These birds of prey are intermediate in size and strength between peregrine falcons and merlins.

Statistics
Hobbys have a body length of 28-36cm, a wingspan of 69-84cm and weigh 0.13-0.34kg.

Physical description
In flight, hobbys have a swift-like outline due to their long wings and short tail. They are similar in appearance to peregrines, but they have streaked under-parts and red/brown feathers under the tail and on the thighs. Females and juveniles have brown, rather than grey, upper-parts, and juveniles lack the red/brown feathers on the thighs.

Distribution
Hobbys range from Britain to China, and winter in Africa and the Far East.

Habitat
Their typical habitat is open country, bush and savannah. In Britain, many nest in hedgerow trees in farmland.

Diet
Hobbys hunt small birds, such as swifts, swallows and martins, as well as insects - especially dragonflies.

Behaviour
During the breeding season, pairs perform spectacular aerial displays, including fast stoops and the exchange of food.

Reproduction
Hobbys lay three eggs in June-July, timed to coincide with an abundance of insects - an important food source for the chicks. They tend to use the nests of other birds such as crows, magpies or sparrowhawks. The eggs are incubated for 28-33 days, mainly by the females. The chicks fledge after 28-34 days, but remain dependant on their parents for a further five weeks.

Conservation status
Hobbys are not considered to be globally threatened and the British population is increasing and spreading north and west.

Voice
Hobbys are usually silent except if they are disturbed near the nest, when they emit an alarm call - a high-pitched kee-kee-kee sound.