The Hobby is a small
falcon about the size of a Kestrel. Its face is similar to a peregrine but is swift-like in flight.
These birds are diurnal characterized by long, pointed wings and swift, powerful flight.
It is a long distance migrant, breeding in Eurasia and spending the winters in sub-Saharan Africa where it finds an abundance of food, mainly insects. It favors dragonflies and other large flying insects. Other prey include fast flying birds such as swifts, swallows and martins.
During courtship in the skies over Britain, the male performs spectacular aerial displays. They are also very vocal at this time of year, but are generally silent in their wintering grounds.
The nest is made in tree cavities or cliff edges. There are 4 or 5 buffy white eggs heavily blotched with brown. The incubation period is from 28 to 35 days. The young fledge in about 35 days.
Order: Falconiformes| Family: Falconidae | Genus : Falco | Species: Falco subbuteo
