The Oriental Hobby (Falco severus) is a species of falcon typically 27-30 cm long. It can be found in the eastern Himalayas and ranges to southern China, Hainan and southwards through Indochina to Southern Asia and Australasia. It has been recorded as a vagrant from Malaysia.

Diet and habitats

The Oriental Hobby feeds mainly on insects. Its typical habitats are lowland forested areas and woodland. It nests in used nest of other birds either in trees, on building ledges or on cliffs.

Identification

Adult is rich chestnut below, bluish-grey above with a black hood and pale throat. Juvenile has black streaks on its rufous chest and has a mottled back.