Eurasian hobby: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Eurasian hobby eggs hatch after 28–34 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 28–34 days and are weaned and independent at about 60 days. A typical clutch is 2–3 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 131-340 |
| Male weight (g) | 131-232 |
| Female weight (g) | 141-340 |
| Length (cm) | 29-36 |
| Wing chord (mm) | m 245-275, f 255-285 |
| Clutch size | 2-3 |
| Incubation (days) | 28-34 |
| Fledging (days) | 28-34 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | ~60 |
| Lifespan (years) | 10-12 |
| Breeding season | Wild: late breeder (June-Aug, eggs timed to swallow/dragonfly peak). Rarely bred for falconry. |
| Sexing | Reverse size dimorphism: female ~1/3 heavier (falconers: falcon vs tiercel; Gulf: "tabaa" for the male peregrine, "qarmousha" or "wakri" for the male saker). Chicks and hybrids: DNA (feather/blood) is reliable; size alone overlaps between species and hybrids. |
| Moult | Moults mostly on African wintering grounds. |
| Quarry | Dragonflies, swallows, swifts, larks. |
| Gulf heat tolerance | 2/5 (passage migrant in Arabia). |
| Temperament | Nervous, specialised aerial hunter. |
| Disease prevention | Prevention: bumblefoot (perch surfaces), frounce & herpesvirus (no wild pigeons), sour crop (don't overfeed), coccidiosis/worms (routine faecal checks), avian pox (mosquito control/vaccine). Small species chill and lose condition fast - weigh daily. Vet for treatment. |
| Identification features | Slate-grey above, black hood and short black moustache, white throat, heavily streaked breast, red 'trousers' and vent; juvenile browner, buffy streaked thighs. |
Origin: Europe and Asia (winters in Africa) — Scientific name: Falco subbuteo
Size: 29-36 cm, 131-340 g
Breeding and care tips
Small migratory aerial hunter; rarely used in falconry because it is hard to feed and train.
Description
Long pointed wings, clear black moustache and rufous "trousers".
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Gyrfalcon
- Saker falcon
- Peregrine falcon
- Barbary falcon
- Lanner falcon
- Laggar lugger falcon
- Prairie falcon
- Aplomado falcon
Frequently asked questions
How long do Eurasian hobby eggs take to hatch?
Eurasian hobby eggs hatch after 28-34 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Eurasian hobby lay?
Usually 2-3 eggs per clutch.
When do Eurasian hobby chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 28-34 days old.
When are Eurasian hobby chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about ~60 days.
What is the Eurasian hobby breeding season?
Wild: late breeder (June-Aug, eggs timed to swallow/dragonfly peak). Rarely bred for falconry.
How do you tell a male Eurasian hobby from a female?
Reverse size dimorphism: female ~1/3 heavier (falconers: falcon vs tiercel; Gulf: "tabaa" for the male peregrine, "qarmousha" or "wakri" for the male saker). Chicks and hybrids: DNA (feather/blood) is reliable; size alone overlaps between species and hybrids.
How long does a Eurasian hobby live?
About 10-12 years with good care.