The little sparrowhawk is a species of Afrotropical bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter. It is the smallest member of the genus Tachyspiza and forms a superspecies with the red-thighed sparrowhawk.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occupies mosaic woodland, riverine forest, acacia savanna, and suburban parks with tall trees. Prefers forest edges, thickets, and clearings rather than dense closed-canopy interiors. Often follows riparian corridors and is tolerant of well-treed agricultural landscapes. Avoids open treeless grasslands and deep interior rainforest, selecting areas that provide both cover and hunting perches.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The little sparrowhawk is the smallest African sparrowhawk and has often been placed in Accipiter, though many authorities now group it in Tachyspiza. It forms a superspecies with the red-thighed sparrowhawk. Agile and secretive, it frequently hunts around woodland edges and even well-treed gardens, using surprise attacks from low perches.
Juvenile little sparrowhawk - Onrus, Hermanus, South Africa
A juvenile bird in South Africa
Adult bird at Phinda Game Reserve in South Africa
Temperament
secretive and agile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories centered on suitable hunting and nesting trees. Nests high in a tree, often near forest edges; the clutch is typically 2–3 eggs. The male provides much of the prey during incubation and early chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a high, rapid series of kek-kek or kik-kik notes, especially during the breeding season. Also uses sharp whistles and chittering calls in territorial or mate-contact contexts.
Plumage
Adults show dark grey upperparts with neat, fine barring on clean white underparts; females are slightly browner and more coarsely barred. A row of small white spots on the scapulars is often visible on the folded wing. The tail is grey with narrow dark bands and a pale tip; the throat is whitish.
Diet
Takes small birds as primary prey, along with bats, lizards, small rodents, and large insects such as dragonflies. Hunts from concealed perches, launching swift, low surprise attacks through cover. Will also pursue prey along hedgerows, riparian thickets, and around garden bird concentrations.
Preferred Environment
Favors woodland edges, riverine thickets, and well-treed suburban areas that provide both perches and cover for ambush. Often hunts along ecotones where open spaces meet dense vegetation.
