A David Mead original from Raptors of the World, published by Christopher Helm as a Handbook (2001) and a Field Guide (2005).

PLATE 39 in Handbook. (Field Guide plate 43)

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
Mainly Europe (including Britain), N Asia, N America

Northern Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Mainly Europe (including Britain), N and S Asia, NW Africa

Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes
Mainly SE Europe, SW Asia, E Africa

ABOUT THE BIRDS The powerful Northern Goshawk takes a wide range of birds and mammals, and can kill other large raptors. Now generally doing well in North American forests, the species has re-established itself in Britain, partly through falconry escapes.

Once severely affected by persecution and pesticides in Britain and other parts of its range, the Northern Sparrowhawk has made a good recovery. A specialist bird-killer, it often snatches prey from garden birdtables.

Mystery surrounds the Levant Sparrowhawk, which seems to disappear after migrating south from its breeding grounds. Large flocks head towards Africa, but it is not yet known exactly where these lizard-eating hawks spend the winter.

Medium Gouache on tinted acrylic gesso
Image size 8in x 12in (20cm x 30cm)