Eurasian Hobby

The Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), a small and slim member of the falcon family, is a sight to behold with its slate-grey plumage above and a dark crown. This raptor is characterized by its long, pointed wings and square tail, which give it a sickle-like silhouette in flight.

Identification Tips

Adult Eurasian hobbies can be identified by their two short black moustachial stripes and an unstreaked white throat. The thighs and undertail coverts are a rufous color without streaks, while the rest of the underparts are whitish with black streaks. The red "trousers" and vent are distinctive features, visible upon closer inspection. Both sexes appear similar, while juveniles display a browner plumage with scaled upper parts.

Habitat

The Eurasian hobby is a bird of open landscapes, including farmland, marshes, taiga, and savannah. It prefers lowlands with scattered woods, providing it with ample hunting grounds and nesting sites.

Distribution

This species has a broad breeding range across the Palearctic realm. The nominate race, F. s. subbuteo, is a long-distance migrant wintering in Africa and South Asia, while the subspecies F. s. streichi is mainly resident in areas from Myanmar to south China and north Indochina.

Behaviour

In flight, the Eurasian hobby is elegant and swift, often mistaken for a swift when gliding with folded wings. It is a powerful flier, adept at catching large insects like dragonflies mid-air, which it eats while soaring. The hobby also preys on small bats and birds, showcasing remarkable speed and agility to capture swallows and swifts on the wing. It is known to be crepuscular when not breeding, hunting primarily during dawn and dusk. During migration, hobbies may travel in small groups.

Breeding

Hobbies utilize old nests of crows and other birds, often choosing trees on the edges of areas for a clear view of any approaching intruders. They lay 2-4 eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties, though the female predominantly takes on this role.

Similar Species

The Eurasian hobby may be confused with other falcons, but its distinct flight pattern and plumage can help differentiate it from its relatives.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Eurasian hobby consists of large insects, small bats, and birds. Its hunting technique involves transferring prey from talons to beak while in flight, a remarkable feat of coordination and dexterity.

Conservation status

The Eurasian hobby is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population across its extensive range.