Most individuals of the species are migratory, with western birds mainly wintering in Africa (Orta and Kirwan 2014). Birds leave their breeding grounds between August and October, arriving at wintering quarters from late October onwards. The return journey begins in March and April, and breeding territories are occupied again in May and June. Birds are usually seen singly or in pairs or family groups, even on migration, with larger groups being rare except at roosts and especially rich feeding sites (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001). It migrates in broad fronts and does not generally concentrate at narrow sea crossings as do many other migratory raptors (Snow and Perrins 1998, Orta and Kirwan 2014). It is mainly diurnal although partly crepuscular and even nocturnal to some extent on migration (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001). It occurs in open wooded areas, including wooded steppes, pastures, cultivation or scrub with clumps of trees, scattered trees or copses; fields with hedges, edges of woods. Flying insects form the main part of its diet, although birds are often taken in the breeding season. It uses unoccupied nests of corvids or other raptors, or squirrel dreys, but does not add material and is almost always in trees, preferring pines, but also in other conifers and broad-leaved trees; exceptionally on cliffs. Clutches are typically three eggs (Orta and Kirwan 2014).

Conservation Actions Underway
Bern Convention Appendix II. CMS Appendix II, CITES Appendix II. Measures such as reducing pesticide output, ensuring the availability of nesting trees, and expanding insect-rich habitats have been beneficial to this species, although not specifically aimed at it (Sergio and Bogliani 1996).

Conservation Action Proposed
Wide-scale management should include the preservation of trees in which to nest, as although preferring generally open areas in the breeding season it will avoid those that are completely deforested (Orta and Kirwan 2014). Appropriate agricultural policies should be promoted, including preservation of trees for nesting, control of pesticides to maintain insect populations (across its range) and maintenance of stubble fields and hedges, and direct drilling to preserve farmland birds that Eurasian Hobbies feed on. Woodlands should also be managed appropriately, avoiding the complete removal of all trees. Pesticide use should be minimised and legislation against illegal hunting along migration routes enforced. The provision of artificial nests can also help this species when there is a lack of natural nests of other species for it to use (Mebs and Schmidt 2006). Policies should also look to control hunting along migration routes, and should promote the control of pesticide use. Additionally, suitable impact assessments should be conducted for wind energy developments, especially in the southern part of the Strait of Gibraltar. Surveys and monitoring of the population should be conducted to determine, protect and manage potential breeding sites and key dispersal areas, including migration corridors in western and eastern flyways. Other key research should investigate the migration strategies and the ranging behaviour through the deployment of GPS loggers. Also, as this species is migratory work should not only focus on the Mediterranean; wintering areas and their ecological requirements and threats should be identified to protect them; and further research is needed to figure out any additional potential threats to the species in the region and its winter grounds.