From Opus

Accipiter cirrocephalus

Photo by Megan Perkins.
Location: Nallan Station, West Australia, Australia

[edit] Identification

Length 30-40cm (12-16in.) Wingspan 55-80cm (21.5-31.5in). Females larger. Grey upper body with chestnut half collar; gray chin, but rest of underbody from chest to tail is finely barred in rufous and white. Long, thin yellow legs.

[edit] Distribution

Widespread and common throughout Australia and New Guinea in appropriate habitat.

[edit] Taxonomy

There are 3 subspecies.

[edit] Habitat

Forests and fields.

[edit] Behaviour

Expert and fast flyer that typically takes its prey (mostly small birds) in flight.

Its flat nest is built from twigs and sticks, lined with fresh leaves. The female incubates, and broods the young.

[edit] References

Birds in Backyards

[edit] External Links

• View more images of Collared Sparrowhawk in the ABID