Merlin

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Merlin
Merlin

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Merlin (Falco columbarius). 

Date of admission: Aug 7, 2026.
Reason for admission: Physical Injury.

Patient History:

Merlins are small, fast falcons measuring approximately 24–33 cm in length with a wingspan of 50–73 cm. They are distributed across the northern hemisphere, found throughout North America and much of Eurasia.

In Alberta, Merlins occupy a range of habitats, including wooded areas and open grasslands, and are frequently seen hunting in prairie regions. Most populations migrate south to the United States and northern South America for winter, although a small number remain in Alberta year-round.

Merlins are highly agile aerial hunters, primarily preying on small birds such as sparrows and larks, often capturing them mid-flight. They may hunt alone or cooperatively in pairs, with one bird flushing prey for the other to intercept. Their diet can also include insects, reptiles, small mammals, voles, and bats.

During courtship, males perform acrobatic flight displays and offer food to females. Nesting occurs in abandoned nests, tree cavities, or cliff ledges. Clutches typically contain 3–5 eggs, incubated for 28–32 days, with fledging occurring around 29 days after hatching.

This Merlin was brought in after being seen holding its right wing in a drooped position in Diamond Valley, Alberta. X-rays and examination confirmed a break in the bones of the right wing near the wrist area, involving multiple small fracture pieces in the main supporting bones of the wing, but importantly, the bones are still well aligned for healing.

The patient underwent surgical stabilization, and the wing was placed in a supportive wrap. At a 7-day recheck, the fracture remained well aligned with early callus formation present. Continued healing is expected over the next few weeks, with further bone healing anticipated.

The patient remains on strict cage rest with close monitoring as soft tissue swelling resolves and external injuries continue to heal. We are optimistic about recovery and will reassess progression as healing advances. Thank you for helping keep her forever wild!

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