within the very coronary heart of cities; and so detached is it to hazard, that it doesn’t even shun the presence of man …When wounded, it throws itself on its again because the hunter approaches, and with offended screams, prepares to defend itself to the final.
Merlin populations declined after World War II when the miracle pesticide DDT was launched. Meant to regulate mosquitoes and different bugs, it washed into waterways and labored its means up the meals chain, interfering with a fowl’s skill to soak up calcium – which is why merlin eggshells had been so skinny they broke whereas being incubated. In 1972, the Environmental Protection Agency banned using DDT within the United States. Merlin populations rebounded.
A merlin perches in a tree on Broadway in Somerville on Nov. 12, 2021. (Photo: Kate Estrop)
Merlins breed in Alaska, Canada and elements of the northern and western United States. Today, their breeding vary is creeping south into New England. Just a few pairs have just lately begun nesting and breeding in Massachusetts. Since 2016, observers have noticed nesting merlins in Barre, Northampton and Nantucket. These little falcons are nonetheless uncommon in the summertime, however you would possibly spot one throughout the remainder of the 12 months, particularly close to the coast.
Adult male merlins are bluish-gray; females and young merlins are brown. Like most raptors, females are bigger and heavier than males. These are noisy birds that give a shrill, chattering kikikikikiki call that may final 4 seconds. They use this name throughout courtship or when challenged, or looking. Merlins make a chip be aware to contact a associate, particularly throughout courtship.
A merlin in Cambridge on Dec. 18, 2020. (Photo: Richard George)
Merlins are monogamous. The couple chooses a nest web site, typically the deserted stick nest of a crow or hawk. They don’t a lot modify this nest, however might add a little bit of moss or feathers. The feminine lays 4 or 5 rust-colored eggs at two-day intervals in April or May. She incubates them for a month, sitting on the eggs in all climate situations. The male hunts for her and can incubate the eggs briefly whereas the feminine perches close by to feed. The male caches any further meals close by. The feminine retrieves it if the male is late returning. Once the eggs hatch (additionally in intervals), the feminine retains the chicks heat for an additional week. After this time, she retains them heat solely throughout chilly, windy or wet climate.
The male chases off intruders that wish to feast on the small hatchlings. The male additionally brings meals, calling to the feminine as he approaches, and he or she flies to him to retrieve the prey for the nestlings. After a couple of month, the chicks depart the nest however keep shut by. The dad and mom defend them in opposition to predators and feed them till they’re profitable at capturing prey by themselves. In two weeks, they’re catching bugs on their very own. After about 5 weeks, they will catch small birds. Soon thereafter, the young merlins depart their dad and mom’ territory. The survival fee for merlin chicks could be very excessive, with about three chicks per nest reaching maturity.
A merlin scans for prey in Hadley in February 2021. (Photo: Tom Murray)
After the breeding season ends, the dad and mom go their separate methods for the winter. In the spring, they reestablish their pair-bond after returning to their earlier nesting territory. Males arrive on the territory a couple of month earlier than the feminine. He performs aerial acrobatics to draw the feminine and to discourage males which will intrude upon the territory.
This daring and brave little fowl is a marvel to witness. If you might be fortunate sufficient to identify one, contemplate your self lucky (and please share your images with us).
Seen close by
Abigail Stone noticed this orange-crowned warbler in Magoun Square, Somerville, on Jan. 24, 2022.
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Jeanine Farley is an academic author who has lived within the Boston space for greater than 30 years. She enjoys taking images of our city wild issues.
