The Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo) is a small, slender falcon. It is part of a group of similar falcons.
Adults have slate-grey feathers on their backs, a dark crown, and two short black stripes on their faces. Their throats are white and unstreaked, while their thighs and the undersides of their tails are rufous. The rest of their underparts are whitish with black streaks. When seen closely, you can notice their red “trousers” and vent. Males and females look alike. Juveniles are mostly brown, with scaled upperparts and streaked buffy thighs and undersides.
This falcon is 29–36 cm long, has a wingspan of 74–84 cm, and weighs 175–285 g.
The hobby breeds across the Palearctic region.
Hobbies prefer open areas like farmland, marshes, taiga, and savannah. They are common in lowlands with small scattered woods. The hobby flies elegantly, resembling a swift with its long pointed wings and square tail. It is quick and powerful, catching large insects like dragonflies, which it transfers from its talons to its beak to eat while soaring in circles. It also catches small bats and birds in flight. Its speed and agility help it catch swallows and swifts in the air. Barn swallows or house martins often make a “hobby” alarm call. The hobby is known to disturb swallows when they roost and scatter from their spots. When not breeding, it hunts mainly during the morning and evening. While migrating, they may fly in small groups.
Hobbies build their nests in old nests of crows or other birds. They usually choose a tree located in a hedge or on the edge of a small forest so they can watch for intruders from afar. They lay 2–4 eggs. Both parents help incubate the eggs for about 28 days, but the female does most of the work.
