What do sparrowhawks look like?

Sparrowhawks have broad round wings, long tails and browny-orange stripes on a white belly. They also have yellow legs and sharp talons.

Male Sparrowhawk

Female Sparrowhawk with chicks

You can tell the difference between males and females as the female is 25% bigger than the male and has a white stripe over her eye. Also, the male has a more slate grey back whereas the female has a brown back.

Immature males look rather like females, but are quite a bit smaller.

Juvenile male sparrowhawk

In flight the rounded wings and long tail are conspicuous.