Collared Sparrowhawk.
© J Irvine
Distribution map of Accipiter cirrhocephalus
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Collared Sparrowhawk
Scientific name: Accipiter cirrhocephalus
Family: Accipitridae
Order: Falconiformes
What does it look like?
Description
The Collared Sparrowhawk is a medium-sized, finely built raptor (bird of prey) with wide staring bright yellow eyes. The upperparts and side of the head are slate- grey, with a complete chestnut half-collar. The underparts are finely barred pale rufous on white and the rounded wings are rather short. The bill is black, with a pale yellow cere (fleshy bill base). The Collared Sparrowhawk has long fine yellow legs and very long toes, especially the middle toe. The tail is long and generally squared at the tip. The sexes are similar in appearance but males are smaller than females. The Collared Sparrowhawk is also called the Chickenhawk.
Similar species
The Collared Sparrowhawk is very similar in appearance to the related Brown Goshawk A. fasciatus, which has a rounded tail rather than the squared tail of the Collared Sparrowhawk. The Brown Goshawk also has a heavy brow, giving it a fierce look, and thicker legs and toes. Male Brown Goshawks (35-38cm) are much the same size as female Collared Sparrowhawks but female Brown Goshawks are considerably larger (40-55cm).
Where does it live?
Distribution
Collared Sparrowhawks are widely distributed across mainland Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea. Although widespread, they are generally uncommon.
Habitat
The Collared Sparrowhawk is found in woodlands and forests of tropical and temperate Australia.
Seasonal movements
Collared Sparrowhawks are generally resident but may be partly migratory, however their movements are poorly known.
What does it do?
Feeding
Collared Sparrowhawks mainly eat small birds caught in flight. They hunt during the day, and also at dawn and dusk to catch birds at their roost sites. Their very long middle toe is used to clutch their prey, before it is killed, plucked and eaten.
Breeding
The Collared Sparrowhawk builds a rather flat nest of twigs and sticks in the fork of a tree, usually high among the foliage. The nest is lined with fresh leaves. Mainly the female incubates, with the male helping at times, though he provides her with food. The female broods the young for the first week or so and then shelters them in very hot or cold weather. The young are fed with small pieces of food, bill to bill. Sparrowhawks are very calm at their nest, unlike the Brown Goshawk which is very aggressive.
Living with us
Living with humans
Collared Sparrowhawks will live near human settlements and in cleared areas if there are suitable trees and shrubs available for hunting and nesting. They eat introduced birds like House Sparrows and Common Starlings. They may even follow prey into houses when hunting.
References
Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds) 1993. Handbook of Australian New Zealand And Antartic Birds Vol. 2: (Raptors To Lapwings). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Olsen, P., Crome, F. and Olsen, J. 1993. The Birds of Prey and Ground Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, and the National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Simpson, K and Day, N. 1999. Field guide to the birds of Australia, 6th Edition. Penguin Books, Australia.
Hollands, D. 2003, Eagles Hawks and Falcons of Australia. Bloomings Books. Melbourne.