Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Northern Sparrowhawk)

The Eurasian Sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey specialized in hunting woodland birds. It features short, broad wings and a long tail for maneuverability. Adults have slate-grey upperparts and finely barred rufous-brown underparts.

Alternating bands of dark grayish-brown and pale greyish-white, with a broad dark subterminal band and a white tip. Melanin-based pigmentation providing camouflage.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous vane with strong, intact barbs and barbicels, displaying a small fluffy plumulaceous base at the calamus.

Stiff, smooth, and matte surface with high rigidity along the vane, designed to withstand high aerodynamic pressure during flight.

Distinct horizontal dark and pale grey barring with a square-ended or slightly rounded tip, robust central shaft, and specific size suitable for a small raptor.

Woodlands, forests, wooded agricultural land, parks, and large gardens backing onto open fields.

Widespread across the temperate and subarctic zones of the Old World, including most of Europe and Asia, extending into parts of North Africa.

Apex avian predator in local woodland and garden ecosystems, helping to regulate small bird populations.

Kestrel or Merlin, though sparrowhawk tail feathers tend to be broader and have more pronounced, evenly spaced dark grey-brown bars rather than heavy spots.

Females are significantly larger than males—a classic example of reverse sexual size dimorphism in raptors, allowing them to take larger prey.

Good condition with intact barbs, minor wear at the very tip, and clean vane structure.

Garden backing on to fields