Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisus
Wingspan 60-75cm

Common and widespread raptor in much of Britain and Ireland. Recognised by relatively short, rounded wings and proportionately long, barred tail. Male appreciably smaller than female and has blue-grey upperparts and barred reddish brown underparts. Female has grey-brown upperparts and pale underparts with narrow brown barring. Catches small birds in flight by low-level, surprise attacks. Formerly heavily persecuted by gamekeepers but now protected and numbers are recovering to former levels. Year-round resident of woodland and farmland.