Baumfalke Tyrol

The Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), called Baumfalke in German, is a compact, slender small falcon of about 30 to 36 cm with a wingspan of roughly 70 to 85 cm. It is best recognised by its long, pointed, sickle-shaped wings that recall an oversized swift, its rusty-red thigh and undertail feathers, and the bold dark moustache stripe against a pale cheek. These features help distinguish it from the smaller kestrel and the larger, stockier peregrine falcon.

The species favours open, structured landscapes with copses, woodland edges and groups of tall trees, often close to water. It does not build its own nest but takes over abandoned stick nests of crows or other corvids, typically high in pines or other tall trees. The hobby is a true aerial hunter that catches almost all of its prey on the wing, taking small birds such as swallows, larks and finches as well as large flying insects, especially dragonflies. It is a long-distance migrant and winters in southern Africa.

For hunters in the DACH countries, the hobby is relevant chiefly as a strictly protected raptor. Although falcons are listed under the German Federal Hunting Law, the Baumfalke is subject to a year-round closed season and may not be hunted. Reliable identification helps distinguish it from other birds of prey in the field, supports lawful conduct, and contributes to monitoring and habitat care, since all falcon species in the region are protected rather than huntable.