Merlin: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Merlin eggs hatch after 28–32 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 25–32 days and are weaned and independent at about 55 days. A typical clutch is 3–6 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 125-300 |
| Male weight (g) | 125-210 |
| Female weight (g) | 190-300 |
| Length (cm) | 24-33 |
| Wing chord (mm) | m 185-210, f 200-230 |
| Clutch size | 3-6 |
| Incubation (days) | 28-32 |
| Fledging (days) | 25-32 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | ~55 |
| Lifespan (years) | 10-12 |
| Breeding season | Wild: May-June. Captive: April-May; also peregrine x merlin crosses. |
| Sexing | Reverse size dimorphism: female ~1/3 heavier (falconers: falcon vs tiercel; Gulf: "tabaa" for the male peregrine, "qarmousha" or "wakri" for the male saker). Chicks and hybrids: DNA (feather/blood) is reliable; size alone overlaps between species and hybrids. Adult male blue-grey back, female brown. |
| Moult | Moult April-Sept; small body - avoid summer weight loss. |
| Quarry | Larks, pipits, small birds in ringing flights. |
| Gulf heat tolerance | 2/5 - northern bird; Gulf only in winter. |
| Temperament | Plucky, quick-tempered, high metabolism; needs precise weight control. |
| Disease prevention | Prevention: bumblefoot (perch surfaces), frounce & herpesvirus (no wild pigeons), sour crop (don't overfeed), coccidiosis/worms (routine faecal checks), avian pox (mosquito control/vaccine). Small species chill and lose condition fast - weigh daily. Vet for treatment. |
| Identification features | Small compact falcon, faint moustache; adult male blue-grey above, rufous-streaked below; female/juvenile brown with strongly banded tail. |
Origin: Northern Europe, Asia and North America — Scientific name: Falco columbarius
Size: 24-33 cm, 125-300 g
Breeding and care tips
Smallest classic falconry falcon, flown at larks and small birds. Cannot take Gulf summer heat and needs very precise weight control.
Description
Small compact falcon; male blue-grey above, female brown; faint moustache.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Gyrfalcon
- Saker falcon
- Peregrine falcon
- Barbary falcon
- Lanner falcon
- Laggar lugger falcon
- Prairie falcon
- Aplomado falcon
Frequently asked questions
How long do Merlin eggs take to hatch?
Merlin eggs hatch after 28-32 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Merlin lay?
Usually 3-6 eggs per clutch.
When do Merlin chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 25-32 days old.
When are Merlin chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about ~55 days.
What is the Merlin breeding season?
Wild: May-June. Captive: April-May; also peregrine x merlin crosses.
How do you tell a male Merlin from a female?
Reverse size dimorphism: female ~1/3 heavier (falconers: falcon vs tiercel; Gulf: "tabaa" for the male peregrine, "qarmousha" or "wakri" for the male saker). Chicks and hybrids: DNA (feather/blood) is reliable; size alone overlaps between species and hybrids. Adult male blue-grey back, female brown.
How long does a Merlin live?
About 10-12 years with good care.