Distribution and trends
Distribution
This map is derived from the Bird Atlas of the Netherlands (Sovon 2018). For each atlas square of 5x5 km, an estimate for the number of wintering birds is given.
Population trends
non-breeding bird trend
Data derived from point-transect-counts in december. Shown is the annual population index (with standard error), calculated over about 500 transects with each 20 point-counts.
- vanaf 1980
- significant decrease, <5% a year (-)
- laatste 12 jaar
- no detectable trend (~)
Breeding success and survival
Not enough data.
Seasonal occurrence
seasonal pattern
Data derived from waterbird monitoring scheme (mostly monthly counts during winter). Shown is the monthly average number of birds for for the last five seasons. For each month is indicated which part is counted and what part is estimated (calculated using statistical methods). The red line shows the multi-year mean. This is the average over all months of the season, from July to June of the last five seasons. Months without estimation (indicated by ?) it is assumed that there were no birds.
Occurrence description
Buiten broedtijd
Smellekens van Scandinavische origine passeren ons land tijdens de trek of overwinteren er. De najaarstrek speelt zich hoofdzakelijk af tussen half september en eind oktober. In die tijd zijn trekkers door het hele land te zien. De enkele honderden overwinteraars zoeken vooral open gebieden in West- en Noord-Nederland op, waar ze jagen op zangvogels. Op de hoge gronden is het Smelleken 's winters schaars (en wordt een laag jagende Sperwer wel eens ten onrechte voor een Smelleken aangezien). De voorjaarstrek loopt van half maart tot eind mei, met enkelingen nog in juni. Op trektelposten langs de kust of Randmeren kunnen eind april en in mei bij krachtige oostenwinden tientallen Smellekens per dag passeren. In het binnenland gaat het doorgaans om een enkele vogel.
Birds directive
Conservation status
The Birds Directive focuses on the conservation of all naturally occurring wild bird species in Europe, including the Merlin.
This means that EU Member States must take measures to maintain or bring the populations of these species to a level that corresponds in particular to ecological, scientific and cultural requirements.
The Birds Directive requires Member States to maintain habitats for birds of sufficient size and quality, including through the designation of Special Protection Areas for the benefit of the European Natura 2000 network. No special protection zones have been designated for the Merlin in the Netherlands. The national population must be able to maintain itself at a favorable level.
What is the methodology to assess the conservation status of birds
non-breeding bird
The conservation status of the Merlin as non-breeding bird in the Netherlands is unfavourable (bad).
| State of Conservation Assessment | ||||
| Distribution | Population | Habitat | Future | Final verdict |
| favourable | unfavourable (bad) | favourable | unfavourable (bad) | unfavourable (bad) |
Assigned areas
No areas assigned
Counting guidelines
No counting guidelines available.