The rufous-necked sparrowhawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is endemic to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter.
Region
Maluku Islands, eastern Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary lowland to montane rainforest, favoring tall, closed-canopy tracts. It also uses forest edges, logged forest, and occasionally overgrown plantations and riparian corridors. The species hunts within the mid-story and canopy, where dense foliage provides cover for ambush. Presence is highest where large trees remain and human disturbance is low.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small forest hawk confined to Indonesia’s Maluku Islands, it hunts stealthily inside dense canopy and along forest edges. It is often elusive, being detected more by its sharp, rapid calls than by sight. Ongoing deforestation on Seram, Buru, and nearby islands is the primary concern for its long-term survival.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season. Pairs maintain territories and nest high in tall forest trees, building a compact stick platform. Clutches are small, and both adults guard the nest and young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, high-pitched kek-kek-kek series, especially at dawn and near the nest. Calls can accelerate into a rapid chatter during territorial displays or when alarmed.
Plumage
Slate-grey upperparts with a warm rufous neck and upper breast, grading to finely barred underparts. Tail is grey with dark bands; under-tail coverts pale. Feathers are sleek and compact, suited for rapid maneuvering through forest.
Diet
An ambush predator that takes small birds, lizards, and large insects. It uses concealed perches and short, surprise dashes through foliage to capture prey. Occasional forays along forest edges and clearings are used to flush prey. It plucks avian prey on a perch and swallows smaller items whole.
Preferred Environment
Hunts within mid-story and canopy layers, often along edges, gaps, and stream corridors that concentrate prey movement. Selects perches with good sightlines yet ample cover to remain unseen.
