Wildlife

Wild Hobby Aerial Hunter and Swift Welfare Interaction

The hobby is a fast falcon that specialises in catching swifts and large insects. Its welfare and conservation are linked to the availability of aerial prey over wetlands and farmland.

Key Facts

Hobbies catch swifts in level flight - one of the fastest aerial predator-prey interactions
They migrate to Africa in winter and arrive in Britain in May
Populations have increased as dragonfly and large insect prey have recovered in some areas
Hobby nesting in old crow nests requires undisturbed late-season tree cover

Welfare Considerations

Hobby welfare is tied to aerial invertebrate and swift prey abundance. Wetland restoration and reduced pesticide use both increase invertebrate prey density and benefit hobby populations.

What You Can Do

Support wetland restoration that increases dragonfly abundance
Report hobby sightings to BTO BirdTrack during the breeding season
Protect swift nesting sites to maintain aerial prey for hobbies