Common name: Sparrowhawk
Also known as: Eurasian sparrowhawk
Scientific name: Accipiter nisus
Size: 30-40cm
Weight: Males from 100-200g, females larger at 200-350g
Colour: Male is dark grey above and has a barred reddish belly. Female barred grey belly.
Life span: Up to 10 years.
Description
A small bird of prey with short but broad wings and a long tail. They are very agile and incredibly fast when flying and chasing prey.
Distribution
Found throughout the UK. They are often seen in Corfe Mullen, and we have one that regularly visits our garden looking for small birds such as greenfinches, sparrows and chaffinches.
Diet
Small birds (often caught in flight)
Habitat
Often seen on the fringes of towns/villages. They like to hunt over gardens. However, also found in woodland and hedgerows.
Did you know
Sparrowhawks never hover (like kestrels).
They are experts at weaving through tree trunks and branches as they chase small birds.
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