Collared Sparrowhawk
| Collared Sparrowhawk | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Falconiformes (or Accipitriformes, q.v.) |
| Family: | Accipitridae |
| Genus: | Accipiter |
| Species: | A. cirrocephalus |
| Binomial name | |
| Accipiter cirrocephalus Vieillot, 1817 | |
The Collared Sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrocephalus) is a small, slim bird of prey in the family Accipitridae found in Australia, and New Guinea and nearby smaller islands.
Description
The upperparts are grey with a chestnut collar; the underparts are mainly rufous, finely barred with white. It is similar in colouring to the Brown Goshawk but smaller, and shares its fast, flexible flight. The body length is 30–40 cm (11.8–15.7 in) and the wingspan is 55–80 cm (21.7–31.5 in). Females, which weigh 240 g (8.5 oz) as adults, are noticeably larger than males, which weigh 125 g (4.4 oz).
Distribution and habitat
The Collared Sparrowhawk is widespread through Australia and New Guinea except for sandy deserts. It is found in forests and woodlands.
Feeding
It feeds mainly on small birds caught in flight such as House Sparrows and Common Starlings, occasionally insects.
Breeding
This species nests in trees on a platform of sticks and twigs. The clutch size is usually 3 or 4. The incubation period is about 35 days, with chicks fledging about 24–33 days after hatching.
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