Eurasian Hobby

Eurasian Hobby
juvenile (left) and adult
'
: Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Falconiformes : Falconidae : Falco : subbuteo
Binomial name
Falco subbuteo Linnaeus, 1758

The Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo), or just simply Hobby, is a medium-sized falcon.

This species breeds across Europe and Asia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in Africa.

It is a bird of open country such as farmland, taiga and savannah.

It is an elegant bird of prey, appearing sickle-like in flight with its long pointed wings and square tail. It will take large insects, such as dragonflies, which are transferred from talons to beak and eaten in flight. It also captures small birds in flight.

Its speed and aerobatic skills enable it to take swallows and even swifts on the wing, and Barn Swallows or House Martins have a characteristic "hobby" alarm call.

Adults are slate-grey above, and streaked below, with a white throat. Close views enable the red "trousers" and vent to be seen. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are generally much browner.

Hobbies nest in old nests of crows and other birds, laying 2-4 eggs.

A range of board games was also once going to be named "Hobby", but the inventor was refused permission. This resulted in the inventor finding the Eurasian hobby and using its name. And thus, the board game was named Subbuteo.