Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
Description
Fast flying, long winged falcon, about the size of a Kestrel. Blue-grey upperparts with heavily streaked, white underparts and rusty red leg feathers and undertail coverts. White under chin with conspicuous moustache on face.
Summer visitor from Africa to mainly central, southern and eastern England although reaches northern England and southern Scotland. Breeds in old nests made by other birds in trees.
Expert fliers, adept at catching prey of dragonflies and ariel birds such as Swifts, Swallows and Martins. Eats captured insects on the wing.
Flight
During hunting, rapid stiff wingbeats with frequent short, fast glides. Resembles large swift. Dives suddenly to catch prey or by rapid chase. When not hunting, slower flight with gentler wingbeats. Also soars high on flat wings and spread tail.
Call
Noisy during courtship and near the nest. High pitched, rapid “ki-ki-ki-ki”
Habitat
Heathland, marshes, lakes and open country with wooded areas nearby for shelter and nesting.
Where to find Hobby
Most visible during mid-May when they first arrive from Africa. Try Thursley Common, Surrey. Otmoor RSPB Reserve, Oxford. New Forest, Hampshire. Cotswold Water Park, Gloucestershire/Wiltshire. Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffold. Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, Kent.