HOBBY. 337 



it can be told by the thighs and moustachial streaks as well as 

 by its longer wings. Like the Peregrine, its wings winnow 

 quickly before each floating glide. It will kill small birds, even 

 so large as Lark or Starling, but it mainly feeds upon insects, 

 catching dragon-flies with a swift stoop from above, then rising 

 at once and devouring them as it flies. Insects are caught in 

 the foot and transferred to the bill. It nips up the booming 

 dor-beetle in the evening, and will capture the white cabbage 

 butterfly which most birds ignore. Its wonderful speed enables 

 it to strike down or chase and capture the Swallow and Martin, 

 and Mr. Walpole Bond confirmed by actual observation that it 

 could out-fly the Swift. At times it will circle high above the 

 Swifts and Swallows, stooping at them in pL«y rather than with 

 fell intent, for it delights in aerial exercise. In spring a pair 

 will mount together, circle, swoop and dodge in nuptial enjoy- 

 ment. The call I have never heard ; many authorities describe 

 it as similar to the cry of the Kestrel, whilst Lilford likens it to 

 that of the Wryneck. Mr. Bond says that it is a double note, 

 quir-ic^ " weak and thin, yet whistling, brisk and somewhat 

 peevish." 



The nest is in a tree, but it is doubtful if the Hobby ever 

 builds for itself or makes many improvements or additions to 

 the old nests of Crows or other birds which it appropriates. 

 Norgate used to rob the eggs of Carrion Crows to provide 

 accommodation for Piobbies. The number of eggs is usually 

 three, and they are often similar to the mottled and blotched 

 red-brown eggs of the Merlin, though many have a yellower 

 ground (Plate 158). They are not laid as a rule until June, 

 and a single brood is reared, second layings following disaster. 

 Emigration takes place in September, but there are records 

 of winter birds. 



The upper parts of the adult bird are slate-grey ; the ear- 

 coverts and strong moustachial stripe are black, contrasting 

 with white cheeks and chin. The under parts are rufous-white 



Series I. z 



