Migration and winter distribution of the Merlin in 2020

The Merlin Falco colombarius nests in bogs, heathlands and sparse boreal forests. The first migrants appear in France in September but the migration reaches its peak in late September-early October.

During the winter, this little falcon occurs in many different types of open habitats: extensive openfields, vast marshes, dunes... Its distribution extends on the whole of France, Corsica included, but the raptor is scarce above 1,400 m of altitude.

Image: be careful not to confuse Merlin with the Sparrowhawk © Peter Meininger - Saxifraga

Map data from Faune-France and partners. Reproduction and reuse prohibited without prior permission by LPO.