Eurasian Hobby

The Eurasian hobby is a small, slim falcon built for fast aerial pursuit. Adults are slate-grey above, with a dark crown, two short black moustache marks and a clean white throat. Black streaks mark the otherwise whitish underparts, while the thighs and undertail coverts are unstreaked rufous. Juveniles are browner, with scaled-looking upperparts and buffy, streaked thighs. Its long pointed wings and square tail can create a swift-like silhouette when it glides with the wings partly folded. (Wikipedia, general species account)

This hobby breeds across the Palearctic and the widespread nominate form migrates long distances, wintering mainly in Africa. It uses open landscapes such as farmland, marshes, taiga and savannah, especially lowlands broken by small woods. The bird catches dragonflies and other large insects in flight, often transferring prey from its talons to its bill while soaring. It also captures small birds and bats on the wing; swallows and swifts are among the agile quarry its speed allows it to pursue. (Wikipedia, general species account)