44 RAPTORES FALCO. HOBBY. 



It builds in lofty trees, but will sometimes save itself the task 

 of constructing a nest, by taking possession of the deserted 

 one of a Magpie or Crow. The number of its eggs is com- 

 monly four, of a bluish-white, with olive-green, or yellowish- 

 brown blotches. 



Food. * ts f avoui> ite game is the Lark, but it preys upon all small 



birds. Partridges and Quails also become frequent victims 

 to its courage and rapacity, in which qualities, diminutive as 

 it is, it yields to none of its tribe. 



Possessing a great length and power of wing, the flight of 

 the Hobby is wonderfully rapid, and can be supported with 

 undiminished vigour for a considerable time. I have often 

 admired the adroitness displayed by one of this species, in 

 pursuit of a Lark ; the chase generally ending in the capture 

 of the quarry, in spite of all its aerial revolutions and efforts 

 to avoid the fatal blow. 



When hawking was keenly followed, the Hobby was train- 

 ed to the pursuit of young partridges, snipes, and larks. It 

 is of elegant form, and resembles, in miniature, the Peregrine 

 Falcon. The wings, when closed, reached beyond the end 

 of the tail, in the specimens that have fallen under my inspec- 

 tion, though MONTAGU mentions them as being shorter. Ac- 

 cording to TEMMINCK, it is common throughout Europe, 

 during the summer months ; but retires to warmer regions 

 at the approach of winter. It is widely spread throughout 

 Asia ; and I have received specimens from the East Indies, 

 in every respect similar to our own. 



PLATE 16. Shews an adult male, of the natural size. 



General ^^ bluish-black ; strong ; with the tooth prominent, and 



descrip- a slight sinuation posteriorly. Cere and eyelids yellow. 



Irides reddish-brown. Upper parts greyish-black, the 



margins of the feathers being a shade paler. A black 



patch or streak proceeds from the corners of the inferior 



mandible down each side of the neck. Chin and throat 



white. Breast and belly inclining to buff-orange, with 



