Eurasian sparrowhawk

bird

Also known as: Accipiter nisus

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

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The Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is a small bird of prey belonging to the genus Accipiter, often classified with goshawks as true hawks. This species is characterized by its dark gray upperparts and brown-barred white underparts.1

The Eurasian sparrowhawk is a common resident of wooded areas across Europe, extending to coastal northwestern Africa and the temperate to sub-Arctic forests of Asia. Its diet consists of small birds, such as sparrows, as well as small mammals and insects. Hawks, in general, are found on all continents except Antarctica and typically prey on small mammals, reptiles, and insects, though some may hunt poultry.12

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sparrowhawk
The Eurasian sparrowhawk (A. nisus), dark gray above and brown barred white below, is a common inhabitant of wooded areas throughout Europe, in coastal northwestern Africa, and in temperate to sub-Arctic forests of Asia. The Levant sparrowhawk, or shikra (A. brevipes), is gray above and brown…
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The Eurasian sparrowhawk (A. nisus), dark gray above and brown barred white below, is a common inhabitant of wooded areas throughout Europe, in coastal northwestern Africa, and in temperate to sub-Arctic forests of Asia. The Levant sparrowhawk, or shikra (A. brevipes), is gray above and brown…
Read More