Small Sparrowhawks
Birds of Prey ... The Sport of Falconry
The Small Sparrowhawks (Accipiter nanus) - also commonly known as Sulawesi Dwarf Sparrowhawks or Celebes (Little) Sparrowhawks - are endangered birds of prey found on the islands of Buton and Sulawesi (except the southwestern parts), in Indonesia. They inhabit montane and hilly forests between 1,800 - 6,600 feet (~ 550 - 2,000 meters) elevations. Within their small range, they are resident (non-migratory). They are usually observed alone, but occasionally in pairs.
Their numbers have been declining due to habitat destruction. Very few records of this species except; however, they are known to occur in Lore Lindu National Park in central Sulawesi. They are classified as "Near Threatened" by BirdLife International.
Description
The upper plumage is lead grey and the plumage below reddish turning white towards the abdomen. The thighs are white. The toes are long.
Males and females look alike; except the females being slightly larger than the males.
They measure between 9 - 11 inches (23 - 28 cm), including the tail.
Breeding / Nesting
Their platform nests are typically placed in trees.
Diet / Feeding
They mostly feed on insects, such as grasshoppers and cicadas, and will also take snails and small birds. They typically take their prey off the ground following a fast dive.
Alternate (Global) Names
Chinese: 苏拉雀鹰 ... Czech: Krahujec celebeský ... Danish: Lille Spurvehøg ... Dutch: Celebesdwergsperwer ... German: Archboldsperber, Archbold-Sperber ... Estonian: väike-raudkull ... Finnish: Celebesinvarpushaukka ... French: Épervier des Célèbes, Épervier minuscule ... Indonesian: Alap-alap kecil Sulawesi, Elangalap Kecil ... Italian: Sparviere piccolo, Sparviero nano di Sulawesi ... Japanese: serebesutsumi ... Norwegian: Alvehauk ... Polish: krogulec rdzawopiersny, krogulec rdzawopierśny ... Russian: Целебесский ястреб ... Slovak: jastrab malý ... Spanish: Azor Chico Celebiano, Gavilancito de Célebes, Gavilancito Moluqueño ... Swedish: Sulawesihök
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