The Spot-tailed Sparrowhawk bird is a small species of bird of prey that is native to Africa. They are also known as Little Sparrowhawks and are primarily found in wooded areas throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They prefer areas with tall trees and dense underbrush that can offer them cover while they hunt.
Spot-tailed Sparrowhawks are sexually dimorphic with females being larger than males. Males are typically around 25-30 centimeters in length while females are around 30-34 centimeters in length. They have a wingspan of between 50-60 centimeters, and an average weight of between 100-150 grams. They have long, slim legs and sharp, curved talons that are used for hunting prey.
Their plumage is mostly brown and grey with pale underparts. They have a distinctive white eyebrow and a rufous tail with black and white spots on the tip. This rufous coloration is where their name comes from. The juveniles have a striped plumage that gradually becomes more like the adult plumage as they mature.
These sparrowhawks feed mostly on small birds, lizards, and insects. They have a unique hunting technique where they sit and wait for their prey, then swoop down from above to catch it. They are also known to hunt cooperatively, with two or more birds working together to catch larger prey.
Spot-tailed Sparrowhawks are monogamous, and pairs will stay together for several years. The female will build a nest made up of small twigs, leaves and grass in a tree or shrub. They lay between 2-4 eggs, which they incubate for around 30 days. The chicks leave the nest after around 3 weeks, although they may still be fed by their parents for several more weeks.
Although they are common throughout sub-Saharan Africa, their population is declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by deforestation and human development. However, they are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN and are protected by law in many countries throughout Africa.