Foods of breeding MerlinsFalco columbariusin Wales

Merlin prey remains collected throughout Wales comprised 6366 birds of 55 species. Compared with previous lists from Scotland and Northern England there were fewer waders and more scrub and woodland passerines. Capture of non-moorland species was particularly prevalent in the spring. More nestlings (mainly Meadow Pipits) were taken than previously recorded in Britain. Pairs nesting nearer moorland edges took a more varied diet and laid larger eggs. Breeding success was heavily influenced by complete failure of nests and was not obviously related to diet.