Confusion over call of Sparrowhawk.

[demicav]

We've had evidence of a Sparrowhawk in the garden but never seen anything. This morning I went out of the front door and flying into a tree quite nearby was a female Sparrowhawk, at least that's what I'm certain it was. I only got a quick glance but it was bigger than a pigeon, brown with barred underparts. The outline of it against the sky was the image of a Sparrowhawk too. At the time it was calling and this is actually what got my attention in the first place as I've never heard one before and it was new to me. Anyway I decided to go onto the RSPB site to listen to its call so I could confirm ID 100%. See link,

The RSPB: Sparrowhawk

Problem was it sounded different. The bird I heard didn't have as many changes to its call, it was a constant repetitive sound. Does anyone know if males and females differ slightly in their call ? Also does their call vary depending on what they are doing ?

[ChrisJB]

Hi Demi. Your description certainly sounds like a female sparrowhawk. Having just listened to the RSPB recording, the first one of the two calls is the one I am most familiar with when I'm out and about.
From my experience, birds don't always make 'textbook' sounds and can show a bit of variety depending on what they may be experiencing/doing, eg, distress, contact calls, song, etc.

Regards, Chris

[demicav]

Thanks for the reply. I'm certain now it was a female Sparrowhawk. The only evidence there's been of one in the area was when I found a half plucked Blackbird in the garden a while back, then nothing since until the sighting today. I'm very excited about it, maybe I'll get lucky and see her again.

[voleman]

Hi
Sparrowhawks are quiet for most of the year, but get vocal near the nest. They have a repetetive shrill call 'KEK KEK KEK' or a chattering call. They also have food calls when the male brings food for the female.Your decription sounds like a female but if she was nesting she'd be incubating as the male does not. She also broods them for a further 8-14 days. Hope this helps a bit.