Derbnik - Merlin

Derbnik.

A small stocky falcon with relatively short pointed wings and a long tail. The body length is 24—32 cm, and the wingspan is 53—73 cm. Females are on average one third larger than males—their weight ranges from 160—311 g, while males weigh only 125—235 g. The coloration also differs.

Males have a bluish back with a purple or brown tint, and their head, nape, and shoulders are adorned with black longitudinal streaks. The belly ranges from beige to reddish with longitudinal streaks of brownish-black color. The streaks on the neck are almost imperceptible, making it appear lighter. The characteristic "mustaches" typical of other falcon species are hardly expressed. The wings are bluish-brown. The tail has a dark wide band at the tip.

Females resemble the coloration of the saker falcon, with a dark brown back and a gray belly with streaks. The tail features alternating brown and cream stripes, with a light tip.

The main prey of the derbnik consists of small birds: sparrows, larks, swallows, sandpipers, warblers, wagtails, redpolls, and thrushes. Much less frequently, they hunt rodents, lizards, small snakes, and insects. There are known cases of derbniki hunting large dragonflies.

During hunting, the derbnik flies low over the ground, spotting its prey from the air on the ground or in vegetation. Except during the nesting period, they often hunt in pairs or together with small hawks, with one bird flying low and the other 10-20 m above it.

They nest in forest and forest-steppe zones, preferring open spaces.

The nest is built on the ground, in trees, or in rock niches. The clutch consists of 3-4 ochre eggs with large reddish-brown spots and speckles. The lifespan in the wild usually does not exceed 11 years.

Red Book