sparrow hawk

American  

noun

1. a small, short-winged European hawk, Accipiter nisus, that preys on smaller birds.

2. American kestrel.

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sparrow hawk British  

noun

1. a very small North American falcon, Falco sparverius, that is closely related to the kestrels

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Etymology

Origin of sparrow hawk

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Upon searching for the cause of a dull thump against one of our windows we discovered this sparrow hawk, just three yards from our window on our terrace.

From The Guardian

“A bird that sits more exposed will run a higher risk of being captured by a sparrow hawk,” Dr. Moller said.

From New York Times

He cited sparrow hawk nests and badgers as evidence that Sitka forests foster wildlife.

From The Guardian

Some may have been killed by birds of prey such as sparrow hawks, Carstens says, but others could have been victims of poachers.

From National Geographic

Hawks and owls have been found in convulsions — great horned owls, screech owls, red-shouldered hawks, sparrow hawks, marsh hawks.

From Literature