Distribution of the species
The Eurasian sparrowhawk is a Palearctic species that breeds in Europe (excluding Iceland), the Caucasus, the Middle East, Central Asia, Russia, Japan, Asia and Africa. In Bulgaria the species is found as transient, but also as permanent. During the nesting period it is found almost throughout the country, with the highest numbers in the mountains and foothills (Stara Planina, Pirin, Slavyanka, Vitosha) and the Black Sea coast. It is less common in the plains and lowlands.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
In Bulgaria, the Eurasian sparrowhawk reaches a body length of up to 35 cm and a wingspan of 62 cm. Males are smaller, have dark gray color and whitish below with rusty brown bands. Its tail has 4-5 black stripes. In females, the bands below are black-brown. The iris of both sexes is yellow. The young species resemble the females.
They are monogamous species. They nest on single tall trees in open places or on the edges of forests. The females lay 2-6 eggs, and incubates for 32 to 34 days. They feed on small birds up to 120 g, usually up to 7 km from the nest.
They are found in forests and their outskirts in the plains, foothills and mountains to the alpine belt. During the nesting period they are more common in the mountains and deciduous forests. During migrations and in winter it occurs singly in plains and settlements.
Conservation status
Unknown.
Conservation state
This species is included in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria (2015) with category „Endangered Species” (EN), as well as in Annex 3 of the Biodiversity Act (BDA).
The Eurasian sparrowhawk is listed in Annex I to Directive 2009/147/ EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November, 2009 on the conservation of wild birds.
This specie is also included in the Red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) of Threatened Species with category Least Concern (LC).
*Note: For the description of birds is used information from: Golemanski, V. & al. (eds). 2015. Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. Vol. 2. Animals. BAS & MoEW, Sofia [English ed.: ISBN 978-954-9746-22-8 (IBER – BAS), 978-954-8497-18-3 (MoEW)]; Michev T., D. Simeonov, L. Profirov. 2012. Birds of the Balkan Peninsula. Ecotan, Sofia, 300 pp; the website of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).