This stealthy and agile hunter tears through woodlands and gardens, striking fear into the hearts of small birds across Europe and Asia.

Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

28cm to 38cm

Wingspan

55cm to 80cm

Weight

110g to 340g

Colours

Primary Colour

Grey

Secondary Colour

White Brown

Beak Colour

Black Yellow Grey

Leg Colour

Yellow

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

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.

Elevation Range

Up to 4,500 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 95
Strength 65
Adaptability 85
Aggressiveness 80
Endurance 70

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.

Vocalisation

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 2 - 3 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 20.2 years [1]
0
6
11
17
22

years

The Sparrowhawk typically lives for 2 to 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 20.2 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

2,020,000 - 3,190,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Stable[4]

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

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Family:

Accipitridae

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.

Did You Know?

  1. Sparrowhawks have exceptionally keen eyesight, estimated to be 8 times sharper than human vision.
  2. Female Sparrowhawks are up to 25% larger than males, one of the most pronounced size differences among raptors.
  3. They can catch prey in mid-air, demonstrating remarkable agility and speed.
  4. Only ten percent of the Sparrowhawk’s hunting attacks are successful.
  5. The Sparrowhawk is a sacred bird in Slavic mythology.
  6. The Sparrowhawk has been used in hunting for centuries.

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FAQs

How fast can Sparrowhawks fly?

Sparrowhawks use speed and the element of surprise to catch their prey. They may reach speeds of up to 31 miles per hour (50 km/h) in the moments before they strike.

How do I stop Sparrowhawks from killing my garden birds?

The Sparrowhawk’s habit of catching garden birds can be rather upsetting to many bird lovers.

In this situation, the best thing to do is to place your feeders near dense cover to give the smaller birds a fighting chance at escape. Sparrowhawks need to eat regularly to survive, just like other birds, even if it may be difficult to watch.

References

  1. 2 3 4

    website: BirdLife International. 2021. Accipiter nisus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22695624A199751254.

    View source
  2. 1

    website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds

    View source