THE HOBBY 
say up to the size of a Missel-Thrush. It also feeds largely 
on cockchafers and other large insects, hawking for them 
with remarkable dexterity. Like its ally it usually sits 
motionless on a lofty perch, whence it dashes as some 
bird or insect appears, but if the quarry is missed a second 
effort isseldom made. Like the Flycatcher, it prefers the 
borders of the woods or some isolated tree in the fields which 
commands a good view, when feeding, but at other times 
the shades of the forest are sought. ‘This pretty Falcon 
makes no nest, but rears its young in the deserted cradle 
of some other bird. ‘That of a Crow or a Magpie is 
frequently selected for this purpose, and here from three 
to five reddish brown eggs are laid in June. If disturbed 
at the nest the old birds utter a tremulous chatter, 
showing considerable solicitude, but otherwise are com- 
paratively silent. As soon as the young are strong upon 
the wing the place is deserted and the migration south 
takes place in September. 
The male Hobby is dark slate-grey, almost black above, 
with two moustachial lines of the same colour, and the 
tail is barred with rufous brown; the under parts are 
very pale rufous, with brown streaks on the breast and 
flanks ; whilst the thighs and under tail-coverts are chest- 
nut. ‘The female, larger than her mate, is not so bright 
in colour, and the streaks on the under parts are broader. 
Immature birds closely resemble young Peregrines, but 
are, of course, smaller. Bull horn-colour, cere yellow ; 
tarsi and toes yellow; claws black; irides dark brown. 
Length of adult male nearly 12 inches; female nearly 14 
inches. 
