Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Fairly small, long-tailed hawk with broad, rounded wings (not pointed like kestrels). Soars occasionally, but more often seen in quick hunting flight chasing small birds, or perched quietly in shade. Note golden-yellow eyes, barred underparts (barring grayish on female, rusty on male). Juvenile brownish above through first year. Smaller and much less bulky than Northern Goshawk, and with horizontally barred instead of vertically striped underparts. Occurs in woodland, forest, farmland, and urban areas with hedges and wooded patches; sometimes hunts in gardens.

The Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) inhabits a variety of habitats, including forests, parks, farms, and villages. They prefer dense cover near open hunting grounds, and often near a stream or river.

The Eurasian Sparrowhawk feeds primarily on other birds including small passerines, pigeons, jays, and even small grouse. It will also feed on small rodents. When on the hunt, they will spend time sitting in a tree and launching at prey as it passes nearby.