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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Hobby chasing dragonflies Heather at Arne nature reserve Hobby in flight, with a caught insect
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Hobby

Green conservation status

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Latin name

Falco subbuteo

Family

Falcons and allies (Falconidae)

Overview

About the size of a kestrel with long pointed wings, reminiscent of a giant swift. It has a dashing flight and will chase large insects and small birds like swallows and martins. Prey is often caught in its talons and transferred to its beak in flight. Can accelerate rapidly in flight and is capable of high-speed aerial manoeuvres.

Where to see them

Now breeds across central, southern and eastern England, into S Wales and just about reaching northn England and S Scotland. Best looked for hunting over woodland edges, heathlands where there is plenty of large insect prey. Gravel pits are a popular feeding areas in late summer when there is plenty of food.

When to see them

Arrives in the UK from April onwards and mainly leaves in September and October. Best looked for on warm summer days when there are plenty of dragonflies, summer chafers and other prey around.

What they eat

Insects and small birds

Estimated numbers

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-2,200 pairs--

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

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2 illustrations

12

Illustrations
Hobby

Adult

Hobby juvenile

Juvenile

Similar birds

Kestrel (illustration)

Kestrel

Adult peregrine artwork

Peregrine

Merlin (illustration)

Merlin

Help the Hobby

Birds of prey continue to be killed mercilessly, despite the fact that it is illegal and has been for decades. Please add your name to our online pledge and say 'the killing must stop'.

Help protect birds of prey like these

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 04/09/2008 12:06:37
Show/hide picture credits
Hobby chasing dragonflies - Richard Bedford
Heather at Arne nature reserve - Ben Hall
Hobby in flight, with a caught insect - Steve Round
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)