The Eagle, Buzzard and Hawk Family (Accipitridae)

Order: Birds of Prey (Falconiformes)

This family contains several types of "birds of prey". That is to say, birds that hunt other animals, including mice, voles and other birds. Birds in this family are similar to birds in the Falcon Family such as the Kestrel.

They are skilful flyers, and have powerful eyesight, both important for successful hunting.

They have sharp pointed beaks, to tear flesh, and sharp talons (claws), which can grip onto their prey.

The family contains the Golden Eagle, the Sparrowhawk and the Red Kite, as well as Buzzards and Harriers, all of which can be found in Britain.

This family also contains vultures, which are not found in Britain.

Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

This hunting bird is a skilful flyer. Its feathers are dark grey above, and whiter on the underside of its body, patterned with red-brown lines.

The female is bigger than the male, and is browner above, with dark grey lines below.

Sparrowhawks have a white spot on the back of the neck.

Habitat

Food

Sparrowhawks can be found hunting in woodland and open country, over hedges and bushes.

A Sparrowhawk's favourite food is small birds, including sparrows, hence the name.

They also catch mice, frogs and insects.

The Sparrowhawk glides and dodges over hedges and trees on the look-out for small animals, suddenly diving on its prey and flying off with the unfortunate animal gripped within its sharp talons.

The male Sparrowhawk, being smaller than the female, catches small birds like tits and finches.

The big female can catch larger birds up to thrush size.

Rounded wings and a long tail help the Sparrowhawk to weave through trees and bushes in the woods, when hunting their prey.

Nest and Eggs

Sparrowhawks make a small nest of sticks. The nest is usually built up a pine tree, but sometimes on a cliff ledge.

The eggs are creamy white, with red-brown blotches. Four to six eggs are laid at a time, in May.

Where and When?

Sparrowhawks are resident throughout Britain, and many stay here all year long.

Others fly off to other countries in September and return in March.

Call

Sparrowhawks make short sounds like "pew", and "kek, kek, kek".

Length

30 cm (male).

Fun Fact

A young Sparrowhawk is brown and has a speckled breast.