Merlin Welfare: Britain's Smallest Falcon and Upland Prey Declines

Merlins are the UK's smallest falcon, breeding on moorland and wintering on coastal marshes, with welfare challenges from prey declines and illegal persecution on grouse moors.

Key Facts

Merlins breed primarily in upland moorland in Scotland, Wales, northern England, and Ireland
UK breeding population is estimated at around 1,300 pairs, with a UK conservation status of Amber
They feed mainly on small birds including meadow pipits, skylarks, and dunlin
Merlins nest on the ground or in old crow nests, making them vulnerable to predator and human disturbance
Male merlins are significantly smaller than females, showing pronounced sexual dimorphism

Welfare Considerations

Merlin welfare is threatened by declining prey availability in intensively managed moorland. Meadow pipit declines, which are linked to changes in moorland management and climate, reduce the primary prey base for breeding merlins. Illegal persecution on grouse moors, including poisoning, trapping, and shooting, directly kills merlins and causes population decline with associated welfare harm. Ground-nesting on moorland makes merlins vulnerable to disturbance by walkers and their dogs during the breeding season, causing nest abandonment and chick exposure. Human disturbance at nest sites has direct welfare consequences for both adults and developing chicks.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB campaigns for law enforcement against raptor persecution on grouse moors
Contribute merlin sightings to BTO BirdTrack to support population monitoring
Advocate for diversification of moorland management away from pure grouse moor management
Keep dogs on leads on moorland during the merlin breeding season (April-July)
Support conservation organizations working on meadow pipit and prey bird recovery
Report suspected raptor persecution incidents to RSPB and police immediately