Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Eurasian sparrowhawks are small Palearctic raptors notable for pronounced size differences between the sexes. Males measure 29–34 centimetres and weigh 110–196 grams, whereas females reach 35–41 centimetres and 185–342 grams. Male wingspans are 59–64 centimetres, compared with 67–80 centimetres in females. They use woodland and forest edges as hunting cover but also enter farmland, parks, and gardens wherever small birds are abundant. Short, rounded wings aid rapid pursuit through vegetation (Animal Diversity Web).

Birds may constitute as much as 97 percent of the Eurasian sparrowhawk's prey. Finches, warblers, thrushes, robins, and other small birds are frequently taken, although mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and carrion occasionally supplement the diet. Breeding pairs are seasonally monogamous but may change partners between years. Males attract females through aerial displays and dives near perched birds. Established pairs defend nesting territories, preventing non-breeding individuals, known as floaters, from gaining access to suitable nesting habitat (Animal Diversity Web).