Sparrowhawk

A sparrowhawk is a type of small bird of prey that belongs to the genus Accipiter.

There are many species of sparrowhawks around the world, but the most common one in Europe and Asia is the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus).

This species has a bluish grey back and orange-barred chest in males, and a brown back and brown-barred chest in females and juveniles.

Sparrowhawks mainly hunt other birds, such as tits, finches, sparrows, thrushes, and starlings, by chasing them in woodlands or gardens.

They can fly very fast and maneuver through obstacles to catch their prey.

Sparrowhawks build their nests in trees using twigs, and lay four or five pale blue eggs with brown spots.

They are very protective of their nests and will attack intruders, including humans.

Sparrowhawks are widespread and common in their range, but they face threats from habitat loss, illegal hunting, and poisoning from pesticides.

They are also sometimes in conflict with people who keep pigeons or gamebirds, as sparrowhawks may prey on them.

However, sparrowhawks are also beneficial for the ecosystem, as they help control the population of rodents and other pests.

Sparrowhawks are amazing birds that have adapted to different environments and have impressive hunting skills.

They are an important part of the natural world and deserve our respect and protection.

A sparrowhawk is a common name for several species of small birds of prey that belong to the genus Accipiter in the family Accipitridae.
They are known for their ability to hunt and catch other birds, especially sparrows, in flight.
They have sharp talons, hooked beaks, and keen eyesight that help them in their pursuit of prey.
They are also agile and fast fliers, capable of maneuvering through dense vegetation and avoiding obstacles.
Some of the most widespread and well-known sparrowhawk species are:

• The Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), also called the northern sparrowhawk, is found throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  It has bluish grey upperparts and orange-barred underparts in males, and brown upperparts and underparts in females and juveniles.
  The female is much larger than the male, and can prey on birds up to 500 g (18 oz) in weight, such as thrushes and pigeons.
  The Eurasian sparrowhawk is one of the most common birds of prey in Europe, and often hunts garden birds in urban areas.
  It is also a popular bird for falconry, although it has a reputation for being difficult to train.

• The American kestrel (Falco sparverius), also known as the sparrow hawk in North America, is not a true sparrowhawk, but a falcon.
  It is the smallest and most colorful falcon in North America, with a rufous back and tail, blue-grey wings, and a black and white face pattern.
  It feeds mainly on insects, rodents, and small birds, and sometimes hovers in the air before diving on its prey.
  It is also able to see ultraviolet light, which helps it locate the urine trails of rodents.
  The American kestrel is widely distributed across the continent, and can be found in open habitats such as grasslands, fields, and urban areas.
  It is also a common bird in captivity, and is often used for educational purposes.

• The collared sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrocephalus) is a sparrowhawk native to Australia, New Guinea, and some nearby islands.
  It has grey upperparts and white underparts with fine rufous bars in both sexes, and a distinctive black collar around the neck.
  It is similar in appearance to the larger brown goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus), but has a smaller head and bill, and longer middle toes.
  It preys mainly on small to medium-sized birds, such as parrots, honeyeaters, and pigeons, and sometimes chases them into foliage or buildings.
  It is a secretive and elusive bird, and is often overlooked or misidentified by observers.

It also occurs in some parts of Africa, where it migrates during the winter.

It can also adapt to urban and suburban areas, and often visits gardens looking for prey.

It breeds in every region of the UK, except for the Scottish Highlands, the Outer Hebrides and Shetland.

It is mostly resident, but some birds may join the migratory population from northern Europe in the autumn.

It usually hunts by surprise, using its speed and manoeuvrability to chase and capture its prey in mid-air or on the ground.

It sometimes plucks the feathers of its prey before eating it, leaving a characteristic pile of feathers as evidence.

However, it still faces threats from habitat loss, illegal persecution, and collisions with windows and vehicles.

The Sparrowhawk is a fascinating bird of prey that can be seen in many habitats across the UK and beyond.

It is a skilled and adaptable hunter, and a valuable member of the wildlife community.

The sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey that lives in woodlands and gardens.
It has bright yellow or orange eyes, long yellow legs and long talons.
It has different colours depending on its sex and age.
Adult male sparrowhawks have bluish-grey back and wings and orangey-brown bars on their chest and belly.
Females and young birds have brown back and wings, and brown bars underneath.
You can hear them make a loud ‘ke-ke-ke-ke’ or ‘kew-kew-kew’ call.

In a quaint village surrounded by lush green fields, there lived a dairy farm worker named Ember, known for her golden hair and a heart as warm as the sun. She dedicated her days to caring for the cows and goats, ensuring they were happy and well-fed. But what truly made Ember special was her extraordinary companion, a spirited sparrowhawk named Rocky. With feathers that shimmered like emeralds and sharp eyes that sparkled with mischief, Rocky was more than just a pet; he was Ember's confidant, partner-in-crime, and the guardian of the farm.

One sunny morning, as Ember filled the water troughs, she noticed something strange. The usual rustling of the farm animals was suddenly replaced by a hushed anticipation, as if nature itself was holding its breath. Sensing the change, Ember turned to Rocky, who was perched on the fence and tilting his head inquisitively.

"Rocky, do you feel that?" Ember asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Caw caw!" replied Rocky, flapping his wings excitedly as he soared high above, searching for the answer among the clouds. After a few moments, he descended gracefully, perching back on Ember's shoulder. "There's something magical today, Ember. I can sense an adventure waiting for us!"

Ember's eyes gleamed. "An adventure? What are we waiting for?" With that declaration, she quickly packed a satchel with fresh bread, cheese, and a few apples – the essentials for any journey. And with a steadfast nod, Rocky took to the skies, guiding her towards a distant hill where the fabled Golden Water Bowl was said to reside.

Legend had it that the Golden Water Bowl was a celestial artifact, rumored to bless all who drank from it with everlasting joy and vitality. However, the journey was fraught with whimsical challenges, notorious for perplexing even the wisest of owls. Yet Ember and Rocky were undeterred, their hearts set on reaching this enchanted destination.

As they embarked on their adventure, they encountered the first challenge: the Prankster Wind. It swirled around them, tugging at Ember's golden hair and playfully lifting Rocky off his perch. "Whee!" cried Rocky as he tumbled amidst a spiral of leaves.

"Now, now, Mr. Wind, don't be rude!" Ember laughed, shaking her head. "We've got a Golden Water Bowl to find!"

With a confident stride, she danced and twirled, mimicking the swirling gusts, and the Prankster Wind, amused by Ember's antics, finally relented, clearing their path with a gentle breeze.

Their next obstacle was the Giggleberry Bushes, famous for their captivating berries that giggled when picked. Each time Ember reached for a berry, they burst into fits of laughter, making it nearly impossible to gather enough for a snack. "Oh, that's hilarious!" Ember chuckled, her laughter mingling with that of the bushes.

In a moment of wisdom, Rocky swooped low, plucking berries effortlessly, bringing them back to Ember who laughed all the while. "You're quite the clever hawk, Rocky!" she said, stuffing the berries into her satchel.

Finally, after scaling the hill and navigating through whimsical traps, they reached the peak where the Golden Water Bowl sat gleaming under the sun, surrounded by a ring of cheerful daisies. "We made it!" Ember exclaimed in joyous disbelief.

As Ember approached the bowl, a gentle voice filled the air. "To drink from the Golden Water Bowl, one must share their heart's desire." The voice belonged to a curious cloud that had decided to rest on the summit.

Ember thought deeply and replied, "I wish for happiness not just for myself, but for everyone on the farm."

With that, the waters shimmered and a dazzling light enveloped her. Ember scooped the water into her hands and shared it with Rocky. They drank together, laughing as bright sparks of joy filled their hearts.

After a moment, Rocky took flight, circling around the bowl in glee. "Caw caw! Now everyone at the farm will feel the joy we've found!" he exclaimed radiantly.

With their mission accomplished, Ember and Rocky began their descent. Every creature they met on the way back appeared brighter, happier, and even the tools in the barn seemed to hum a lively tune. The magic of the Golden Water Bowl had spread, transforming their little dairy farm into a haven of laughter and bliss.

And so, Ember and Rocky returned home, not just with the spirit of adventure but a tale - of mischief, joy, and the knowledge that true happiness is found in sharing. The bond they shared grew even stronger, reminding everyone in the village that life is an enchanting journey, best enjoyed together.

From that day forth, whenever the sun shone just right, you could hear the joyous giggles of the Giggleberry bushes and feel the gentle whispers of the Prankster Wind, celebrating the friendship of Ember and Rocky, the guardians of the Golden Water Bowl.