Merlin
Falco columbarius
Overview
Britain's smallest falcon is a regular winter visitor to the Sefton Coast. Easy to miss — the size of a Mistle Thrush and fast-flying, it tends to appear suddenly, pursue a small bird at low level across the dunes, and disappear just as quickly. Males are steel blue above; females and immatures are brown. They breed on upland heather moors and winter on the coast. Worth looking for over the open dune grassland at Ainsdale.
At a Glance
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Habitat | Dune grassland · Open marsh · Coastal heath |
| Diet | Small birds (especially Meadow Pipits and Skylarks), large insects |
| UK population | Around 1,300 breeding pairs in uplands; winter population swelled by Icelandic and northern birds |
| Sefton Coast | One or two birds most winters on the dunes and marsh |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Open dune areas at Ainsdale and Formby. Crossens Marsh. Often chases Meadow Pipits low over grass.
Identification
Very small falcon. Males blue-grey above with orange-buff underparts. Females dark brown. Short tail, pointed wings. Fast direct flight, often low.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Scan low over dune grassland for fast, direct flight chasing small birds. Often seen from the Ainsdale NNR board walk.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring this species on the Sefton Coast contributes to national population tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Britain's smallest falcon?
The Merlin is Britain's smallest falcon, roughly the size of a Mistle Thrush. It breeds on upland heather moors and winters on coastal areas including the Sefton Coast, where it hunts Meadow Pipits over open dune grassland.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.