Nature Photographers Ltd

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus W 60-75cm. Widespread but secretive raptor that catches small birds in flight in surprise, low-level attacks. Has relatively short, rounded wings, long, barred tail, long legs and staring yellow eyes. Male is much smaller than female and also separable on plumage details. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts; pale underparts are strongly barred and reddish brown on body and wing coverts. Adult female has grey-brown upperparts and pale underparts with fine, dark barring. Juvenile has brownish upperparts, and pale underparts with broad, brown barring. Voice Utters a shrill kew-kew-kew in alarm. Status Common, associated mainly with wooded habitats, both rural and suburban.