Red-Breasted+Sparrowhawk


 * Red-Breasted Sparrowhawk**

The Red-Breasted Sparrowhawk is more commonly known as the Rufous-Chested Sparrowhawk. They live in east, southeast, and south Africa in forests within grasslands. In Southern Africa, they can be found in exotic pine and popular plantations with gardens and open grassland.

This bird has a unique appearance. They have short wings and a long tail. Like most birds in their genus, the females are larger than the males. The females weigh 200 grams, while males only weigh 120 grams. Their wing span ranges from 70-74 centimeters and their size range is 33-40 centimeters. The bird's bodies are yellow and slate grey.

These birds reproduce by first building a nest of sticks high in a tree, typically towards the edge of a forest. This nest can be made of materials like leaves, bark and moss. Then, the birds lay eggs. They usually lay 2-4 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 33-35 days. Once hatched, the birds are fledged for 31-36 days. After that, the birds are fed for 3-6 weeks before being fully grown.

Usually, this sparrowhawk feeds on small birds like francolins, doves, larks and popits. They will also prey on longclaws and canaries. Occasionally, it will eat small mammals, reptiles and insects. According to IUCN, this bird isn't of any concern population wise. Over the past few years, the population has been increasing, therefore not posing a threat to this animal.