Birds Active during the day

Collared Sparrowhawk

Tachyspiza cirrocephala

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A master of stealth and speed, the Collared Sparrowhawk is the ultimate backyard acrobat. This slender raptor is a specialist in navigating thick foliage to surprise its prey, making it a thrilling find for any backyard birdwatcher.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 29–38 cm (11.4–15 in); Wingspan: 55–78 cm (21.6–30.7 in); Weight: 100-250g (3.5–8.8 oz)

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Colors

Slate-grey to blue-grey upperparts with a reddish-brown 'collar' on the neck. Underparts are finely barred with rufous and white. Bright yellow eyes and cere.

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Key Features

Distinct chestnut-colored collar on the nape
Long, slender middle toe projecting beyond other claws
Square-tipped tail when folded or in flight
Slight brow ridges giving a 'startled' expression

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 7-10 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily small birds (finches, honeyeaters, and sparrows), occasionally taking small lizards or large insects using a high-speed ambush strategy.

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Habitat Eucalypt forests, woodlands, and well-vegetated suburban parks and gardens.

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Where Does the Collared Sparrowhawk Live?

Native to the Oceania region, the Collared Sparrowhawk is a widespread resident across the Australian mainland, Tasmania, and New Guinea. It is also found on several Indonesian islands including the Moluccas and Lesser Sundas. These adaptable raptors thrive across diverse landscapes, from the humid tropical north to the temperate south, provided there is enough tree cover for nesting and hunting.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

4 Countries

9.5M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

AU Australia Papua New Guinea ID Indonesia Timor-Leste

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Collared Sparrowhawk is a master of stealth and high-speed maneuvers. Unlike larger raptors that soar high in the sky, this specialist hunter prefers to stay low, utilizing thick vegetation as cover. It is an ambush predator, often sitting motionless on a concealed perch for long periods before launching a sudden, explosive dash to intercept a smaller bird in mid-air.

In suburban environments, these hawks have become remarkably bold. They are known to 'raid' backyard bird feeders, not for the seeds, but for the gathered finches and honeyeaters. While they are generally solitary, they can be quite vocal during the breeding season, emitting a rapid, high-pitched 'kee-kee-kee' call that often alerts local songbirds to their presence.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Collared Sparrowhawk on camera, focus your efforts on water sources. These hawks frequently visit birdbaths, not just to drink, but to hunt other birds that are distracted while bathing. Position your camera at a low angle facing the birdbath, ensuring you have a wide enough field of view to capture their lightning-fast entry and exit from the frame.

Identify 'staging perches' in your yard—horizontal branches with a clear view of feeding or watering areas. Sparrowhawks will often sit here for minutes at a time before striking. Mounting a camera with a motion-trigger near these branches can provide high-resolution portraits that are otherwise difficult to get. Because they are so fast, use the highest frame rate or 'burst mode' available on your device.

Avoid using meat as bait, as these birds are triggered by the movement of live prey. Instead, create a bird-friendly habitat with native shrubs to attract their natural prey. If you have a bird feeder, place your camera 10 to 15 feet away, angled toward the side of the feeder. The hawk usually strikes from a blind spot, and this setup increases your chances of capturing the dramatic moment of a hunt.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Collared Sparrowhawk.

Brown Goshawk

Larger with a rounded tail tip and a heavy brow ridge that gives it a menacing expression compared to the Sparrowhawk's wide-eyed look.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Collared Sparrowhawks are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. These peak hunting times coincide with when small songbirds are most active and vocal near food and water sources.

The best way to attract them is to provide habitat for their prey. Planting dense native shrubs and maintaining a clean birdbath will attract small birds like finches and honeyeaters, which in turn draws in the Sparrowhawk.

Their diet consists almost entirely of small birds. They use their long, slender toes to snatch prey out of the air or off branches during high-speed chases through the canopy.

Yes, they are common in leafy suburban areas across Australia. They have adapted well to urban life, using garden trees for cover and taking advantage of the high density of small birds found in residential parks.

Look at the tail and the eyes. The Sparrowhawk has a square-ended tail and a wide-eyed 'startled' look because it lacks a heavy brow ridge. The Brown Goshawk is larger, has a rounded tail, and a prominent brow that makes it look 'angry.'

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