Species Profile
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisus
Sparrowhawk
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Eurasian Sparrowhawk
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Appearance
The Sparrowhawk is a small, agile raptor with short, broad wings and a long tail. Males are predominantly bluish-grey above with orange-brown barring on the underparts. They have piercing yellow to orange eyes, hooked black beaks and yellow legs.
Females are significantly larger than males, with brown upperparts and brown barring on white underparts. Juveniles resemble females but have brown eyes and may show rufous edges to their back feathers.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Markings
Barred underparts, larger size than males
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Sparrowhawks are widely distributed across Europe and Asia, from the British Isles to Japan and south to Tanzania in East Africa. They inhabit a variety of wooded habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests, parks, and large gardens.
In the UK, Sparrowhawks are resident year-round and can be found in most areas with suitable woodland cover. Some northern populations may move south during harsh winters, while others remain in their breeding territories.
They are one of the UK's most common birds of prey, with a population estimated at over 60,000 mature individuals.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Cambridgeshire
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Rutland
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
West Midlands
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Sparrowhawks primarily hunt small to medium-sized birds, with species like finches, tits, and thrushes forming the bulk of their diet. The smaller males generally eat birds like sparrows and tits, while the females can subdue larger prey like starlings, thrushes, and even pigeons.
They are skilled hunters, often catching prey in flight or by ambushing them in dense cover. Occasionally, they may take large insects or small mammals, like rodents, bats and reptiles.
Behaviour
Sparrowhawks are known for their swift, agile flight through woodlands. They often employ a 'flap-flap-glide' pattern when hunting, using cover to surprise prey.
During the breeding season, males perform spectacular sky dances, making steep dives and climbs to attract females.
Calls & Sounds
Sparrowhawks are generally silent outside the breeding season. During courtship and nesting, they become highly vocal and produce a rapid, high-pitched 'kew-kew-kew' call.
When alarmed, they emit a sharp, piercing 'kik-kik-kik'. Females have a louder, more guttural call compared to males.
Nesting & Breeding
Sparrowhawks typically breed between April and August. Males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract females, including high circles and steep dives. Once paired, they often reuse the same nesting site for years.
Nests are constructed by both sexes, usually in a fork of a tree near the trunk. They are made of twigs and lined with bark flakes. Females lay 4-6 pale blue eggs with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 33 days, primarily done by the female while the male provides food. Chicks fledge after 24-30 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Sparrowhawks faced historical declines due to pesticide use in the mid-20th century.
They have since recovered in many areas but still face threats from habitat loss and illegal persecution. Ongoing monitoring is crucial to ensure their continued recovery.
Elevation
Up to 4,500 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Adult Sparrowhawks have few natural predators, but they may fall victim to larger raptors like Goshawks or Eagle Owls. Nestlings and eggs are vulnerable to corvids, squirrels, and pine martens.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Sparrowhawks in woodland edges or gardens, especially near bird feeders
- Listen for alarm calls from small birds, which often indicate a Sparrowhawk's presence
- Watch for their characteristic low, fast flight, with a few quick wingbeats, between trees
- In the UK, observe local parks or wooded areas during early morning or late afternoon
- Males tend to hunt more in woodland, females more in fields and open spaces
Did You Know?
- Sparrowhawks have exceptionally keen eyesight, estimated to be 8 times sharper than human vision.
- Female Sparrowhawks are up to 25% larger than males, one of the most pronounced size differences among raptors.
- They can catch prey in mid-air, demonstrating remarkable agility and speed.
- Only ten percent of the Sparrowhawk’s hunting attacks are successful.
- The Sparrowhawk is a sacred bird in Slavic mythology.
- The Sparrowhawk has been used in hunting for centuries.
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