Wildlife

Wild Bird: Hobby Breeding Welfare UK

Hobbies are spectacular aerial falcons that breed in the UK, with welfare linked to invertebrate and dragonfly food availability and nest site protection.

Key Facts

Hobbies are migratory falcons arriving from Africa in April and departing in September
They use old crow nests for breeding, particularly in tall pine trees at heathland edges
Prey includes dragonflies, swifts, swallows, and large insects caught in aerial pursuit
UK populations are stable but southern-restricted, linked to dragonfly and swift availability
Climate change appears to be facilitating northward range expansion

Welfare Considerations

Hobby welfare during the breeding season depends on abundant aerial prey including dragonflies and swifts. Wetlands supporting large dragonfly populations adjacent to woodland breeding habitat provide the optimal combination of food sources. Disturbance at nesting sites causes nest abandonment with failure of the breeding attempt. Protecting known hobby territories from disturbance during May-August is a specific welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Avoid disturbing known hobby nest sites during the breeding season
Support wetland conservation that provides dragonfly prey for hobbies
Submit hobby sightings and breeding evidence to BTO surveys
Create or maintain heathland habitat adjacent to woodland for hobby nesting
Learn to identify hobbies and their spectacular aerial hunting behaviour