Hobby - Falco subbuteo

This falcon has long thin wings and is often likened to a giant swift in flight. It is about the size of a Kestrel but grey on its back and streaked below. The adults of both sexes have conspicuous red 'trousers' above their legs.

They hunt along woodland edges, over heathland and over lakes.

April to September

This falcon specialises in feeding on dragonflies and small birds such as Swallows and Martins. They are summer migrants, arriving from April, and breeding across central, southern and eastern England

Not very common, and mainly found in the southern half of Britain

They are regular but uncommon sights in Leicestershire and Rutland.