The collared sparrowhawk mainly eats small birds, the crested pigeon and spotted bowerbird are the largest birds that sparrowhawks have been recorded taking.
Not listed
Indigenous: Malawœrdœwœrdœ, Garrgany, Garrkkany, A-Malwirdiwirdi, Wandarra, Malwidiwidi, Tedulok, Dididi, Garrkany, Maliwidiwidi, Jiginok, Chicken-Hawk, Sparrowhawk
At a glance
FamilyHawks, Eagles, and Kites
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatThe collared sparrowhawk is widespread through mainland Australia , Tasmania and New Guinea and is found in all habitats except the driest deserts.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
66066approx records
7states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
When soaring, tail-tip is notched when not fanned out. When perched, look for a tiny bill, blank-staring expression (no heavy brow), and very skinny legs.
Behavior
Much less likely to circle high in sky than Brown Goshawk, and tends to stick to cover.
Gallery
Regional timing
New South Wales
Queensland
Tasmania
Western Australia
Victoria
South Australia
Northern Territory
Australian Capital Territory
Commonly confused with
Little EagleHieraaetus morphnoidesBoth light and dark morphs occur in varying frequencies throughout its extensive range. In flight note diagnostic black wingtips and tail barring. Can raise feathers on the back of the head to form a small black crest. Usually solitary.→Brahminy KiteHaliastur indusJuveniles are a darker brownish-black with a paler head and prominent white patches under the wings.→