Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Overview

The Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae that is now one of the most common raptors in Europe. It specialises in catching woodland birds but is adaptable enough to hunt in urban environments.

Identification

• Adult males have slate-grey upperparts and finely red-barred underparts that appear orange from a distance, with orange-yellow or orange-red irides.
• Females and juveniles have brown upperparts and brown-barred underparts; females are up to 25% larger and weigh up to twice as much as males.
• Flight is characterised by a flap-flap-glide pattern, creating an undulating motion, with blunted wings and a long, square-ended tail.
• The small bill is used for plucking and pulling prey apart, while long legs and toes are adapted for gripping and catching birds.

Habitat

Found throughout temperate and subtropical parts of the Old World, this species is prevalent in most woodland types as well as open country with scattered trees. It prefers to hunt at the edges of wooded areas but can also be found in gardens and urban areas, even breeding in city parks with sufficient tall trees.

Diet

As a major predator of smaller woodland birds, the Eurasian sparrowhawk hunts by surprise attack, using cover such as hedges and tree-belts to ambush prey. Males typically take smaller birds like tits and finches, while females tackle larger quarry such as thrushes and starlings.

Did you know?

The species' common name dates back to the Middle English word sperhauk, meaning a hawk which hunts sparrows. It has been utilised by falconers since at least the 16th century and is praised for its courage despite a reputation for being difficult to train.