The red-thighed sparrowhawk, alternatively known as the red-legged sparrowhawk or western little sparrowhawk, is a species of sparrowhawk in the family Accipitridae from western and northern central Africa. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Upper Guinea forests of West Africa east through parts of the Guineo-Congolian region into northern Central Africa. It favors lowland rainforest edges, gallery forests, secondary woodland, and wooded savannas with scattered trees. The species also uses forest clearings, plantations, and agroforestry mosaics where cover and perches are available. It keeps close to cover, moving along vine tangles, streamside vegetation, and paths within the forest. In some areas it overlaps with similar small Accipiters but is typically localized and unobtrusive.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, agile forest hawk, the red-thighed sparrowhawk is instantly recognized by its bright reddish thighs against otherwise grey-and-white plumage. It hunts with swift dashes through understory and along forest edges, often surprising small birds and lizards. The species is the western counterpart to the Little Sparrowhawk and has sometimes been treated as closely allied. It remains elusive and is more often detected by its sharp calls than by sight in dense habitat.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; highly maneuverable through cover
Social Behavior
Generally encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in suitable forested habitat. Breeding pairs build small stick nests high in trees, often near forest edges or along streams. Clutches are small, and both adults participate in nest defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, high-pitched kik-kik or kee-kee notes, often in quick series during displays or territorial interactions. Vocalizations carry through forest but are given sporadically, with prolonged quiet periods outside the breeding season.
Plumage
Slate-grey upperparts with fine banding on the tail and clean whitish underparts narrowly barred rufous to grey. Thighs show a distinctive rich red to orange-red wash. Juveniles are browner above with heavier streaking and barring below. Overall sleek, short-winged Accipiter-type silhouette with a long, banded tail.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small birds, lizards, and large insects such as grasshoppers and dragonflies. Hunts from concealed perches with sudden, low, and rapid pursuits through vegetation. Will also glean prey from foliage or snatch items from the ground or low branches. Prey is typically subdued quickly and plucked on a sheltered perch.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, gallery forests, and within gaps and trails where visibility and ambush opportunities are better. Frequently works riparian corridors and ecotones between dense forest and more open woodland.
