The Oriental hobby is a species of falcon typically 27–30 cm long. It can be found in the northern parts of the Indian Subcontinent, across the eastern Himalayas and ranges southwards through Indochina to Australasia. It has been recorded as a vagrant from Malaysia.
Region
South and Southeast Asia to New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs from the northern Indian Subcontinent across the eastern Himalayas through Indochina and the Malay Archipelago to New Guinea and nearby islands. It favors forest edges, river corridors, open woodland, plantations, and clearings adjacent to primary or secondary forest. On larger islands and in mountainous areas it ranges from lowlands into foothills. It is generally uncommon but may be locally more frequent where flying insects are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Oriental hobby is a small, swift falcon adept at catching large insects and small birds on the wing, often hunting around forest edges and wetlands at dusk. It resembles the Eurasian hobby but is generally darker with rich rufous thighs and a pale throat. Pairs often reuse old stick nests built by other birds high in trees. Its agile flight allows it to snatch dragonflies and even bats in mid-air.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
fast and agile with rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are typically old stick nests of crows or raptors high in trees; occasionally cliffs or other platforms are used. Both sexes share incubation and provisioning, and fledglings may remain near the nest area for some weeks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet, but gives sharp, high-pitched kik-kik or kek-kek alarm and contact calls near the nest. Hunting birds may utter short chattering notes when interacting with mates or intruders.
