African Hobby
NameAfrican Hobby
Common NameAfrican Hobby
Scientific NameFalco cuvierii
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)27.5
Weight (g)145
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark slate-grey upperparts, a dark cap, and a prominent dark malar stripe. The underparts are pale, heavily streaked with dark brown, and the thighs and vent are rufous. The cere and feet are yellow.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a rapid, high-pitched 'kew-kew-kew' or 'ki-ki-ki' call, often given in flight or when agitated.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and South Africa. It is a partial migrant in some parts of its range.
Identifying Featuressmall, slender falcon, dark slate-grey upperparts, heavily streaked pale underparts, rufous thighs and vent, dark malar stripe, agile flight
Description
The African Hobby is a small, slender falcon known for its agile flight and aerial hunting. It typically has dark upperparts and heavily streaked pale underparts, often seen pursuing insects and small birds.
