The RSPB: Hobby

Conservation status: Green

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.

Overview

Latin name

Falco subbuteo

Family

Falcons and allies (Falconidae)

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

Population

Europe	UK 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.