SPARROWHAWK
(accipiter nisus)
Although
the Sparrowhawk shared the severe decline of other British
Raptors (resulting from persecution and the advent of
organochlorines), it has made a remarkably rapid recovery
and is now estimated to number about 30,000 pairs.
A rather small bird with short, broad wings, a long tail
and long, slender legs, the Sparrowhawk is ideally suited
to life in woodland. The Sparrowhawk preys on small birds
and uses its great agility to pursue its prey through
woodland at high speed. Sparrowhawks can carry prey as
large as themselves and will frequently take their kills to
a favourite post to be plucked.
FACT
FILE:
LENGTH:
28- 38cms (11 - I 5ins)WINGSPAN:
55 - 70cms (22 - 28ins)WEIGHT:
0. 1 1 - 0.34kg (40z - I 20z)HABITAT:
Mixed woodland with some open spaces and paths. The
Sparrowhawk has adapted to using urban parks and large
gardens, during the winter. Nests are built in tall trees.