Japanese Sparrowhawk Bird Details
Accipiter gularis
Japanese Sparrowhawk,Asian Sparrowhawk, Grey Hawk, Little Sparrowhawk;
Japani Baaz
Temminck & Schlegel, 1844
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Accipiter
Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Russia (Far East), India(Assam and Arunachal Pradesh during migration seasons).
Appearance :
Small-sized hawk. Male has dark grey upperparts, with a slightly bluish tinge and pale underparts with fine orange barring. Female is larger than males, with a brownish-grey upperpart and more distinct orange barring. Juveniles has brown upperparts, with streaked and barred underparts.
Behaviour :
Agile and fast flyer, especially when hunting. Usually solitary or found in pairs during the breeding season. Territorial during the breeding period. Often hunts small birds, catching them mid-flight.
Habitat :
Prefers forested areas, especially dense woodlands. Found in both lowland and montane forests. Often seen in wooded suburban areas during migration.
Diet :
Mainly small birds, but also insects, small mammals, and occasionally reptiles. Hunts using swift, low-level flight and quick, precise strikes.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found primarily in East Asia, breeding in regions like Japan, Korea, China, and the Russian Far East. Migrates to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of mainland Southeast Asia, during the non-breeding season.
Population Size :
The population of the Japanese sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis) is estimated to be between 13,400 and 67,000 mature adults, and is considered stable.
Life Span :
Typically around 8-12 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
Head And Bill :
- Head: Relatively small with a rounded shape; features a distinctive facial pattern with a pronounced eye stripe.
- Bill: Short and hooked, adapted for catching and consuming small birds and prey.
- Bill Length: Around 2.5 cm.
Length :
Typically ranges from 28 to 38 cm
Neck :
Short and thick, supporting the head.
Size :
Small to medium-sized raptor, significantly smaller than larger hawks or eagles.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and square-tipped, essential for maneuverability during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 12 to 15 cm.
- Feathers: Dark brown to grayish above, with white underparts and dark streaks; the plumage provides excellent camouflage.
Weight :
Varies from 150 grams for males to 350 grams for females.
Wing :
Broad wings with pointed tips, allowing for agile flying and quick turns.
Wing Span :
Ranges from 65 to 80 cm.
Facial Feature :
Notable for its sharp, striking eyes, often with a pale supercilium (eyebrow-like stripe) and dark cap.
Nest Details :
Breeding Season :
Generally occurs from March to July.
Nesting Season :
Typically, the nesting season peaks in April to June.
Egg Color :
Usually pale blue or bluish-white, often with some speckling.
Egg Length :
Approximately 3.3 to 4.0 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
Clutch Size :
Typically consists of 3 to 5 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Usually raises one brood per year, although some pairs may attempt a second brood if conditions allow.
Incubation Period :
Lasts about 28 to 32 days.
Nestling Period :
Young fledglings usually leave the nest about 28 to 35 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Known for a series of sharp, high-pitched calls, often described as a "kak-kak" sound during the breeding season and when alarmed.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are larger than males, with distinct size differences evident in body mass and dimensions.
Migration Details :