HOBBY 



PLATE XIV. 

 Falco sub&uteo, ...... LINN/EUS. 



THE Hobby, only a summer visitant to England, builds 

 in the trees of woods and forests, generally among the 

 topmost branches, but sometimes in a hole of the trunk. In 

 the former case a preference is given to isolated fir or other 

 plantations, as affording at the same time a less likelihood 

 of disturbance, a better view of approach from' all sides, and 

 a supply of the several kinds of food on which the bird 

 lives. It has also been known to build on the- ledges of 

 steep precipices and mountains. The same pair will return 

 to the same breeding - place from year to year, if not 

 disturbed. 



The nest is built of sticks, and is lined with moss, hair,, 

 and other such materials. Occasionally the forsaken tene- 

 ment of some other species of bird is made to serve the 

 purpose of one of its own fabrication, and it frequently avails 

 itself of that of the Carrion Crow, or of the Magpie. 



Mr. Seebohm gives a very graphic description of the nest 

 of this species, and writes as follows : " The Hobby still 

 breeds in some parts of England. My friend Mr. Frank 

 Norgate found it breeding in Foxley Wood, near Norwich, 

 last year, and saw three nests of this rare Falcon in the 



