Falco severus Horsfield, 1821

Taxonomic Identification

This species is Falco severus Horsfield, 1821.

Adult Plumage

For identification, adult individuals are rich orange-red on their underparts, and bluish-grey on their upperparts, with a black hood and a pale throat.

Juvenile Plumage

Juveniles have black streaks across their rufous chest and a mottled back.

Sexual Dimorphism

This species does not show sexual dimorphism.

Distinction from Eurasian Hobby

It can be distinguished from the Eurasian hobby by having fully orange-red underparts, rather than only orange-red legs and lower belly.

Distinction from Australian Hobby

It differs from the more closely related Australian hobby by having more extensive black coloration on the head: the black malar stripe merges into the black nape, and there is no white 'hook' behind the cheeks.

Shared Hobby Morphology

Like other hobby falcons, Falco severus has bright yellow legs, eye ring, and cere.