Eurasian Hobby

Falco subbuteo

(F. s. subbuteo)

Armenian Name:	Արտույտաբազե

See Plate 12 for Eurasian Hobby and other similar species See Plate 15 for Eurasian Hobby and other similar species in flight

Flight Characteristics:	Relatively long narrow pointed wings and bold blackish mustache. Adult has reddish leg feathers and undertail coverts. Fast and very agile flight in pursuit of birds, but less active after insects. Soars on extended flat wings with tail fanned.
Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Rare
Length:	30-36 cm, Wing Span:82-92 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 57.
Description:	Slim dark falcon with long pointed wings and short tail.
Adult:	Dark upper face and prominent mustache contrast with white throat. Male is dark gray above, female browner. Both sexes have off-white breast and belly with distinct dark streaks, and brown-orange undertail coverts and leg feathering.
Juvenile:	Dark blue-gray crown and mottled forehead. Pale feather edges above; lacks brown-orange below.
Similar Species:	Juvenile differs from juvenile Red-footed Falcon by darker forehead and blackish streaks below.
Behavior:	Does not hover. Captures prey on wing in swift agile chase. More active in evening.
Habitat:	Mountain slopes, lake shores, orchards.
Food:	Insects, small birds.
Nest:	Old tree nest of other species, especially crows.
Eggs:	42 mm, 3, brown-yellow, red-brown spots.