Swift Hunter of Open Skies
Overview
Merlins are small but fast falcons known for their aggressive hunting behavior. Their diet consists of mostly small birds, which they can eat up to 900 a year. They have been known chase their prey upward to tire them out, then catch it mid-air. Insead of building their own nests, Merlins use old nests of birds such as crows and hawks.
Conservation
While once a rare migrant from Canada to Vermont, Merlins are now common breeders throughout the state.