Sparrowhawk hunts gathering passerines
Photos: Arne Ader
Translation: Liis
Sparrowhawk
Sparrowhawk Raudkull Accipiter nisus
Migratory movements can be seen among warblers (Sylvia) as well as among leaf warblers (Phylloscopus). Typically birds of prey turn more active during this period.
The fast and agile sparrowhawks, active also in daytime, patrol little used forest roads where passerines are feeding.
The males are nearly one fourth smaller than the females and slighter but with a more attractive exterior – although beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The underparts of the male are banded and rusty-red, those of the female greyish white. The females seem greyer than the males on observation. The upper part of the female is greyish brown, the tail dark grey with sparse crossbars. Eyes and feet of sparrowhawks are yellow.
Sparrowhawk