Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Fast flying agile hawk of woodland, fields and gardens

Habitat: forest, woods, fields, hedgerows, gardens, heath and coasts

Common and widespread resident

Both sexes grey above barring below; male has reddish barring; broad wings and prominent eyebrow

Often seen soaring or in dashing flight in pursuit of small birds; flaps with rounded wings for a few beats before gliding

Eats small birds up to the size of collared dove

Nest of twigs in trees

1 brood April – June; 4-5 white eggs with dark brown blotches