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

PLATE 40 in Handbook (Field Guide plate 44)

Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis
Japan, NE and SE Asia

Besra Accipiter virgatus
India, Himalayas, Sri Lanka, SE Asia

Chinese Sparrowhawk Accipiter soloensis
China, Korea, SE Asia

ABOUT THE BIRDS Although typically a forest species, the Japanese Sparrowhawk has taken to living in the parks and gardens of Tokyo and other cities since the 1980s.

The Besra is a close, but less migratory, cousin of the Japanese Sparrowhawk. Despite its small size, the Besra has been trained by falconers to strike birds as large as partridges.

The Chinese Sparrowhawk is a specialist feeder on frogs, lizards and waterside insects. It lives in woodland near swamps and ricefields.

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