African Hobby

The African hobby (Falco cuvierii) is a dainty raptor, with a sleek build characterized by blackish upperparts and a striking deep rufous on the underparts. The cheeks, nape, and throat share this rich rufous hue, while the facial skin and feet present a vibrant yellow. Observers may note black streaks adorning the throat and flanks upon closer inspection. Juvenile birds exhibit a browner plumage above, with more pronounced streaking below, and a paler complexion on the cheek, nape, and throat. This species measures approximately 20 centimeters in length, with a wingspan reaching 70 centimeters.

Identification Tips

When identifying the African hobby, look for its slim falcon silhouette, blackish upperparts contrasted with deep rufous underparts, and yellow facial skin and feet. The presence of black streaks on the throat and flanks can be a distinguishing feature, especially at close range. Juveniles may be identified by their browner upperparts and heavier streaking on the underparts.

Habitat

The African hobby is typically associated with the edges of moist woodlands and forests. It is most commonly found in palm savannahs and gallery forests in the western and western regions of East Africa, though it is less prevalent in central and northeastern parts of the continent.

Distribution

This species boasts a wide range across the African continent, inhabiting countries such as Angola, Benin, Botswana, and many others. It has been observed from the Gambia in the west to Somalia in the east, and from Sudan in the north down to South Africa in the south. The African hobby may exhibit nomadic tendencies, often moving in response to the availability of food sources.

Behaviour

The African hobby is a crepuscular hunter, preferring the low light of dawn and dusk for its forays. It is known to feed almost exclusively on flying insects when not breeding, with a particular fondness for termite alates, grasshoppers, and beetles. During breeding season, its diet shifts to include a higher proportion of small birds. This raptor hunts by making sorties from a perch or by methodically scanning its hunting grounds from an altitude of 50 to 100 meters. Typically solitary, the African hobby may occasionally be seen in pairs or small family groups.

Breeding

Breeding activities for the African hobby have been recorded at various times across its range: from December to June in the west, August to December in equatorial East Africa, and September to January in southern Africa. The species is known to repurpose the old stick nests of other birds, such as the black kite, placing them high in trees for their own use.

Diet and Feeding

Outside of the breeding season, the African hobby's diet consists predominantly of flying insects. During breeding, it shifts to preying on small birds, with a preference for weavers, estrildid finches, swallows, and occasionally birds as large as doves.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the African hobby as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction in the wild.