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SPECIES PROFILE
Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
Falco
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe, Africa (migrant)
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Woodland edges, lakes
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Falconiformes
FAMILY
Falconidae
GENUS
Falco
📋 Description
SIZE
28-36 cm body length, wingspan 67-84 cm, 131-340 g
COLORATION
Blue-grey back, red thighs, black helmet
ADAPTATIONS
Very fast, aerial insect/bird catcher
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Woodland edges, lakes
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe, Africa (migrant)
REPRODUCTION
2-4 eggs, 1 brood per year
DIET DETAILS
Insects (dragonflies), small birds
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, pesticides
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The Eurasian Hobby is a small, very fast falcon that catches dragonflies and swallows in mid-air. It has distinctive red thighs.
2
It migrates to Africa in winter and is a summer visitor to Europe.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
New Forest UK
Norfolk Broads
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Summer
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for fast falcons catching dragonflies and swallows in summer.
