Merlin Welfare: Britain's Smallest Falcon on Upland Moors

Merlins are Britain's smallest falcon, breeding on upland moors and wintering on lowland coasts. Their welfare depends on the health of both habitats.

Key Facts

UK merlin populations are estimated at around 1,200-1,400 pairs, mainly in Wales, northern England, and Scotland
They breed on open moorland, preferring heather habitat with adjacent grassland for hunting
Merlins winter on lowland coasts and estuaries, hunting small birds like skylarks and pipits
Grouse moor management - including prescribed burning - can benefit merlins by maintaining open heather
Illegal persecution on grouse moors is a documented threat despite some management benefit
Climate change is affecting the timing of prey availability on breeding moorland

Welfare Considerations

Merlin welfare sits at a complex intersection of moorland management and persecution. Unlike hen harriers, merlins can benefit from some forms of grouse moor management that maintain open heather. However, they remain vulnerable to illegal persecution when their prey interests conflict with grouse management. Wintering merlins on coastal grasslands face disturbance from recreational activity. The welfare of this charismatic small falcon requires both protection from illegal killing and maintenance of the heather moorland and coastal grassland habitats it needs.

What You Can Do

Support upland moorland conservation through RSPB and Wildlife Trusts
Report suspected merlin persecution to RSPB and police wildlife crime units
Respect coastal grassland habitats where merlins winter
Participate in upland raptor monitoring surveys
Donate to satellite tagging programmes that track merlin welfare