HOBBY. 



RAP TORES. FALCON ID M. 



PLATE IX. 



THE HOBBY. 



Falco Subbuteo. {Linn.) 



The Hobby is an inhabitant of the warm and temperate 

 parts of Europe, Asia, and probably Africa. In Europe its 

 northern limit appears to be the most southern parts of 

 Sweden and Siberia, and the central portions of Russia. In 

 England it does not appear to be met with further north 

 than Northumberland, although on the continent of Europe 

 it possibly reaches a higher latitude ; but although widely 

 diffused this species is not considered anywhere to be very 

 numerous. 



The Hobby is an elegant little bird, and greatly resem- 

 bling the Peregrine Falcon in the distribution of its colours. 

 Through all its actions it displays great acuteness, persever- 

 ance, courage, and quickness. It flies with great buoyancy 

 and speed, and may readily be distinguished when on the 

 wing from the Kestril and Merlin, by its narrow pointed 

 wings, and slender form. When at rest, perched upon a 

 stone or clod of earth, or sitting upon a naked branch of a 

 decayed tree, it is readily known by the marked character of 

 its plumage, its white breast and throat, and the dark bands 

 that descend from the corners of the beak. 



The Hobby is found in mountainous as well as in flat 

 countries, and appears to prefer copse wood and thickets in 

 the neighbourhood of fields and open commons rather than 

 forests. In England it arrives in April, and in September 



