The Moorland Merlin

The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small, fast-flying bird of prey; and it is the UK’s smallest raptor.

It is a type of Falcon; and becasue Merlin prefer open moorland for hunting, they're a sometimes seen on the North York Moors around Rosedale from early Spring to late Autumn.

They nest amongst the heather on the ground; or on small rocky crags on the higher edges of the moorland Dales.

Like all ground nesting birds on the North York Moors, Merlin are easily disturbed by people and dogs.

Merling are Ground Nesting Falcons; and You Might See them Near Rosedale.

So please keep dogs on a lead; stay on tracks and footpaths; and avoiding getting too close to nest sites.

And take note - fines for disturbing or harming Merlin are large!

But Merlin are rare.

They're a threatened species; and there are only 40 pairs of Merlin living on the North York Moors. 

Across Britain, there are thought to be only 1,300 pairs all together.

For that reason, the North York Moors is recognized to be an internationally important habitat for Merlin; and, because of this, the Moors are a Special Protection Area.

The National Park, farmers and landowners all look after the moorland in a way which benefits Merlin and other birds.

Heather Moorland Around Rosedale is Important Habitat for Merlin.

Catching Sight of Merlin

The male has a greyish blue back and tail, creamy chest and its front is reddish brown with black streaks.

The female has a brown back with stripes across the tail and could easily be mistaken for a Kestrel when perching.

Visitors will most commonly see Merlin when they're actively hunting on the moors.

They typically feed on smaller moorland birds such as pipits, larks and wheatears; but they have been known to take larger birds like snipe, dunlin, golden plover and lapwing.

They excell a swooping and diving to catch their prey in flight.

Merlin Will Sometimes Hunt Birds - Like Lapwing - that are as Big as they Are.

You might spot them perched on a lonely moorland cross; on a standing stone; or sitting on a moorland wall or crag.

Lifecycle

Three to five eggs are laid in April or early May.

The female will sit on the nest most of the time to keep the eggs warm, although males sometimes take over during the night.

The male brings food to the nest for the female and the chicks.

The chicks fledge and leave the nest after about four weeks; typically in early June.

In winter Merlin will typically leave the higher moors around Rosedale and head for lowland farms or the coast where there are birds to hunt.