Status and conservation Merlin (bird)

hunter trained merlin, jandari lake, georgia, november 1979

altogether, merlin not particularly rare, , due , wide range considered species of least concern iucn. numbers are—except in asian part of range, situation less determined—regularly censused. in every major country inhabits, many hundreds many thousands found, ranging mere 250–300 pairs in belarus perhaps many 30,000 pairs of aesalon in european russia determined in 1993. listed on cites appendix ii , on local level protected other birds of prey; while countries allow capture merlins, e.g. falconry, international trade requires export permit.

by far serious long-term threat these birds habitat destruction, in breeding areas. ground-nesting populations in moorland have preference tall heather, , susceptible overmanagement burning vast tracts instead of creating habitat mosaic containing old , new growth. still, merlin rather euryoecious , live in settled areas, provided have proper mix of low , high vegetation, sufficient prey (which case) , nesting sites (which common limiting factor).

in north america, species seems have been more widespread in past, or perhaps range has shifted northwards: f. c. columbarius uncommon breeding bird in ohio before 20th century, in seneca county, 1900s single adults seen in breeding season. encountered in ohio passage migrant , winter guest, though 2 recent nestings have been confirmed. changing land-use in ohio turned forest agricultural land , not have rendered region inhospitable merlin; global warming on other hand cannot dismissed reason, given merlin subarctic species barely ranges temperate climes. also, may number of merlins wintering in northern usa has increased during 20th century.

perhaps frequent cause of accidental death individuals collision man-made objects, particularly during attacks. may account half of premature deaths of merlins. in 1960s , 1970s, organochlorine pesticides responsible declines—particularly in canada—due eggshell thinning , subsequent brood failure, , compromising immune system of adults. has since been remedied restrictions on use of ddt , similar chemicals, , numbers have rebounded. overall, merlin stocks appear globally stable; while may decline temporarily in places, increase again eventually, suggesting phenomenon due fluctuations of supplementary food stocks discussed above.