BILL CLARK
Did You Know?
- The Small Sparrowhawk is known by a few other names including Celebes Little Sparrowhawk and Dwarf Sparrowhawk
- On Sulawesi, this species is considered the least common member of its genus, Accipiter
How The Peregrine Fund is Helping
Though The Peregrine Fund doesn't work directly with Small Sparrowhawk, our efforts in scientific research, habitat conservation, education, and community development help conserve raptors around the world. We also supply literature to researchers from our avian research library, which helps scientists the world over gather and share important information on raptor conservation. We also run the Global Raptor Impact Network which gives raptor researchers tools to more efficiently conduct their own studies while contributing to a global program. GRIN also provides citizen scientists a way to participate in raptor science and conservation.
Where They Live
The Small Sparrowhawk is found mainly in Sulawesi and Buton Island, in Indonesia. It inhabits primary hill and montane forest.
What They Do
There is still so much we need to learn about this lovely little raptor. Sometimes it perches on a high branch exposed to the early morning sun and flies swiftly through the forest. This species is rarely observed by people.
Why They Need our Help
While this species is categorized as Least Concern, it is likely that its populations are in decline. This is due to habitat loss.
What They Eat
Like other sparrowhawks, the Small Sparrowhawk feeds on a variety of small vertebrates and invertebrates. The majority of its diet usually consistes of large insects, such as cicadas and grasshoppers. It will feed on snails, and small birds. While not much is known about the hunting strategies of this species, it has been observed capturing prey by diving swiftly from a high perch or near the ground at forest edges.
Nests, Eggs, and Young
Scientists have no definitive information about the breeding biology and habits of this species!
Small Sparrowhawk and the World Center for Birds of Prey
The World Center for Birds of Prey offers fun ways to learn about birds of prey. The visitor center offers interactive displays, tours, interesting videos and a children's room with activities from coloring sheets to quizzes to costumes and a touch table - all available for the curious mind. We also have several different birds of prey on display year-around. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are on hand to answer any questions you may have about Small Sparrowhawks or any other birds of prey.
References:
Clark, W. S., G. M. Kirwan, D. A. Christie, F. Jutglar, J. S. Marks, and A. Bonan (2020). Small Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nanus), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.smaspa1.01
Global Raptor Information Network. 2022. Species account: Small Sparrowhawk Accipiter nanus. Downloaded from http://www.globalraptors.org on 29 Nov. 2022
