Nova Scotia · Summer breeder

Merlins in Nova Scotia

When merlins are present in Nova Scotia, when they nest, which native Nova Scotia plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canadian zones 5a–7a yard.

Falcons (Falconidae)MerlinFalco columbarius

Status in Nova Scotia: Summer breeder
Nesting window: June–July
Broods: 1 per season
Hardiness zones: Canadian zones 5a–7a (roughly USDA 4–6 equivalent)

When to expect merlins in Nova Scotia

Merlins are summer residents in Nova Scotia, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent.

Maritime — cool summers, snowy but ocean-moderated winters, fog and wind along the coast.

Nesting in Nova Scotia

Across Nova Scotia, merlins typically nest from June–July. Plan around that window: May for setup, July for clean-out.

Cool summers delay nesting compared with inland regions at similar latitude.

Merlins don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as balsam fir, paper birch, serviceberry for nest sites.
Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

Native Nova Scotia plants that attract merlins

Of the regional native plants we track for Nova Scotia, these 8 provide food or cover merlins use:

Balsam fir

Abies balsamea · Tree

Seeds and wind shelter.

Paper birch

Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seeds and insects.

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea · Tree

Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.

Black cherry

Prunus serotina · Tree

Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.

American elderberry

Sambucus canadensis · Shrub

Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.

Arrowwood viburnum

Viburnum dentatum · Shrub

Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.

New England aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Feeding merlins through the Nova Scotia year

Top foods: None — it hunts the birds your feeders attract.
In Nova Scotia's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

Full diet breakdown for merlins · Best feeder for merlins

Frequently asked

Are merlins in Nova Scotia year-round?

No. Merlins are summer breeders in Nova Scotia and leave for the winter.

When do merlins nest in Nova Scotia?

Nesting in Nova Scotia typically runs June–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 2–7 eggs, incubated for 28–32 days.

What native plants attract merlins in Nova Scotia?

Balsam fir, Paper birch, Serviceberry, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum, New England aster, Tall goldenrod are native plants in Nova Scotia that provide food or cover for merlins.

Other backyard birds in Nova Scotia

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Black-capped Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Blue Jay House Finch Purple Finch Ruby-throated Hummingbird Mourning Dove American Robin Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Common Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Rose-breasted Grosbeak Evening Grosbeak Pine Siskin Common Redpoll Gray Catbird Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Eastern Phoebe Chimney Swift Yellow-rumped Warbler Eastern Kingbird American Tree Sparrow House Sparrow European Starling Canada Jay American Crow Common Raven Cooper's Hawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Barred Owl Great Horned Owl American Kestrel Mallard Great Blue Heron Belted Kingfisher Scarlet Tanager Brown-headed Cowbird Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Hermit Thrush Winter Wren Pine Grosbeak Red Crossbill Gray Catbird Yellow Warbler Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Black-and-white Warbler Ovenbird Orange-crowned Warbler Palm Warbler Red-eyed Vireo Warbling Vireo Eastern Wood-Pewee Least Flycatcher Cliff Swallow Bank Swallow Common Nighthawk Eastern Whip-poor-will Canada Goose American Coot Killdeer Spotted Sandpiper American Woodcock Green Heron Turkey Vulture Osprey Bald Eagle Red-shouldered Hawk Peregrine Falcon Northern Saw-whet Owl Black-backed Woodpecker American Three-toed Woodpecker Savannah Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Snow Bunting Horned Lark Common Redpoll Hoary Redpoll White-winged Crossbill Bohemian Waxwing Bobolink Rusty Blackbird Rock Pigeon

Sources

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.