Common Kestrel or Eurasian Sparrowhawk (How to Tell the Difference)

The Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and the sparrow hawk (Accipiter nisus) are two fairly widespread birds found in Great Britain and much of Eurasia. They live in similar habitats and can be difficult to tell apart from a distance, so what are the main differences between kestrels and sparrowhawks?

In general, the best way to tell the difference between a kestrel and a sparrowhawk is by looking at their plumage. The sparrowhawk’s plumage looks grayer overall, while the kestrel’s plumage looks warmer, consisting mainly of buffs and browns. In flight, the shape and color of the tail is an excellent way to identify each bird, as sparrowhawk tails are more of a “V” shape with a broad dark band of equal width across the tail. The kestrel has a rounder and more scalloped tail than the sparrowhawk. Male kestrels have only one dark band at the end, females and juveniles have many narrow bands.

These aren’t the only ways to tell the two birds apart, so read on to learn more about differentiating a sparrow hawk from a kestrel.

Kestrel in flight, from below

Sparrowhawk in flight, from below

Which is bigger, the kestrel or the sparrowhawk?

On average, kestrels and sparrowhawks are very similar in size. Nonetheless, if one compares average length and weight, Sparrowhawks are generally slightly larger, although the difference is negligible, only about 5 cm and 40 grams.

In both species, as with all raptors, females are larger than males.

European Kestrel Measurements

• The average length of a kestrel is between 27 and 35 centimeters.
• Male kestrels weigh between 136 and 252 grams, and females 154 to 314 grams.
• The wingspan of kestrels varies between 57 and 79 cm, with female kestrels generally being closer to the high end of the range.

sparrowhawk measurement

• The average length of a sparrowhawk is between 28 and 40 cm
• Male sparrowhawks weigh between 105 and 196 grams and females between 185 and 350 grams.
• The wingspan of male sparrowhawks ranges from 56 to 65 centimeters, and that of females ranges from 65 to 78 centimeters.

Common Kestrel or Rock Kestrel

sparrow hawk

Which is more common, the kestrel or the sparrowhawk?

Kestrels outnumber sparrowhawks in the UK, but that doesn’t mean you’re always more likely to see a kestrel. In fact, you are generally more likely to see sparrowhawks in your garden because they are more common visitors. Kestrels sometimes come into gardens, but less frequently.

Sparrow hawks and kestrels can be found and spotted year-round.

Sparrowhawks are often seen in towns, rural areas, gardens and open country. They can be found in most of the UK, apart from parts of the Scottish Highlands, Western Isles and Shetland Islands.

female sparrowhawk

Kestrels also have a wide and similar range of habitat, but are mostly found hovering high above the countryside and along highways, looking for prey. That’s not to say you won’t find them in town either, but they’re usually less common; however, kestrels have adapted well to man-made environments.

There was a time when the kestrel was the most common bird of prey in Britain. The recent decline means that the kestrel is now the second most common raptor and has been overtaken by a thriving common vulture population. These recent declines mean they are in amber in the UK. It is thought that the main reason for the recent decline is starvation, especially in juvenile fish during the first autumn and winter season. Other reasons for the decline were shootings, poisoning, accidents, collisions and illness.

female kestrel

Other Differences Between Kestrel and Sparrowhawk

Eye

If you’re close enough to see the eyes, adult sparrowhawks have bright yellow or orange irises, while kestrels have dark irises.

Like most raptors, both species have excellent eyesight, capable of spotting prey from great heights and distances.

head shape

The proportional size and shape of the head is another good way to tell them apart, as sparrowhawks seem to have rather small heads. The kestrel’s head usually appears rounder.

Close-up of a sparrowhawk

Close-up of a kestrel

flight

Airplane mode can be a good way to identify when in-flight. Sparrowhawks typically flap their wings five or six times, followed by a brief glide, a pattern that repeats as they soar through the sky.

Sparrowhawks also cannot hover like kestrels, an impressive and unique ability.

eating and hunting

Sparrowhawks are adapted to hunting birds in confined spaces such as gardens and dense woodlands. In the gardens, they have been recorded hunting 120 different species of birds, mainly small birds but also regularly preying on larger birds such as pigeons.

Sparrowhawks often fly low and use these attacks to surprise their prey.

Kestrels mainly prey on small mammals such as voles, shrews and mice. In fact, these usually make up about three-quarters of their overall diet. Small birds can constitute more food when small mammals are not so plentiful.

life expectancy

Both kestrels and sparrowhawks have an average lifespan of around four years, but both have been recorded to be over 16 years old.

call

Kestrels and sparrowhawks are generally relatively quiet birds that become more vocal during the breeding season.

The kestrel makes a piercing “kee-kee-kee” call, heard mainly at nesting sites.

Sparrow hawks make calls that resemble rapid clucks or chatter, similar to “kewkewkewkew.”

kestrel feather

Male kestrels have a gray head and tail with a dark black stripe at the end of the tail. The outer half of their upper wings are dark, and the rest of the wings and back are maroon with dark spots. The underparts are mostly white with spots, usually on the breast and lower coverts.

Female kestrels are similar to males, but they lack the gray head and tail. They also tend to have more even plumage and heavier spots. The tail also has no black band but many narrow bands.

Juveniles are very similar to females, but have lighter feet, legs, and wax.

sparrowhawk feather

The back and wings of the male sparrowhawk are stone gray or blue, with an orange stripe on the chest. Females have predominantly brown wings and a gray back with a brown stripe underneath.

Juvenile and young sparrowhawks are very similar to females, however, their breasts have more of a brown chevron pattern rather than horizontal stripes.

Comparing Kestrel and Sparrowhawk

kestrel

kestrel

Other names: Kestrel, European Kestrel, Eurasian Kestrel

length:

32cm to 35cm

span:

71cm to 80cm

weight:

156 grams to 252 grams

Get to know the kestrel

sparrow hawk

hawkbill

.

length:

28cm to 38cm

span:

55cm to 70cm

weight:

110 grams to 342 grams

Learn about Sparrowhawk