165. Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

Eurasian Sparrowhawks are well-known raptors of gardens, leafy urban areas and woodland. They are widespread throughout Europe, resident for the most part except in the north where they are migratory, spending the winter in more southerly parts of Europe. They show striking sexual dimorphism (as do many of the raptors coming up) with the male being smaller than the female (he's in the photo), and the female being more brown-grey in colour. Juveniles are brown above with untidy barring on the breast. They have quite broad, blunt wings and a long square-edged tail, and a characteristic flight with a few wingflaps alternating with short glides.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk, ©swh, via Flickr Creative Commons.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk painting.

Hmm, head too big, feet too small, colours a bit off.....I still like it though. Those eyes!