Eurasian sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisis
Habitat
The Eurasian sparrowhawk is found in Europe and from Eastern Anatolia to Western Siberia. This bird species winters in the south as far as Northeast Africa and the Middle East. The Eurasian sparrowhawk inhabits (mixed) forests, parks, agricultural fields, and urban environments. This bird species prefers dense forests alongside open areas for foraging.
Appearance
Diet
The diet of the Eurasian sparrowhawk consists of animal matter. This means that this bird species is carnivorous.
Breeding
The breeding season takes place from April to June, but varies depending on the latitude. This bird species has a monogamous mating system, but partners can change every year.
Courtship behavior consists of flights with a rather harrier-like action while patrolling the territory. Both the male and female will perform undulating flights and dives as courtship displays.
Every year, the Eurasian sparrowhawk builds a new nest and is located in a forest near a clearing. The nest is built in the lower canopy, in a fork or on a branch. The nest consists of a platform of sticks with little to no green material.
The clutch consists of 1 to 7 eggs, but usually 3 to 6 eggs. There may be two replacement clutches in the same breeding season. The female needs an average of 32 to 34 days to incubate each egg. The male will only provide food until halfway through the brood. The female will feed the others. After about 26 days, the young males fly out and after about 30 days, the young females leave the nest. The young will continue to be fed for 3 to 4 weeks after fledging.