Sparrowhawk

"Vanth"

Our Sparrowhawk hatched in 2019 and was brought up in front of everyone at the Centre. Sparrowhawks are very difficult to keep in a busy environment as they are small and very energetic. Vanth has settled well and can be seen zipping about in our shows showing off her super speed and agility. 

TERRITORY/LOCATION

This species is now one of the most common birds of prey in Europe, although the population crashed after the Second World War. 

HABITAT

Sparrowhawk is a major predator of smaller woodland birds, though only 10% of its hunting attacks are successful. It hunts by surprise attack, using hedges, tree-belts, copses, orchards and other cover near woodland areas; its choice of habitat is dictated by these requirements.

DIET

It also makes use of gardens in built-up areas, taking advantage of the prey found there. During one year, a pair of sparrowhawks could take 2,200 house sparrows, 600 common blackbirds or 110 wood pigeons, will, occasionally catch mice, voles and young rabbits. When there is a shortage of food it will even eat insects such as beetles.

SIZE/WEIGHT

29-41cm long, wingspan 59-80cm, weighing 110-342g  Females can be up to 25% larger than males and weigh up to twice as much.

NESTING

Sparrowhawk breeds in well-grown, extensive areas of woodland, often coniferous or mixed, preferring forest with a structure neither too dense nor too open, to allow a choice of flight paths. Breeding between May and August 4-5 eggs is laid.

LIFE EXPECTANCY

3 – 7 years old in the wild

20 years oldest recorded in the wild

The probability of a juvenile surviving its first year is 34%, with 69% of adults surviving from one year to the next. Mortality in young males is greater than that of young females and the typical lifespan is four years.

DID YOU KNOW?