bird · GBIF taxon 2481035
Eurasian Hobby
Falco subbuteoAlso known as Hobby, Northern Hobby, Eurasian Hobby-falcon
Eurasian hobbies are exceptionally agile, slender falcons renowned for their high-speed aerial pursuits of dragonflies and hirundines. They often hunt late into the evening, catching and consuming large insects mid-air with their talons. During the breeding season, they take over the abandoned stick nests of crows and other large birds in open woodland edges.
MigratoryAerial PredatorDiurnal
1 / 7- diet
- Insects (especially dragonflies) and small birds (swallows, martins, swifts)
- family
- Falconidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, pesticide use reducing insect prey, and illegal shooting along migration routes
- life Span
- 10 to 15 years
LC
Capable of scratching or biting if handled; observe from a safe distance.
Possesses sharp talons and a hooked beak capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds if cornered or handled.
Never attempt to touch or rescue an injured bird without thick leather gloves and professional training.- Scan the skies: Look for their distinctive anchor-like silhouette over waterbodies on warm summer afternoons.
- Watch the swallows: Sudden panic among local swallows and martins often signals a hunting hobby nearby.
- Listen for calls: Listen for their thin, repetitive 'kew-kew-kew' alarm calls near woodland edges.