Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisus
The Sparrowhawk is a common and widespread breeding bird in Britain, typically seen in woodlands, gardens, and urban areas throughout the year, with a peak in sightings during the spring and summer months. It is a year-round resident in the UK, with some migratory movement, but overall a familiar sight for British birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Sparrowhawk in the field.
The Sparrowhawk can be identified by its sleek, broad wings, long tail, and distinctive white underside with orange-barred breast, as well as its sharp, hooked beak and piercing eyes. Its wings are also characterized by a distinctive shape, with a rounded tip and a straight edge.
The Sparrowhawk is smaller than a Crow, but larger than a Blackbird, with a typical length of around 30-35 cm.
The male Sparrowhawk has a slate-grey back, wings, and tail, with a white underside and orange-barred breast, with a blue-grey crown and nape, and a distinctive white stripe above the eye.
The female Sparrowhawk is similar to the male but has a brownish-grey back and wings, with a white underside and brown-barred breast, and is generally larger than the male.
The Sparrowhawk's call is a sharp, high-pitched "kee-kee-kee" or "kik-kik-kik", often repeated in a rapid sequence, and is typically heard during the breeding season or when the bird is alarmed.
The Sparrowhawk is a skilled and agile hunter, using its speed and stealth to catch small birds, such as finches and sparrows, in mid-air, and is also known for its swift and direct flight style, often flying low to the ground.
The Sparrowhawk can be confused with the Goshawk, but can be distinguished by its smaller size, more slender build, and distinctive white underside with orange-barred breast, as well as its more rapid and high-pitched call.
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