Sparrowhawk (28–38cm, 11–15in)

The Sparrowhawk, a nimble bird of prey, can be found throughout Northern Europe. While it typically inhabits open countryside, woodland, and hedgerows, it has become increasingly common in both rural and urban gardens. Male and female Sparrowhawks exhibit distinct differences in size and plumage markings, but both possess broad, blunt, short wings, a small head, and a long, square-ended tail. Additionally, they feature a dark-tipped hooked beak with a yellow base, yellow-orange eyes, and yellow legs and feet with dark claws. Their striking appearance and swift flight set them apart from other avian species.

The male Sparrowhawk exhibits distinct physical differences from the female, appearing notably smaller in size. Its upperparts are entirely blue-grey, with the exception of white lores and supercilium, russet cheeks, dark tail bars, and dark wing tips. The underparts feature finely barred orangey-red hues from the throat to the belly. Additionally, the vent and undertail-coverts are white, while the undertail displays greyish tones with darker barring. The white tail tip is also prominently visible.

The female Sparrowhawk is recognized as the larger of the two sexes. Its upperparts are entirely dark grey-brown, featuring a white supercilium and blackish-looking bars on the tail. The underparts exhibit a white base colour and fine grey horizontal barring from the upper breast to the belly, while the undertail-coverts are white. The tail is whitish with darker bars. Notably, female Sparrowhawks are distinguished by a more striking yellow eye compared to their male counterparts.

The male Sparrowhawk's blue upperparts and finely barred orange underparts are readily observable during flight. Additionally, the underwing displays greyish barring on both the secondaries and primaries. It is important to take note of the wing shape, as well as the size of the head and tail while the bird is in flight.

The female sparrowhawk's upperparts are characterized by a dark brown-grey hue and strong tail bars that are easily noticeable during flight. The belly and forewings showcase fine barring that contrasts with the coarser markings on the rest of the underwing and undertail. Sparrowhawks exhibit quick bursts of rapid wingbeats interspersed with short glides while in flight. During soaring, their wings appear flat and their tails are only occasionally fanned.

Juvenile Sparrowhawks possess distinctive features that allow for easy differentiation from their adult counterparts. These features include browner upperparts, often with fresh rufous edges, and brownish-buff barring on the underparts. It is worth noting that juvenile males tend to exhibit some rufous on the belly and breast. Another distinguishing characteristic is the greener eyes of juvenile Sparrowhawks in comparison to adult ones.

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