Europe | This is the merlin, a hawk who shares its name with the iconic wizard. A study of this falcon’s DNA shows that it may have split from the rest of the falcon family tree some five million years ago. These birds are typically monogamous and will hijack old hawk nests to lay their eggs and raise their family for up to four weeks. . . . . . . . #animalsofinstagram #animalplanet #animaloftheday #wild #wildlife #outdoors #animals #wildanimals #conservation #nature #animallovers #instanature #wildgeography #wildlifeonearth #europe #animalsofeurope #merlin #hawk