The Falco columbarius, commonly known as the Merlin, is native to the Northern Hemisphere. It is found primarily across North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America, it is commonly found from Alaska and much of Canada down to the northern United States. In Europe and Asia, it is distributed from Iceland, through Scandinavia and Northern Russia, all the way to Northern China and Mongolia.

The Merlin typically inhabits open and semi-open habitats. During the breeding season, it prefers boreal forests, taiga, and northern prairies, often nesting close to forest edges or in isolated trees. In winter, its habitat expands to include coastal areas, marshlands, and grassland areas. The climates these regions encompass can range from temperate to subarctic.

The Merlin is a small, fast-flying raptor. Its ecological niche involves hunting small birds and rodents, utilizing its speed and agility to capture prey in mid-flight. It often uses perches to survey the open landscape, capitalizing on surprise and agility in its hunting strategies. Due to its preference for open areas, it plays a role in controlling small bird and mammal populations in these ecosystems.