1A small Old World woodland hawk that preys on small birds.
雀鹰
Genus Accipiter, family Accipitridae: many species, in particular the widespread northern sparrowhawk (A. nisus)
Example sentencesExamples
Mr Reardon, a member of the Scottish Pigeon Racing Union, said members were calling for a cull of all falcons, including the sparrowhawk, because they were attacking pigeons and other song birds.
No doubt the element of surprise plays a large part in their capture of prey, but sparrowhawks are capable of performing remarkable pursuits and captures of such fast-flying birds as the redshank.
Birds of prey also suffered, with many sparrowhawks and kestrels too badly injured to survive, though many owls were successfully treated and released.
So why cannot hen harriers, sparrowhawks and goshawks be controlled to protect lapwings, curlews, golden plovers and, yes, pheasants and grouse?
We frequently come across tired, distressed birds while walking and cycling in isolated areas but the sparrowhawks seem to get the blame for any non-returning bird to the loft.
A sparrowhawk was calmly finishing off a blackbird six feet from my head.
The sparrowhawk is a serious threat to adult pied flycatchers and is the only common bird of prey in our study area.
Today, dozens of different birds stop by, from goldfinches, tits and sparrowhawks to ducks, doves and pheasants.
1.1North American The American kestrel.
〈北美〉美洲隼（见KESTREL ）
Example sentencesExamples
The windhover is related to the American sparrowhawk.
It is closely related to the American sparrowhawk, which it resembles in size.