Tachyspiza cirrocephala
The Collared Sparrowhawk, *Tachyspiza cirrocephala*, is a captivating and agile raptor endemic to Australasia, renowned for its swift and acrobatic flight through dense canopy. This slender bird measures 29-38 cm in length with a wingspan of 55-78 cm, and weighs between 105-240 grams, with females typically larger than males, displaying distinct sexual dimorphism. Adults feature a slate-grey back, rufous-barred underparts, and bright yellowish-orange eyes. Key identification marks include lon...
Found in a diverse range of wooded habitats, from dense eucalypt forests and open woodlands to riparian zones, suburban parks, and even urban gardens, typically from sea level up to moderate elevations.
Primarily consumes small birds, ranging from finches to pigeons, caught in mid-air or snatched from vegetation. Also preys on large insects, small mammals, and reptiles.
The Collared Sparrowhawk is primarily a diurnal, solitary hunter, often active from dawn till dusk, though it can be crepuscular. It employs a variety of foraging strategies, including 'still-hunting' from a concealed perch, launching swift, surprise attacks, and engaging in agile aerial pursuit ...
The Collared Sparrowhawk is widely distributed across mainland Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, and adjacent islands in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It is primarily a resident species throughout its range, though local dispersal and nomadic movements occur, particularly among juveniles and out...
Least Concern
- Collared Sparrowhawks are among the smallest and most agile Accipiters in the world, capable of navigating incredibly dense forest. - Females are significantly larger than males, a common trait among raptors that allows them to hunt a broader range of prey. - They possess unusually long, slende...