Eurasian Sparrowhawk male

Description:

The Eurasian (or Northern) Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Adult male Eurasian Sparrowhawks have bluish grey upperparts and orange-barred underparts; females and juveniles are brown above with brown barring below. The female is up to 25% larger than the male – one of the largest differences between the sexes in any bird species. Though it is a predator which specialises in catching woodland birds, the Eurasian Sparrowhawk can be found in any habitat and often hunts garden birds in towns and cities. Males tend to take smaller birds, including tits, finches, and sparrows; females catch primarily thrushes and starlings, but are capable of killing birds weighing 500 grams (18 oz) or more. The Eurasian Sparrowhawk is a major predator of smaller woodland birds,though only 10% of its hunting attacks are successful.It hunts by surprise attack, using hedges, tree-belts, copses, orchards and other cover near woodland areas; its choice of habitat is dictated by these requirements. It also makes use of gardens in built-up areas, taking advantage of the prey found there. (wiki)

Notes:

This male sparrowhawk caught a bird in my parents garden. It flew to a tree where it sat eating its prey. While it was busy eating I sneaked closer and closer. I ended up being only 2 m away. I have never been this close to a wild bird of prey. It was a great experience...