An analysis of sparrowhawkaccipiter nisusrecoveries from an area of South‐east England

Abstract

In this paper we analyse 105 recoveries of nestling Sparrowhawks ringed from 1974–1985 in an area of S.E. England. No significant difference between males and females was observed in recovery rate, time of recovery, manner of recovery or distance moved. First year birds had a peak in recoveries just after fledging, and a second peak in the following spring. The peak in recoveries of older birds was in spring. Significantly more first year birds than adults were recovered striking structures, usually glass, and the proportion recovered in this manner rose during the study. It is suggested that the increasing population has resulted in inexperienced birds moving into suburban areas where they are more exposed to the risk of striking windows. The mean distance dispersed decreased during the study; it is suggested that this represents stabilisation of the population at a new higher level. Results are compared with those from a study in south Scotland, and from the UK as a whole.