In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the Merlin (Falco columbarius) was sequenced and reported for the first time using muscle tissue. The total length is 17,516 bp and sequence analysis showed its structure is similar to the other raptors, which contains 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 1 control region and 1 extra pseudo-control region. An extra nucleotide (C) is determined at position 174 relative to the ND3 sequence of the Merlin, which is similar to other Falco.
Keywords: Complete mitochondrial genome; Falco columbarius; extra nucleotide.