Chinese Sparrowhawk
NameChinese Sparrowhawk
Common NameChinese Sparrowhawk
Scientific NameAccipiter soloensis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)56
Length (cm)31
Weight (g)150
Plumage DetailsAdult males have slate-grey upperparts, white underparts, and bright yellow eyes with orange legs. Adult females are browner on the back and head, with faint barring on the flanks and breast. Juveniles resemble females but have more prominent streaking on the underparts and a scaly appearance on the back.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a high-pitched, rapid 'kew-kew-kew' or 'ki-ki-ki' call, often given during display flights or when agitated.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in East Asia, including eastern China, Korea, and Japan, and parts of southeastern Russia. It is a migratory species, wintering in Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Identifying Featuresslate-grey upperparts (male), white underparts, bright yellow eyes, orange legs, slender build, pointed wingtips in flight
Description
The Chinese Sparrowhawk is a small, slender raptor characterized by its distinctive slate-grey upperparts in males and brownish upperparts in females. It is primarily an insectivore, often seen soaring or perched in woodlands and forests, especially during migration.
