Collared Sparrowhawk unusual prey item

["Philip Veerman" <>]

This bit of extra info from Stephen Debus. Was sent to B-A but not yet cog
list. I was thinking to send response something like Stephen's input. I too
thought the "scavenge" suggestion odd. But as I wasn't there I don't know
either way........

Philip

-----Original Message-----From: 
 On Behalf Of Shirley Cook
Sent: Tuesday, 24 December 2013 5:37 PM To: Messages Birding-aus
Subject: Fw: Collared Sparrowhawk unusual prey item


Comment from Stephen Debus...

Hi Shirley,

My first reaction is that the accipiter was more likely to have been a Brown
Goshawk, as they can be difficult to tell apart if the tail is moulting or
obscured.  Also, there is no information on how big/old the rabbit was, but
presumably a  juvenile or immature.  Male Brown Goshawks can take young
rabbits (and female Goshawks fairly large rabbits), but a newly emerged
kitten would be within a female Sparrowhawk's capability too.  Brown
Goshawks occasionally scavenge, but not Sparrowhawks.

Steve