Sparrowhawk, 01072020, 05 f

Sparrowhawk,

 

In many places still scarce after decades of accidental pesticide poisoning and centuries of persecution, the Sparrowhawk is common and familiar in other areas where its recovery has been complete, It typically soars over woods, perches inconspicuously, or dashes by, low, with a flap-flap-glide action, It is bold enough to hunt in gardens and parks but is essentially a forest-edge bird, extending its hunting range into more open country in winter, Males are much smaller than females,

Broad wings and a long tail give great manoeuvrability in tight spaces and accuracy when hunting,

Voice;- Repetitive kek-kek-kek-kek-kek, thin, squealing peee-ee, but generally quiet away from nest,

Nesting;- Small, flat platform of thin twigs om flat branch close to trunk, 4 or 5 eggs, 1 brood, March - June,

Feeding;- Hunts small birds, darting along hedges, woodland edges, or into gardens to take prey by surprise, males take tits and finches, finches, females thrushes and pigeons,

Occurrence, Throughout Europe, except in Iceland, in wooded farmland and hills and forest, In winter, in more open areas, including salt marshes with adjacent woodland, Hunts almost anywhere, including forays into gardens where small birds are fed,

 

Order;- Accipitriformes,

Family;- Accipitridae,

Species;- Accipiter nisus,

Length;- 28 - 40cm ( 11 - 16in ),

Wingspan;- 60 - 80cm ( 23.5 - 32in ),

Weight;- 150-320g ( 5 - 12oz ),

Lifespan;- Up to 10 years,

Social;- Family groups,

Status;- Secure,

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