Eurasian sparrowhawk: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Eurasian sparrowhawk eggs hatch after 32–35 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 24–30 days and are weaned and independent at about 50 days. A typical clutch is 4–6 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 105-342 |
| Male weight (g) | 105-196 |
| Female weight (g) | 185-342 |
| Length (cm) | 28-40 |
| Wing chord (mm) | m 190-215, f 225-255 |
| Clutch size | 4-6 |
| Incubation (days) | 32-35 |
| Fledging (days) | 24-30 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | ~50 |
| Lifespan (years) | 8-12 |
| Breeding season | Wild: May-June. Rarely captive-bred; nervous. |
| Sexing | Female up to twice the male; male rufous cheeks/barring. |
| Moult | Summer moult. |
| Quarry | Quail, blackbirds, sparrows, small birds; traditional quail hawking on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. |
| Gulf heat tolerance | 3/5. |
| Temperament | Extremely nervous, quick; hard to keep in condition. |
| Disease prevention | Prevention: aspergillosis (stress, poor ventilation; accipiters very prone), bumblefoot, frounce (pigeon feeding), lead (shot quarry), coccidiosis in young birds. Vet for treatment. |
| Identification features | Small, short rounded wings, long square tail with 4-5 bars, long thin yellow legs, yellow-orange eye; male slate above with rufous barring below; female brown-grey with grey barring. |
Origin: Europe, Asia and North Africa — Scientific name: Accipiter nisus
Size: 28-40 cm, 105-342 g
Breeding and care tips
Small and very nervous; traditionally flown at migrating quail in autumn on Egypt's north coast. Hard to keep in condition.
Description
Small with short rounded wings and a long tail; the male has an orange-barred breast.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Gyrfalcon
- Saker falcon
- Peregrine falcon
- Barbary falcon
- Lanner falcon
- Laggar lugger falcon
- Prairie falcon
- Aplomado falcon
Frequently asked questions
How long do Eurasian sparrowhawk eggs take to hatch?
Eurasian sparrowhawk eggs hatch after 32-35 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Eurasian sparrowhawk lay?
Usually 4-6 eggs per clutch.
When do Eurasian sparrowhawk chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 24-30 days old.
When are Eurasian sparrowhawk chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about ~50 days.
What is the Eurasian sparrowhawk breeding season?
Wild: May-June. Rarely captive-bred; nervous.
How do you tell a male Eurasian sparrowhawk from a female?
Female up to twice the male; male rufous cheeks/barring.
How long does a Eurasian sparrowhawk live?
About 8-12 years with good care.