Do sparrowhawks hover? (1 Viewer)

H

helenol

Well-known member

• Dec 3, 2003

• #1

My neighbour said she saw what she thought was Mrs Spawk hovering. I always thought they flew rather low in a fast "surprise attack" mode - at least she does so in my garden.

 

Michael Frankis

conehead

• Dec 3, 2003

• #2

I've seen the occasional short hover over the top of dense bushes to try to flush out small birds that they know are hiding in there, but it is not normal Sprawk behaviour. If it was persistent, and high up, I'd be thinking mis-identified Kestrel.

Michael

 

H

helenol

Well-known member

• Dec 4, 2003

• #3

Thanks Michael.

 

C

cjay

Well-known member

• Dec 4, 2003

• #4

or Rough legged Buzzard.
CJ

 

M

Mike D

Hare today - gone tomorrow!

• Dec 4, 2003

• #5

Agree with Michael - They will 'screech to a halt; and hover for a short time over some unsuspecting meal before dropping closer, hoping to frighten it into flight. If the meal does, then quite often the meal is!
But a Kes-like hover - never seen it myself. As you said it's usually a pounce, using their favourite metod of moving from one side of a hedge to the other.

 

seb_seb

Well-known member

• Dec 5, 2003

• #6

ermmm

 

nirofo

Well-known member

• Dec 6, 2003

• #7

I agree with Spar all birds of prey can hover to some extent, some are obviously better at it than others, but Kestrels, Buzzards and yes Sparrowhawks are fairly good at it when they want to be.

nirofo.

 

B

bukem

Active member

• Dec 18, 2003

• #8

As it has been said sparrowhawks do hover, but not for any lenght of time and not as easily as a kestrel. If this bird you have seen hovers for more than 5 seconds I would imagine it's a kestrel. If you are able to see the bird in normal flight the wing shape and flight pattern should give you a clue

 

nirofo

Well-known member

• Dec 18, 2003

• #9

Hi bukem

Sparrowhawks and various other raptors such as Buzzard, Peregrine, Golden Eagle etc are more than capable of hovering for periods well in excess of 5 seconds.

nirofo.

 

B

bukem

Active member

• Dec 18, 2003

• #10

Hi Nirofo

I am aware all these birds hover but not for as long as you suggest i stand corrected thankyou.
I think this is quite uncommon behavior for them though isn't it ?.

 

Last edited: Dec 18, 2003

M

Mike D

Hare today - gone tomorrow!

• Dec 18, 2003

• #11

As I said in my thread:
"They will 'screech to a halt; and hover for a short time over some unsuspecting meal before dropping closer, hoping to frighten it into flight."

I was perhaps wrong to use the word 'hovering'. Perhaps I should clarify what I have seen:

I have seen a Spar quartering a hedge here in Norfolk when it has suddenly stopped it's forward motion (application of air-brakes) looked below, into the hedge and then swooped, almost 'stooped' down to the hedge.

I have never seen a Spar maintain a hover as do Kes. But I would like to hear if anyone out there has.

The two species have such different methods of catching prey that hovering in the true sense of the word does not easily lend itself to the ambush tactic used by the Spar.

 

nirofo

Well-known member

• Dec 18, 2003

• #12

I say again and emphasise the point, Sparrowhawks, Buzzards, Peregrines, Golden Eagles and others do hover for well in excess of 5 seconds !! I have observed this behaviour on several occasions. Sparrowhawks and Buzzards do it routinely, others less frequently.

nirofo.

 

E

Edward woodwood

Member

• Dec 18, 2003

• #13

words such as 'hover' may not be enough to convey the difference of meaning intended by all participants in this thread

I have never seen a Sprawk hover over a field as Kestrel does for any length of time

 

E

Edward woodwood

Member

• Dec 18, 2003

• #14

Hi Spar

have you seen a Sprawk hover apart from stall-hovering?

 

nirofo

Well-known member

• Dec 19, 2003

• #15

So as not to confuse, hover as in remaining hovering in one place for a length of time, using wing movements and thermals to stay in one place, usually during hunting. Not just a brief hover but for considerably longer than 5 seconds. Anyone who is familiar with the hunting methods of the various birds of prey will have observed Sparrowhawks hovering over a hedgerow, Buzzards hanging in the air over the side of a hill while watching a rabbit, or a golden Eagle hovering in the thermals while looking for Ptarmigan. Hovering, among the many other hunting techniques are what make these birds so successfull.

nirofo.

 

Last edited: Dec 19, 2003

B

bukem

Active member

• Dec 19, 2003

• #16

I think it is agreed spars do hover , as do wood pigeons.
now you think I'm daft right but it's true. I saw a wood pigoen despiratly flying into strong wind to reach a wooded area in front of it. As the bird flapped vigarously it remained stationary in the sky then as the pigoen began to move in reverse it realised it's piontless quest and flow to saftey.
I know it's not technicaly hovering because it was involentry but nether the less the wood pigeon did hover!