Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisus
UK Green ListModerate📍 Grizedale Forest
Season
Year-round. Woodland hunter.
Best time of day
Morning. That dash through the trees.
Lake District
Grizedale. Borrowdale. Woodland edge. That dash. Small birds scatter. Male is small. Female bigger. Common.
UK population
Around 35,000 pairs. Recovered.
Overview
Sparrowhawks dash. That burst through the trees. Small birds scatter. Grizedale. Borrowdale. Male is small. Female bigger. Common. You'll see the scatter before you see the hawk.
At a Glance
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Habitat | Woodland · Woodland edge · Gardens |
| Diet | Small birds. Dashes through trees. |
| UK population | Around 35,000 pairs. Recovered. |
| Lake District | Grizedale. Borrowdale. Woodland edge. That dash. Small birds scatter. Male is small. Female bigger. Common. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Woodland edge. Grizedale, Borrowdale, gardens. That dash. Small. Fast. Takes small birds.
Identification
Small raptor. Short wings. Long tail. Dashes. Male grey. Female brown. Barred underparts.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Woodland edge. Watch for scattering birds. That dash. Common.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.