sandeyeThe sparrow hawk
February 12th 2011 16:39
The unfortunate sparrow in my last photographic posting is not the only food of this species. Many other small birds become its prey. Along with birds, the largest of which my father has reported to have lost to a sparrow hawk being a turtle dove, mice, frogs and bugs are also consumed.
For once, the female is larger than the male - being circa 3 inches longer. The male measures approximately 30 cm - 12 inches. With a slate-colored upper plumage, the underparts are beige-white-ruddy-ochre. The female has gray barrings underneath. The species can be distinguished by a whitish spot on the back of its neck.
Woodland and open countryside are where you are most likely to spot this species of bird; however, nowadays you may also find them visiting gardens.
Nesting occasionally on cliffs, the preferred nesting site is in a tree. The nest is made from sticks. Usually laying around 5 eggs in May, these will be white with rusty-brown splodges situated mostly at one end.
For once, the female is larger than the male - being circa 3 inches longer. The male measures approximately 30 cm - 12 inches. With a slate-colored upper plumage, the underparts are beige-white-ruddy-ochre. The female has gray barrings underneath. The species can be distinguished by a whitish spot on the back of its neck.
Woodland and open countryside are where you are most likely to spot this species of bird; however, nowadays you may also find them visiting gardens.
Nesting occasionally on cliffs, the preferred nesting site is in a tree. The nest is made from sticks. Usually laying around 5 eggs in May, these will be white with rusty-brown splodges situated mostly at one end.
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