- Falco subbuteo
Identification
Adults are slate-grey above, and streaked below, with a white throat. Close views enable the red "trousers" and vent to be seen.
Sexes are similar, but juveniles are generally much browner.
Distribution
Europe, Asia and Africa. Breeds in much of Europe from the northern shores of the Baltic south to the Mediterranean and from Iberia to Russia.
In Britain found in southern and central England and south-east Wales although in recent years has spread northwards and westwards. In France and parts of central Europe range very patchy. Also breeds throughout most of Turkey and perhaps still in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan and east across Asia north of the Himalayas to the Russian Far East and Sakhalin, eastern China and Japan. Also breeds in North Africa in northern parts of Morocco and Tunisia.
Occasionally recorded in Europe in winter but most migrate to southern Africa with eastern birds wintering in northern India and northern Indochina. Despite being a broad-front migrant some numbers are seen annually at Gibraltar. Autumn passage begins in mid August and is generally complete by mid October, the return movement takes place in March-May. Migrants occur throughout the south of the region.
A vagrant to Ireland, Iceland and the Faroes, and south to Madeira and the Canary Islands, also recorded on the Pribilofs and Aleutians, and in British Columbia.
Taxonomy
Subspecies: Three races are sometimes recognised: subbuteo from Europe to Japan, jugurtha from the eastern Mediterranean to Central Asia and streichi in China.
Habitat
Breeds in trees on open heathland, clearings and forest-edge, meadows and sometimes marshes.
On passage frequently seen hunting hirundines over large bodies of freshwater.
Behaviour
It is an elegant bird of prey, appearing sickle-like in flight with its long pointed wings and square tail.
Diet
It will take large insects, such as dragonflies, which are transferred from talons to beak and eaten in flight. It also captures small birds in flight.
Its speed and aerobatic skills enable it to take swallows and even swifts on the wing, and Barn Swallows or House Martins, have a characteristic "hobby" alarm call.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Falco subbuteo (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
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