The Levant sparrowhawk is a fascinating bird of prey found in various regions, especially in southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. This small hawk stands out due to its unique and striking features. Male Levant sparrowhawks are particularly notable for their sleek appearance, with a bluish-grey back, white underparts, and reddish bars on their chests, which give them a handsome and distinctive look. Females, on the other hand, are slightly larger and have a more brownish coloration, which helps them blend into their surroundings when nesting.
Its compact size makes it agile and swift in flight, allowing it to deftly navigate through forests and woodlands where it prefers to hunt. The Levant sparrowhawk’s diet mainly consists of small birds, insects, and occasionally small mammals. It’s particularly adept at catching birds on the wing, showcasing its impressive aerial agility.
During the breeding season, which typically starts in May, the Levant sparrowhawk constructs its nest in trees, often using twigs and lining the interior with softer materials like leaves and feathers. The female usually lays around 3-5 eggs, which she incubates while the male provides food. The strong bond between mating pairs and their cooperative parenting are notable behaviors that contribute to the survival of their offspring.
Migration is another fascinating aspect of the Levant sparrowhawk’s life. These birds are migratory, traveling between their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia to their wintering areas in Africa and the southern parts of the Arabian Peninsula. This journey can be quite long, showcasing the endurance and adaptability of these birds. Observing their migration can be a thrilling experience for bird watchers, as large groups often travel together, making for a spectacular sight.
Distribution
Albania
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Cameroon
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Georgia
Greece
Hungary
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Italy
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kuwait
Lebanon
Moldova
Montenegro
Niger
North Macedonia
Poland
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Tunisia
Turkey
UAE
Uganda
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
YemenAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
