Hobby Welfare and Aerial Hunting Behaviour

The hobby is a small, swift falcon that migrates from Africa to breed in southern England. Its spectacular aerial hunting — catching dragonflies, swifts and swallows in flight — makes it one of the most impressive summer visitors.

Key Facts

UK breeding population approximately 2,800 pairs — concentrated in southern England
Arrives from sub-Saharan Africa in May — one of the faster migrants
Aerial specialist — catches dragonflies, swallows and swifts in sustained pursuit
Uses old corvid nests — does not build its own nest
Climate change is shifting northern breeding range — new populations established in Scotland

Welfare Considerations

Hobby welfare during breeding is dependent on two things: old corvid nests (they take over rook and carrion crow nests in tall trees) and an abundant supply of dragonflies and large aerial insects for chick provisioning. Loss of wetland habitats reducing dragonfly availability affects chick survival — adults in areas with poor dragonfly populations show reduced breeding success. The hobby is less frequently targeted by persecution than larger falcons but still faces secondary rodenticide risk through eating poisoned prey. Hobbies at heathland and farmland sites with diverse wetland margins show better breeding outcomes than birds in intensively managed landscapes.

What You Can Do

Support dragonfly-rich wetland creation near heathland hobby breeding sites
Donate to RSPB open habitat management for southern England rare birds
Record hobby sightings to BTO BirdTrack spring and autumn monitoring
Avoid disturbance of areas with known hobby nests in June-August
Advocate for wetland restoration providing dragonfly prey for aerial predators