Population changes of breeding HobbiesFalco subbuteoin Britain

Over 30 County Bird Recorders were asked in 1983 and 1990 to provide population estimates of breeding hobbies for 1982 and 1989. In 1990 data were also requested on the number of hobby records submitted and the total number of observers submitting records for any species annually between 1970 and 1990. These data were used to calculate indices of abundance for 8 counties. The results suggest that the population has expanded rapidly since the early 1980s, particularly in the south and east midlands; less marked increases were also recorded in East Anglia, the Welsh Marches, south-west England and the north midlands. Reasons for the population increase are not clear. The present population is estimated at between 500 and 1000 pairs, but more local studies are required to provide better evidence of population changes.