Hawks and eagles
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Link copied.
Accipiter nisus
Link copied.
Voice
Call
Call
How to recognize it
-
29–41 cm long; females noticeably larger than males
-
Short, broad wings and a long tail; adult male grey above, rufous-barred below; female and juveniles brown above, with brown bars below
-
Fast wingbeats alternate with glides; flight undulating
About the species
At a glance, the male is slate-grey above, with a finely orange-barred chest that can look almost russet from a distance. A bright orange-yellow eye contrasts with his grey head. Females are larger and brown above, with brown bars across their pale underparts. Both use short, broad wings and long, square-ended tails to turn through trees.
It waits under cover for a small songbird to come close, then bursts out in a fast, low chase through the trees. It is usually quiet outside the breeding season, but near the nest its sharp call becomes a repeated "kek-hek-kek-kek." It may even flip upside down to grab prey from below.
Woodland and wooded edges provide cover, but it also hunts in gardens and city parks with tall trees. Its prey is mostly small songbirds, including sparrows, tits and finches; females also take larger prey such as thrushes and starlings. In colder northern regions, it moves south for winter, while populations farther south generally stay put or wander.
Where to find
-
During the breeding season, in city parks with a dense stand of tall trees, listen for fledglings calling near a Eurasian Sparrowhawk nest.
-
In built-up gardens, watch the hedges and tree belts for a sudden, low dash out of cover after prey.
-
Above wooded areas, watch for a rise above the treetops followed by soaring over the territory — these flights can be part of a display.
