Colours
Distinguishing features
It is a slender raptor with relatively narrow and long wings. Its upperparts are a bluish-grey and its underparts are rufous. First year birds have a brown tinge to their upperparts.
Size
- From 34 cm to 35.5 cm (Length of specimen) - applies to Females
- From 30 cm to 32 cm (Length of specimen) - applies to Males
Wingspan
- Up to 87 cm
Synonyms
Similar taxa
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Animalia:
Peregrine Falcon (species: Falco (Falco) peregrinus)
The Australian Hobby strongly resembles the Peregrine Falcon, however it is much smaller and has darker plumage.
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It is found mainly in Australia. It is also a winter migrant to Indonesia and New Guinea.
It inhabits open woodlands. (Wikipedia)
Audio recordings
Pair were flying above me and perched in nearby Eucalyptus. Appeared to be an adult pair, with the weaker call in the recording presumably the (smaller) male.
© Nigel Jackett
(source)
Diet
It manoeuvres swiftly through the foliage of open woodlands in chase of other birds. It is very adaptable and will visit urban parks and gardens, and remnant bushland. They will hunt small birds, up to nearly their own size, and are often seen at dusk hunting bats and large insects. (Wikipedia)
Web resources
References
- Simpson, K., N. Day and P. Trusler (2004). Field Guide to Birds of Australia: 7th Edition Penguin Group (Australia), Camberwell, Victoria.