A member of the Falcon family along with the American Kestrel and Peregrine, this bird of prey is fearless, as well as a swift and skillful flier. The Merlin female is larger than the male and will nest in numerous places, including abandoned nests of other birds and cliffs.

Merlins enjoy a varied diet. They will catch and eat small mammals and birds, as well as insects. Note the sharp talons!

Most Merlins migrate as far south as South America for the winter. Some are showing signs of pesticide and mercury poisoning.

This Merlin was brought to us with a broken bone, recovered well, and was released back to nature.