The Collared Sparrowhawk is a medium-sized bird of prey that is found in various habitats across Australia. Its scientific name is Accipiter cirrocephalus, and it is also known as the Collared Goshawk, or simply the Sparrowhawk. This bird belongs to the family of Accipitridae and is a carnivore. This means that it feeds mainly on other birds, small mammals, and reptiles.
As the name suggests, the Collared Sparrowhawk has a deep collar of feathers around its neck, which distinguishes it from other Accipiter species. The male and female have different physical characteristics. The male is smaller with blue-grey wings, a reddish-brown breast and a shorter tail, while the female is larger with dark-brown wings and a more prominent collar.
Collared Sparrowhawks use their keen eyesight and sharp talons to hunt prey. They usually wait on a perch or in a tree, looking for small birds to swoop down and catch. These birds are known for their incredibly fast and agile movements, which enable them to catch prey on the fly. They can also hunt insects and small mammals, making them an important predator in the Australian ecosystem.
Collared Sparrowhawks build nests on tree branches, which are typically around 20 to 30 meters high. They prefer dense forests, woodlands and parks as their nesting habitats. During breeding season, which usually begins in August, the female lays one to four eggs and then incubates them for up to 35 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed and cared for by their parents until they fledge, which occurs after around 6-8 weeks.
Unfortunately, Collared Sparrowhawks are facing several threats in the wild. Habitat destruction and fragmentation due to urbanization and clearing of forests have led to a decline in their populations. They are also impacted by the use of pesticides and herbicides, which impacts their prey species. Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and reduction of pesticide use, are necessary to protect these birds and maintain a healthy ecosystem.