Sparrowhawk

1. Bird Name
The common name of our subject is the Sparrowhawk, also referred to as the Northern Sparrowhawk or Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Its scientific name is Accipiter nisus.

2. Appearance
Sparrowhawks have a slender, streamlined body, reminiscent of a stealth jet, with long, narrow wings and a long, rounded tail, perfect for quick, acrobatic flight. The plumage is predominantly grey-blue in males and brown in females. The underparts are usually barred with orange or reddish-brown. Juveniles have brown upper-parts and pale under-parts, with fine streaks. Their eyes are piercing yellow or orange, and the hooked beak is a pointed reminder of their predatory nature.

3. Size
A small to medium-sized bird, Sparrowhawk’s total body length ranges roughly from 28cm to 40cm (11-16 inches). The wingspan can extend from 55cm to 70cm (22-28 inches). While the average weight ranges from 110g to 340g, females are noticeably larger than males.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Sparrowhawks are robust and adaptable creatures, found throughout much of the Eurasian continent. They inhabit various environments but have a stronger presence in deciduous forests, semi-open shrubby areas and increasingly, suburban regions with a good mix of gardens and hedgerows.

5. Interesting facts
An astonishing fact about the Sparrowhawk is their unbelievable speed and agility in flight. These birds are known to approach their prey with such stealthy agility that they often catch them by surprise. They display a unique “flap-flap-glide” flying pattern and are known to migrate over vast distances, especially those inhabiting the colder northern regions. In folklore, Sparrowhawks are seen as symbols of strength and perseverance and are often associated with the concepts of vision and wisdom.

6. Diet
Being a bird of prey, Sparrowhawks specialize in hunting small to medium-sized birds, like sparrows, finches, and tits. They are also known to take small mammals and insects when available.

7. Behaviour & Sounds
Sparrowhawks are solitary birds, known for their “wait-and-chase” hunting technique. They have a relatively quiet demeanor and are often hard to spot until they burst from cover in pursuit of prey. Their call, often heard in flight or during display activities, is a repetitive, high-pitched ‘kek-kek-kek’ noise.

8. Conservation Status
Accipiter nisus is currently listed as “least concern” by the IUCN Red List due to its large range and stable population size. However, they can be susceptible to organochlorine pesticides, and deforestation impacts severely their habitat.

9. Lifespan
Sparrowhawks typically live up to 10-15 years in the wild, with a recorded maximum of 20 years. Captive lifespans can exceed this, given appropriate care.

10. Additional Notes
In Germany, the Sparrowhawk is known as “Sperber”. It has evolved to navigate narrow spaces and dodge obstacles during flight, making it a supremely efficient predator in woodland areas. This bird has a significant role in the ecosystem, helping to control the population of small birds or rodents. They have a neutral interaction with humans, and occasionally, they are seen in city parks and gardens, adding a bit of wild beauty to the urban environment.