The Collared Sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrocephalus) is a small, slim bird of prey in the family Accipitridae found in Australia, and New Guinea and nearby smaller islands.

Description

The upperparts are grey with a chestnut collar; the underparts are mainly rufous, finely barred with white. It is similar in colouring to the Brown Goshawk but smaller, and shares its fast, flexible flight. The body length is 30–40 cm (11.8–15.7 in) and the wingspan is 55–80 cm (21.7–31.5 in). Females, which weigh 240 g (8.5 oz) as adults, are noticeably larger than males, which weigh 125 g (4.4 oz).

Distribution and habitat

The Collared Sparrowhawk is widespread through Australia and New Guinea except for sandy deserts. It is found in forests and woodlands.

Feeding

It feeds mainly on small birds caught in flight such as House Sparrows and Common Starlings, occasionally insects.

Breeding

This species nests in trees on a platform of sticks and twigs. The clutch size is usually 3 or 4. The incubation period is about 35 days, with chicks fledging about 24–33 days after hatching.

Kobble Creek, SE Queensland, Australia

References

1. ^ BirdLife International (2008). Accipiter cirrocephalus. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 19 February 2009.

• Marchant, S.; & Higgins, P.J. (Eds). (1993). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol,2: Raptors to Lapwings. Oxford University Press: Melbourne. ISBN 0-19-553069-1