Chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk |
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The chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk (Accipiter castanilius) is a small bird of prey found in west Africa. It belongs to the sparrowhawk family, known as Accipitridae. This bird is special because of its unique colors and where it lives.
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Meet the Chestnut-Flanked Sparrowhawk
This sparrowhawk has a cool look! Its upper body is a dark, blackish-grey color. But its belly and chest are very striking. They have stripes of grey and brown. The sides of its body, called flanks, are a pretty chestnut color.
What Does It Look Like?
The sparrowhawk has a white throat and a head that looks quite wide. Its eyes are red, surrounded by a thin yellow ring. The part above its beak, called the cere, is also yellow. Female birds and younger ones tend to be more brownish. These birds stand about 25 cm (10 inches) tall. Their wings can spread out to about 60 cm (24 inches) wide.
Where Does This Bird Live?
The chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk lives in west central Africa. You can find it in countries like southern Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some people think it might also live in the forests west of Nigeria, but this is not yet confirmed.
Its Forest Home
This sparrowhawk mostly lives in warm, wet tropical rainforests. It likes to stay in the middle part of the forest, among the trees. But it can also live in areas where the forest has grown back thickly. Sometimes, it even comes close to homes within the forest. It can be found at heights up to 750 meters (2,460 feet) above sea level.
How Does It Live?
Scientists don't know a lot about the daily life of the chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk. We do know that in Gabon, they lay their eggs between January and April.
What Does It Eat?
This bird probably eats mostly other birds. But it has also been seen catching bats! Since it's rarely seen out in the open, experts believe it's a "still hunter." This means it sits quietly hidden in the leaves. Then, it suddenly flies out to catch its prey.
Clever Hunting Tricks
The chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk has some interesting hunting methods. It has been known to fly into houses to catch chickens or other small birds. It also follows columns of driver ants. These ants stir up small birds, making them easier for the sparrowhawk to ambush and catch.
Images for kids
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A chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk perched on a branch.
