Collared Sparrowhawk
This sparrowhawk was sitting quietly on a branch above a scrubby patch of bush, on the edge of Manly Dam.
I think it’s a sparrowhawk, but it could be a Brown Goshawk. They’re very similar in appearance. Collared Sparrowhawks have a very long middle toe. This was the only photo I managed to take before the bird flew away, and the photo doesn’t show the toes too well. Brown Goshawks are larger than Collared Sparrowhawks, but it’s hard to judge the size of a bird.
Common name: Collared Sparrowhawk
Scientific name: Accipiter cirrhocephalus
Approximate length: 30-40 cm, wing span 55-80cm
Date spotted: 6 May 2020 (autumn)
Location: Manly Dam National Park, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’31.8″S 151°14’46.8″E
Posted on 2020/05/06, in Birds, Sparrowhawk and tagged australia, birds of prey, birdwatching, Collared Sparrowhawk, hawks, Sydney birds. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
Sydney Birder 
Great close up photo Sarah, it’s quite a beautiful bird whichever it is. 🙂
Thanks Sue! It’s always a thrill to see birds like this. They’re so quiet and self-sufficient. Encounters like this make me think about the fact that we’re all on this planet together.
Cheers
Sarah