Hobby
Falco subbuteo
Wingspan 70-85cm

Small but elegant falcon. A summer visitor, mainly to S England, from May to August. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. At close range, dark moustachial markings, white cheeks and reddish orange 'trousers' visible. In flight, has anchor-like outline with narrow, swept-back wings and long tail. In spring, hunts dragonflies over lakes and flooded gravel pits. Later in season, catches birds such as swallows on wing. Favours heathland but also farmland with clumps of trees for nesting.