Where Do Sparrowhawks Live? (Habitat, Range + Distribution)

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (hawkbill) is a beautiful but deadly hunter. These birds are often shy and elusive, although they can be quite bold when hunting, something many garden bird feeders regret!

They are one of the smallest birds of prey in the UK and a species that can provide a fascinating birding experience. So, where do sparrowhawks live?

Sparrowhawks are found in forests and wooded areas across much of the UK. They have a wide geographic range, spanning Europe and Asia and reaching eastwards to Siberia and Japan. These birds migrate across parts of their range, and some even winter in East Africa.

Sparrowhawks like to nest in densely wooded areas, usually where trees grow together. However, these birds hunt in different habitats, with larger females foraging in open areas such as swamps and pastures.

This article introduces the distribution and habitat of the sparrowhawk. Read on to find out where you might spot these nimble sky hunters.

Sparrowhawks are found in forests and wooded areas across much of the UK

What is the distribution range of the sparrowhawk?

The sparrowhawk has a large and somewhat scattered distribution throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. They are mainly distributed in the northern hemisphere, but a few migrate to Kenya and Tanzania south of the equator.

The birds are partially migratory, meaning that some populations remain in the same area year-round, while others migrate between breeding grounds in the north and wintering grounds in the south.

Sparrowhawks are resident across most of Europe, although birds that breed in the north tend to fly south to escape the cold. Many of these birds join the resident population of British sparrowhawks in the fall.

The Eurasian sparrowhawk has a fairly wide distribution in Europe, Asia and Africa

Where do Sparrowhawks live in the UK?

There are six recognized subspecies of the Eurasian sparrowhawk, and only the named subspecies, hawkbill exist in the UK. Read on to find out where they live.

Sparrowhawks are found almost all over the UK, although they are not usually found in the Scottish Highlands, the Outer Hebrides and the Shetland Islands in the North Sea. They breed in every area of ​​the UK but tend to avoid the most open habitats without wooded areas.

What is the habitat of the sparrowhawk?

Sparrowhawks may be common across the UK, but if you want to see these elusive birds of prey for yourself, it’s vital to know which habitats they prefer. So, where should you look for a Sparrowhawk?

Sparrowhawks occasionally hunt in swamps and other open areas, although they are primarily forest and woodland birds. They use their speed and stealth to scare birds, often by maneuvering between tree trunks and branches.

However, you probably don’t need to travel far to have a chance of seeing these birds. In fact, sparrowhawks are becoming more common in villages, towns and even cities with parks.

These adaptable birds have even learned to take advantage of the increased density of songbirds around garden feeding stations.

Look for sparrow hawks in the following habitats:

• woodlands
• coniferous and mixed forests
• mature plantation
• Wooded parks and gardens

Woodlands and forests are one of the best places to spot sparrowhawks – the male perched on a branch

How rare is it to see a sparrowhawk?

Sparrowhawks are not uncommon in favorable habitats, although they are elusive and few in number. A quiet walk in the woods or plantation allows birders to spot these master bird hunters.

It is estimated that there are more than 30,000 pairs of sparrowhawks in the UK, but they were not always as common as they are now. Persecution by hunters in the 19th century, and the widespread use of organochlorines in the mid-1900s led to nesting failures, leading to dramatic population declines.

Sparrowhawks are most visible in the spring, when the birds display in pairs. Female sparrowhawks often hover over nesting areas, while more brightly colored males are displayed in slow undulating flight, often with steep dives and almost vertical climbs. However, they are territorial during the nesting season and pairs tend to be at least 500 meters apart, but often up to two kilometers apart.

Sparrowhawks can also be quite vocal during nesting season.listen to their voices cough cough cough During the first three weeks to a month after leaving the nest in late summer/fall, fledgling chicks will be chirping and begging.

Sparrowhawk bathing in a forest water hole

Where is the best place to see sparrowhawks?

Keep an eye out for sparrow hawks wherever healthy woodland or forest habitats are present. They also frequent established plantations and have even adapted to life in our towns.

When is Sparrowhawk coming out?

Sparrowhawks are diurnal birds. They do most of their hunting in the early morning and then remain relatively inactive until the late afternoon, when they may target roosting birds. Some sparrowhawks even hunt bats at dusk, but retreat to roost in trees at night.

Male Sparrowhawk perched, feeding on prey

Will the sparrowhawk stay in one place?

The British Sparrowhawk is resident so birdwatchers can see it year-round. However, other populations are highly migratory. For example, birds that breed in Russia and China fly south, wintering in subtropical and tropical regions of South Asia and East Africa.

Sparrowhawks are very territorial during nesting season, and birds with high-quality nesting territories with abundant prey supplies may be there year-round.

Hunting is relatively easy during the summer months when other birds are nesting. Sparrowhawks take advantage of helpless and clumsy chicks this time of year.

However, finding food during the winter becomes more challenging when the chicks are all grown and songbird densities decrease. This challenge has prompted many sparrow hawks to disperse and hunt over a larger range.

Females often abandon their summer woodland habitat in favor of more open terrain where they can hunt waders and even small game birds.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk in flight

Where do sparrowhawks live in winter?

Sparrowhawks stay in the UK all winter. In fact, there is a small influx in autumn when wintering birds migrate to the North Sea from their summer breeding grounds. The birds will return to Norway, Denmark and other Nordic countries in spring.

Sparrowhawks also increase in winter elsewhere in Europe, especially in central and Mediterranean countries. In the East, very few people reach Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.

Where do sparrowhawks live in the summer?

Summer is the breeding season for sparrowhawks. At this point, the breeding pair will remain near the nest while raising the chicks. Migratory sparrowhawks that winter in Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia return to their breeding grounds in Europe and North Asia to breed.

Close up portrait of a Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Do sparrowhawks live in groups?

Sparrowhawks do not come in flocks, although the adults will feed their chicks for up to a month after leaving the nest, so temporary family groups can emerge in nesting areas in late summer.

Sparrowhawks live alone during the non-breeding season. They come in pairs at nesting time, although birds that don’t find a mate (called floaters) come out alone year-round.