Hobby
Scientific Name: Falco subbuteoMaltese Name: Seqer tal-Hannieqa
Family: Falcons (Falconiformes)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Eurasian Hobby, or just simply Hobby, is a small slim falcon which breeds across Africa, Europe and Asia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in Africa and Asia. Adults are dark-grey above with a dark crown and 2 short black moustachial stripes. The throat is unstreaked white, thighs and undertail coverts are unstreaked rufous and rest of the underparts are whitish with black streaks. It is an elegant bird of prey, often resembling a swift when gliding with folded wings. It flies powerfully and fast. It will take large insects, such as dragonflies in flight. It also captures small bats and small birds like swallows, swifts, pipits etc. in flight. Hobbies nest in old nests of crows and other birds.
Status:
Common migrant, especcially in Autumn with the Hobby being one of the most numerous raptors to migrate over Malta.
When to See:
Late March to May in Spring and mid-August till early November in Autumn.
Where to See:
Can be seen flying over from anywhere during migration. Best place to see is buskett in September and October when it is recorded daily with very good views of more than 1 bird.
Photographs:
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Hobby, Buskett |
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| Hobby, Buskett | Hobby, Buskett |
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