Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nissus)

Sparrowhawk

UK History

Until the mid-1950s, the sparrowhawk was common throughout Britain but then suddenly declined. The cause was found to be acute poisoning as a result of preying on grain-eating birds which had been feeding on seed treated against insect pests. Followng a ban on these toxic agricultural pesticides their numbers have recovered.

UK Status

34,000 breeding pairs. In the UK it is found everywhere, except for parts of the Scottish Highlands and Shetland.

Global Status

Sparrowhawks are widespread across Europe, Asia and North Africa. 340 - 450,000 pairs in Europe.

Biology

Nest in trees about 9m (30ft) off the ground. After laying in April to June, the female incubates 3-6 eggs for 39-42 days. The chicks fledge after about 24-30 days, but are not independent until about 3-4 weeks after leaving the nest. The average age for a breeding bird is 2 - 3 years; very few live longer than seven years.

Issues with humans

Sparrowhawks take some young game-birds, particularly if an unnatural surplus is reared and released into a wood. Gamekeepers traditionally hated them, killing them and destroying their nests whenever possible.

The recent recovery in numbers has led to an increased predation of garden birds which has fuelled the call by some people for a legal cull.

Future Outlook

The sparrowhawk is not currently a species of conservation concern. Although DDT residues are still found in the birds, pesticide contamination no longer depresses the population. Persecution is also much reduced since sparrowhawks were given legal protection. Habitat and food availability remain the main limiting and controlling factors.

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