ChrisKten
It's true, I quite like Pigeons
As some of you will know, I see Sparrowhawks often, and I'm fortunate to see many kills. I've seen males take birds up to the size of Collared Doves, but Starlings/Blackbirds are usually the largest prey for males. This bird took and ate a Pigeon yesterday, and it's quite large compared to the other males that I see.
There's hardly any supercilium, and there's signs of rufous cheeks; I'd guess this was a 2nd or even 3rd year male. But it's size, and the fact that it controlled killed a healthy Pigeon quite quickly, is more on a par with a female.
So I thought I'd better confirm that it's a male. Pics taken through grubby windows, and in very poor light, but enough detail for sexing I think. I've loads more pics, but I think these two show enough to compare size and see the lack of supercilium etc.
Thanks.
There's hardly any supercilium, and there's signs of rufous cheeks; I'd guess this was a 2nd or even 3rd year male. But it's size, and the fact that it controlled killed a healthy Pigeon quite quickly, is more on a par with a female.
So I thought I'd better confirm that it's a male. Pics taken through grubby windows, and in very poor light, but enough detail for sexing I think. I've loads more pics, but I think these two show enough to compare size and see the lack of supercilium etc.
Thanks.