Accipiter nisus (Linnaeus, 1758) · jastrab krahulec · Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Distribution

Sparrowhawk breeds across much of Europe and Asia, with populations also in northwestern Africa. It is a widespread Slovak breeder encountered year-round. Some birds migrate or disperse, and winter occurrence can be more conspicuous around settlements. A seasonal feeder visitor need not have bred at that site.

Habitat

It nests in forests and denser tree stands, often conifers, but hunts in parks, gardens and among buildings. Surprise cover and small birds are important. Across open ground it often flies low along vegetation edges.

Breeding

A relatively small stick nest is built in a tree. The female incubates usually four or five eggs and initially broods chicks while the male provides food. She may hunt later.

Food

It specialises in birds caught through sudden attacks and short pursuits. Smaller males generally take smaller prey than much larger females.

Interesting fact

Sexual size difference is pronounced. Short rounded wings and a long tail permit turns among branches; wingbeats alternating with glides help reveal its silhouette.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia