Sparrowhawk Table Manners

["Philip Veerman" <>]

I have seen them feeding on the ground or on tree perches. Or starting on the 
ground, then being flushed and continuing on tree perches. Generally though you 
don't see it that often. Actually I don't know how good a generalisation it is, 
but when I have seen them (Collared Sparrowhawk) feeding, it has been on the 
ground under bushes or within dense shrubbery. I suspect this is a defensive 
thing against robbers like the Pied Currawong. Rather different from say 
Peregrine Falcons who will often feed out in the open on bare ground and 
Hobbies and Kestrels & Black-shouldered Kites that will feed on conspicuous 
open tree or pole perches (maybe because that is all there is). Large raptors 
may be even less fussy (or the prey is too big to carry) or there is little 
point carrying it, if it is not to go to a nest.

Philip