sparrow hawk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2formal, technical (ornithology), literary
Quick answer
What does “sparrow hawk” mean?
A small bird of prey in the genus Accipiter, specifically the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), which hunts small birds in woodland areas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small bird of prey in the genus Accipiter, specifically the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), which hunts small birds in woodland areas.
Any of several small, agile hawks that primarily prey on small birds; in North America, the term often refers to the American kestrel (Falco sparverius), a small falcon, though this is not taxonomically a true sparrowhawk.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'sparrowhawk' (often written as one word) refers specifically to the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). In American English, 'sparrow hawk' commonly refers to the American kestrel, a type of falcon. The Eurasian species is less familiar in North America.
Connotations
UK: Associated with woodlands and gardens, sometimes seen as a threat to songbirds. US: Often associated with open country, fields, and perching on wires; has positive connotations as a colorful, common falcon.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English due to the commonness of the bird. In US English, 'kestrel' is becoming the preferred ornithological term to avoid confusion.
Grammar
How to Use “sparrow hawk” in a Sentence
The sparrowhawk [verb: dove, swooped, perched] [prepositional phrase: from the oak tree, on the fence post].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sparrow hawk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hobby can outfly and sparrowhawk smaller birds in aerial pursuit. (rare, metaphorical use)
adjective
British English
- He moved with a sparrowhawk intensity, watching every movement. (metaphorical)
American English
- She had a sparrow-hawk focus when negotiating. (hyphenated attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially in brand names or metaphors for agility ('our strategy was sparrowhawk-quick').
Academic
Used in ornithology, zoology, and ecology papers to specify species.
Everyday
Used by birdwatchers and in nature discussions; not common in general urban conversation.
Technical
Precise taxonomic reference in wildlife biology; distinction between Accipiter and Falco is crucial.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sparrow hawk”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sparrow hawk”
- Using 'sparrow hawk' to refer to large hawks like the red-tailed hawk.
- Incorrectly capitalising as a proper noun (unless starting a sentence).
- Misspelling as 'sparrowhawk' in US contexts where it is traditionally two words.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In North America, the term 'sparrow hawk' often refers to the American kestrel, which is a type of falcon. In Europe, the sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is a different type of bird of prey in the hawk family. They are not the same species.
Eurasian sparrowhawks are small hawks with short, rounded wings and a long tail. Males have blue-grey upper parts and orange-barred underparts, while females are larger and brownish with grey barring.
No, the Eurasian sparrowhawk is classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN. Its populations are generally stable, though it faced declines in the mid-20th century due to pesticide use.
The key difference is the species referred to. In the UK, it denotes the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). In the US, it traditionally refers to the American kestrel (Falco sparverius), a falcon, leading to potential confusion in international communication.
A small bird of prey in the genus Accipiter, specifically the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), which hunts small birds in woodland areas.
Sparrow hawk is usually formal, technical (ornithology), literary in register.
Sparrow hawk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspær.əʊ ˌhɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsper.oʊ ˌhɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a sparrowhawk on the wing (meaning: with sudden, agile speed).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small, speedy hawk that specialises in catching sparrows – a SPARROW-HAWK.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGILITY IS A SPARROWHAWK'S STRIKE; PRECISION IS A SPARROWHAWK'S FOCUS.
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what bird is commonly called a 'sparrow hawk'?