Collared Sparrowhawk vs Golden Eagle

Accipiter cirrocephalus compared with Aquila chrysaetos

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Collared Sparrowhawk Golden Eagle
Scientific Name Accipiter cirrocephalus Aquila chrysaetos
Order Accipitriformes Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae Accipitridae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 81.0 cm (31.9 in)
Wingspan 42.6 cm (16.8 in) 212.0 cm (83.5 in)
Weight 180.0 g (6.35 oz) 4050.0 g (142.86 oz)
Diet -- Mammals including rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, and marmots. Also takes birds, reptiles, and carrion. Hunts …
Clutch Size 2-6 1-3
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Collared Sparrowhawk
Golden Eagle 81.0 cm
Wingspan
Collared Sparrowhawk 42.6 cm
Golden Eagle 212.0 cm
Weight
Collared Sparrowhawk 180.0 g
Golden Eagle 4050.0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Collared Sparrowhawk only

Golden Eagle only

Golden Eagle

Open and semi-open country including mountains, hills, and tundra. Prefers areas with cliffs or large trees for nesting and open terrain for hunting.

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Song & Call Comparison

Collared Sparrowhawk

Golden Eagle

Song

Mostly silent; emits a thin, high-pitched whistle 'kee-kee-kee' near the eyrie. Also gives low barking 'yak-yak' and mewing calls. Far less vocal than its size suggests.

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Geographic Range & Migration

Collared Sparrowhawk

Golden Eagle

Holarctic distribution across North America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The most widely distributed eagle species.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Collared Sparrowhawk

Least Concern

Golden Eagle

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How to Tell Them Apart

Collared Sparrowhawk

Golden Eagle

Plumage

Dark brown overall with a golden-bronze sheen on the nape and crown. Juveniles show distinct white patches at the base of the tail and in the wings.

Bill

Dark horn-colored hooked bill with a yellow cere

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About These Birds

Collared Sparrowhawk

The Collared Sparrowhawk, <em>Accipiter cirrocephalus</em>, belongs to the family Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles & Kites). This small raptor occupies forest habitats where accipiters typically hunt through dense cover in swift, agile pursuit of prey. Detailed plumage and behavioral descriptions of this species are limited in the available literature. The species is assessed as Least Concern, indicating no immediate threat to its overall population. Nesting records suggest a platform-style nest (nest type PL), with incubation lasting approximately 35 to 37 days and …

Golden Eagle

The golden eagle is one of the most powerful and agile raptors in the Northern Hemisphere. Revered by many cultures, it has been used in falconry for centuries, particularly by Kazakh eagle hunters of Central Asia. Golden eagles can dive at speeds exceeding 240 km/h when pursuing prey.

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Related Comparisons

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