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Hobby Falcons
Hobby falcons are agile and swift birds, known for their spectacular aerial hunting skills. They can catch dragonflies and other large insects with their feet and eat them while flying. Their high-speed pursuit of small bird prey showcases their incredible maneuverability and speed, making them one of the most adept avian hunters. Hobbies are highly migratory, showcasing remarkable journeys that highlight their endurance and navigational skills. Despite facing threats from habitat loss and declining prey populations due to pesticide use, hobby falcons maintain a stable global population, thanks in part to their adaptability and wide range. Conservation efforts continue to monitor these birds to ensure they remain a common sight in the skies above their extensive range.
Scientific Name: Falco subbuteo
- Habitat: Tobby falcons are found in a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, river valleys, and open fields across Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are migratory birds, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia.
- Diet: Predominantly feeds on small birds caught in flight, as well as large insects, bats, and occasionally small mammals.
- Physical Characteristics: Hobby falcons are small to medium-sized birds of prey, with a body length of 29-36 cm (11-14 inches) and a wingspan of 74-84 cm (29-33 inches). They have dark slate-gray upperparts, a white underbelly with fine black streaks, and red “trousers” and under tail. Their wings are long and pointed, and they have a relatively long tail.
- Lifespan: Can live up to around 10-12 years in the wild.
- Reproduction: They nest in old nests of other birds, often in trees but sometimes on cliffs or buildings. The female typically lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for about 28-31 days. The chicks fledge at around 28-32 days but remain dependent on the parents for several weeks.
- Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, although their populations are affected by habitat destruction and the use of pesticides which reduce their prey.
Hobby Falcons at Chipangali
Falcon (no-name)
Species: Hobby Falcon
Age on Arrival: Fully grown
Arrival Date: 28 December 2021
Sex: Unknown
Story: Struck by a vehicle in a moment that could have ended its journey, the Hobby Falcon found salvation within the caring embrace of Chipangali. Despite the sanctuary’s best efforts, the injuries sustained, particularly to its shoulder, meant a life forever changed. Yet, within the sanctuary’s bounds, the falcon has found a place of respect and care, illustrating the sanctuary’s dedication to all lives, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential.
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