Merlin
The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a fierce predator of birds coming to feeders in winter. Feeders tend to be places where birds congregate. This makes easy feeding grounds for hawks that kill and feed on small birds.
At a feeder in my area this winter the owner has been enjoying the presence of three Northern Cardinals, one male and two females. Cardinals are relatively new to this area and the recent invasion has brought them to many feeders. This feeder area was particularly good for cardinals because there are several well-stocked feeders and heavy cover nearby. Many birds of various species are enjoying this as a wintering ground. Unfortunately a Merlin has discovered the bird concentration there.
Northern Cardinal Male
I am sad to report that the Merlin has remained in the area for about a month and has been brutal to this feeder yard. It has killed all three of the Northern Cardinals! The first casualty was the male which it was chasing, causing the male to hit the door and break its neck. See photo below. I apologize if this photo offends anyone. Over the next three weeks the Merlin has killed both of the remaining females.
Northern Cardinal Male Killed by Merlin
Why does this happen? The Merlin species usually migrates from this area in winter. For some reason a few have remained this year. It is probably because the early part of this winter has been reasonably mild. It may be because of global warming. It may be that the Merlin population is high. For whatever reason the Merlin has staked this area out as a good food source in winter, a season when food is not normally readily available.
Northern Cardinal Female [Julie Sproul Photo]
How can the Merlin be so successful at catching these birds? These cardinals had learned to come and feed just before dark and the Merlin learned that and was watching for them. There was cover very close and they would feed only near the cover. Even that did not outsmart the Merlin.
The Merlin is a swift predator that can outfly and outmanoeuvre most birds it pursues. It is built with a trim body and long, pointed wings for extreme speed. Besides that, it is skillful at dodging obstacles and it uses flight tricks to confuse its prey. One trick it uses is to fly close to the ground and when the prey thinks it is safe the Merlin bounds straight up. This and other tricks make it relatively easy for them to catch prey. They are also notoriously bold and fearless. They would come into a feeder area and take a bird with a human standing in the midst. They can easily use various situations to their advantage. Merlins are so fearless that they will attack a much larger bird, a gull, for example.
What can one do when a Merlin has staked out your feeders? It is inevitable that the Merlin will take a bird somewhere. It needs to feed and is an integral part of the ecosystem. If the Merlin stays in your area, you can stop putting feed in your feeders until the Merlin leaves. Or, you can move the feeders in under foliage or in tight areas with heavy cover, places the Merlin would have trouble flying into. You could put your feeders inside a heavy wire enclosure which would prevent the Merlin from entering. This should be inside or immediately beside thick cover so that the birds can be hidden as they leave the wire enclosure.
Why did the Merlin take the Northern Cardinals? Simply, they are a good target. The cardinals are larger birds and would be a more valuable prey for the Merlin than a chickadee, for example. A chickadee would be harder to catch and would provide less of a meal. The cardinals are not well camouflaged and would be easier to target. Why did the Merlin not take a Blue Jay which are numerous around those feeders? It could just be chance but the Blue Jays are probably more experienced with the Merlin and have a good warning system. Now that the cardinals are gone the Merlin may take a Blue Jay. The Northern Cardinals that were there were probably young birds and less experienced.
The loss of 3 beautiful new birds to your feeders to such a violent means is disheartening. It is difficult to accept. However, we need to learn from the experience and try to find ways to prevent it in the future.
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