Japanese Sparrowhawk
Tachyspiza gularis
日本松雀鹰
Introduction
A bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Formerly placed in the genus Accipiter, it was transferred to Tachyspiza in 2024 based on molecular phylogenetic studies. Inhabits deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests up to 1800 meters elevation, preferring southern taiga and subalpine zones near rivers. Distinguished by its small size, broader rounded wings, and shorter tail compared to other accipiters. Three subspecies are recognized differing in distribution and appearance. Global conservation status is Least Concern, though the species is Endangered in Japan and protected in China.
Description
A small raptor with total length of 23–30 cm (9.1–11.8 in), wingspan of 46–58 cm (18–23 in), and body mass of 92–142 g in males and 111–193 g in females. Adult males have black-slate upperparts with white nape and whitish underparts with grey-brown and red-brown barring. They possess yellow legs, red-orange eyes, and a subtle throat stripe. Adult females are larger with brown upperparts, white underparts with brown-grey barring, yellow eyes, and a more prominent throat stripe. Juveniles are dark brown above with cream underparts marked by red-brown streaking on the breast and spots on the abdomen. The subspecies T. g. iwasakii is smaller with darker back, broader abdominal spots, and more rounded wingtips.
Identification
Small accipiter with relatively broad, rounded wings and short tail. Adult males show faint red-brown wash on chest sides, distinct brown-grey bars on wing-linings, and thin bands on flight feathers in flight. Adult females display white body and wing-linings with brown-grey barring. Both sexes show a throat stripe, more prominent in females. The species was formerly considered a subspecies of the Besra but is now understood to be more closely related to the collared sparrowhawk despite superficial similarities.
Distribution & Habitat
Breeds across eastern Russia to Sakhalin, Korean peninsula, Japan, and northeastern China. Inhabits various forest types including deciduous, coniferous, and mixed woodlands, typically below 1000 meters elevation. Subspecies T. g. sibiricus is migratory, breeding from Mongolia to eastern China and wintering in southeast Asia and Indonesia. T. g. iwasakii is sedentary, restricted to evergreen subtropical forests of the South Ryukyu Islands. T. g. gularis comprises a migratory population wintering in the Philippines and Indonesia, and a resident population in urban and suburban Japan. During migration (September–November and April–June), individuals move alone or in small flocks.
Behavior & Ecology
Secretive during breeding season, occurring alone or in pairs. Hunts by surprising prey from perches in clearings or by aerial chase, targeting small forest passerines including sparrows, buntings, warblers, and tits, occasionally larger birds like magpies and pigeons. Also takes small mammals, bats, insects, and reptiles. Vocalizes only during breeding with a chattering kiki-kik-kik call that varies in speed and volume contextually. Breeding occurs June–August; pairs perform courtship displays including bowings with kwu sounds and aerial sky dances. Nests are built in trees 10 meters high using twigs lined with leaves and bark. Clutches contain 4–5 eggs in Siberia and 2–3 in China and Japan. Incubation lasts 25–28 days.
Conservation
Globally listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List with an estimated 13,400 to 67,000 mature adults and stable population trend. Protected under Class II legislation in China. The subspecies T. g. iwasakii is classified as Endangered in Japan's Red Data Book due to declining nesting spots and reduced breeding success, though population parameters remain poorly studied. The species faces habitat loss pressures across its range.
Culture
The article contains no information on cultural significance, folklore, or human cultural associations.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Tachyspiza
- eBird Code
- japspa1
Subspecies (3)
-
Tachyspiza gularis gularis
breeds Sakhalin, Kuril Islands, and Japan; winters to Philippines and Indonesia
-
Tachyspiza gularis iwasakii
southern Ryukyu Islands (Iriomote and Ishigaki, southern Japan)
-
Tachyspiza gularis sibirica
breeds Mongolia to eastern China; winters to India and Indonesia
Data Sources
CBR Notes: 由Accipiter属移入重新恢复的Tachyspiza属（Lerner & Mindell 2005；Mindell et al. 2018；Catanach et al.2024）。
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.