Do Eurasian Hobbies (Falco subbuteo) have "false eyes" on the nape?

NEGRO, J.J.; GRANDE, J.M.; SARASOLA, J.H.

JOURNAL OF RAPTOR RESEARCH

Año: 2004 vol. 38 p. 287 - 288

0892-1016

We propose that the two whitish or creamy-colored spots on the nape of the Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) are “false eyes” or ocelli, resembling a similar feature describer for American Kestrels (Falco sparverius). In both Eurasian Hobbies and American Kestrels, the “falce eyes” confer an owlish appearance to the individuals when viewed form the rear. Even though hobbies have been extensively studied in Europe and their plumage patterns have been thoroughly described in raptor books and bird field guides, this is, to our knowledge, the first time that “false eyes” are hypothesized to be present in this species.