Fw: Collared Sparrowhawk unusual prey item

["Shirley Cook" <>]

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.

Best wishes for Christmas and 2014,

Steve