Bird 🦅
🦅
Accipiter nisus
| Size | 28–38 cm (female much larger) Female the size of a Woodpigeon; male much smaller |
|---|---|
| Weight | 150–260 g (male) / 260–350 g (female) About the weight of a large apple to a small orange |
| Lifespan | 4 years |
| Rarity | Common |
| M vs F | Males are blue-grey above with orange-barred underparts; females are brown above with brown barring below. Females are 25% larger. |
| Habitat | Woodland, farmland, parks and gardens where small birds are common |
| Best time | Year-round |
| Conservation | UK: Green LC |
Did you know?
Sparrowhawks catch prey with a burst speed of up to 50 km/h through dense undergrowth — they have been recorded flying through gaps smaller than their own wingspan
Sparrowhawks catch prey with a burst speed of up to 50 km/h through dense undergrowth — they have been recorded flying through gaps smaller than their own wingspan
More for experts
The extreme size difference between sexes (reversed sexual dimorphism) is thought to reduce competition between mates — each sex targets a different size range of prey
Often confused with
Peregrine (pointed wings, high soaring), Kestrel (hovers, rusty back), Goshawk (much larger, forest specialist)
Peregrine (pointed wings, high soaring), Kestrel (hovers, rusty back), Goshawk (much larger, forest specialist)