Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Unnoticed biodiversity

Identification

Common name: Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Latin name: Accipiter nisus
Length: 29 to 41 cm
Distinguishing features: small bird of prey with a grey back, short, broad wings, a long and narrow tail, and bright yellow or orangey eyes; males are up to one-third smaller than females, and have white underparts with orangey-brown barring; females have white underparts with brown-grey barring.
Habitat: open country with wooded patches, urban and suburban areas
Diet: mainly small birds
Status: remarkable species, Least Concern in Ile-de-France
Nesting period: April to June

Seen in the garden

This bird of prey feeds on small passerines, pigeons and thrushes, tending to hunt the most abundant species, which helps regulate species that have proliferated and preserve balance in the garden.

In autumn 2024, a female was observed hunting in the east side of the Tuileries Garden in the area known as the Grand Carré.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - juvenile calls then feeding by adults

Audio

1 min.

Did you know?

The presence of the Eurasian Sparrowhawk in urban areas is recent.
It has nested in Paris since at least 2008, and its population was estimated at a minimum of ten breeding pairs in 2015–2018. Sparrowhawks often come to urban areas in winter to hunt in gardens where bird feeders are installed for passerines.

<= Discover The White Wagtail // Découvrir The Pied Flycatcher =>