Eurasian Sparrowhawk
SEXING:
Biometry is the most reliable way to sex sparrowhawks in all plumages, with no overlap in winglength: 182-220 mm in males, 224-255 mm in females (n=2221, Ottenby). Young birds are similar in plumage, although males tend to be slightly more rufous and often show more pronounced ’heart-shaped’ spots in underparts. Ad are often straightforward to sex on plumage alone. Ad males have rusty-orange tones on cheeks, throat and breast which most adult females don’t show, and tend to be bluer on upperparts. Ad females have a well-marked supercilium which is either lacking or poorly defined in adult males.
Female 1cy, August. In the case of juveniles, the sexes are similar in plumage, and any variation seen is on individual level. [6224911]
Male 1cy, October, showing variation. [5142537]
Female 1cy (left) & male 1cy (right), November. The size difference between sexes is usually striking. [6459084 & 5142566]
Male 1cy, October. A young male showing a paler plumage. [5130468]
Female 2cy+, October. Lacking any rusty orange colour in cheeks, throat and breast, showing a well-defined supercilium and less blue on upperparts. [6224980]
Male 2cy+ November. Rusty-orange in cheeks and breast. Bluer on upperparts. Poorly defined supercilium. [5130463]
Female 2cy+, September. Some females may show extensive rusty orange in cheeks, throat and breast, but still have a well-defined supercilium and less blue upperparts. [6458911]
Male 3cy+, November. An older male showing an intense red iris. [5084800]
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