Oriental Hobby

The Oriental hobby (Falco severus), a dainty raptor of the falcon family, measures between 27 to 30 centimeters in length. This bird of prey presents a striking appearance with its rich chestnut underparts and bluish-grey upperparts, complemented by a distinctive black hood and a pale throat.

Identification Tips

When observing the Oriental hobby, look for the adult's rich chestnut plumage on the underside and the bluish-grey feathers above. The black hood is a key feature, along with the contrasting pale throat. Juveniles can be discerned by their rufous chest marked with black streaks and a mottled back. It is important to note that males and females are similar in appearance, as they do not exhibit sexual dimorphism.

Habitat

The Oriental hobby favors lowland forested areas and woodlands as its primary habitats. These environments provide ample opportunities for hunting and nesting.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, extending from the northern regions of the Indian Subcontinent, across the eastern Himalayas, and southwards through Indochina to Australasia. It has also been noted as a vagrant in Malaysia.

Behaviour

The Oriental hobby is known for its agile flight, often seen darting through the sky in pursuit of its prey. It is a versatile hunter, capable of catching birds and insects mid-air.

Diet and Feeding

Adept at hunting, the Oriental hobby primarily feeds on insects and birds. There have been rare instances where these falcons have been observed catching bats, showcasing their remarkable predatory skills.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Oriental hobby spans from May to August. They are not builders of their own nests; instead, they repurpose the abandoned nests of other birds, which can be found in trees, on building ledges, or on cliffs.

Conservation Status

The Oriental hobby is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.