BILL CLARK
Did You Know?
- The Ovambo Sparrowhawk's hunting styles have been described as being very similar to that of a falcon
How The Peregrine Fund is helping
Though The Peregrine Fund doesn't work directly with Ovambo Sparrowhawk, our efforts in scientific research, habitat conservation, education, and community development help conserve raptors on a global scale. We also supply literature to researchers from our avian research library, which helps scientists around the world gather and share important information on raptor conservation.
Where They Live
This sparrowhawk lives in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, making its home in savannas and tall deciduous woodlands, including exotic tree plantations. It perches high up on the edge of tall woodlands.
Why They Need Our Help
This striking sparrowhawk is considered to be a species of Least Concern, which means conservationists aren't worried about this species in the foreseeable future. Rather uncommon in the more northern portions of its range, but widespread and common in many portions of southern Africa. Categorized globally as a species of "Least Concern"
What They Eat
This sparrowhawk feeds mainly on birds, such as doves and cuckoos, nightjars, and woodpeckers, among others. As you can imagine, catching birds is not an easy task, even for another bird! The Ovamba Sparrowhawk utilizes fast pursuits to overtake its prey. It sometimes hunts from an exposed or concealed perch, but also soars at times and stoops at prey.
Nest, Eggs, and Young
Both the male and female Ovambo Sparrowhawk work together to build small stick nests, which they place high in the crown of a large tree. The female will usually lay 3-4 eggs. The female is responsible for caring for an incubating the eggs while the male works hard to provide himself and her with food.
Ovambo Sparrowhawk and The World Center for Birds of Prey
The World Center for Birds of Prey offers fun ways to learn about birds of prey. The visitor center has interactive displays, tours, interesting videos and a children's room with activities from coloring sheets to quizzes to costumes and a touch table for the curious mind. We also have several different birds of prey on display year-around. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are on hand to answer any questions you may have about Ovambo Sparrowhawks or any other birds of prey.
References:
Global Raptor Information Network. 2021. Species account: Ovambo Sparrowhawk Accipiter ovampensis. Downloaded from http://www.globalraptors.org on 2 Dec. 2021
Kemp, A. C. and G. M. Kirwan (2020). Ovambo Sparrowhawk (Accipiter ovampensis), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.ovaspa2.01
