The tiny hawk is the world’s smallest hawk, with adult males measuring just 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) in length and spanning as little as 38 centimeters (15 inches) across the wings. The little sparrowhawk is the lightest, with some individuals weighing as little as 68 grams (2.4 ounces) – less than many of the birds it hunts.
This article explores the smallest hawks known to science, focusing on the shortest and lightest reliably recorded individuals. These compact raptors inhabit forests, savannas, and mountains across six continents, and despite their modest size, each is a capable and efficient hunter. We examine how their size influences flight, behavior, and ecology—and why even these tiny hawks deserve a closer look.
Tiny hawk (Microspizias superciliosus)
- Body length: As small as 20 cm (7.9 in).
- Weight: As little as 75 g (2.6 oz).
- Wingspan: As short as 38 cm (15 in).
- Where found: Central and South American lowland and foothill forests.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
The tiny hawk is the smallest true hawk in the world, and one of the smallest birds of prey overall. Adult males may measure just 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) in length, weigh as little as 75 grams (2.6 ounces), and have a wingspan as short as 38 centimeters (15 inches) – comparable in size to a starling. While females are larger, the species overall remains among the smallest hawk-like raptors in the world. It has a compact build with short, rounded wings and a long tail, making it superbly adapted to maneuvering through dense tropical forests. Unlike many hawks that rely on soaring, the tiny hawk exhibits a unique, jerky flight pattern with rapid wingbeats and wing-folding glides. Despite its small size, it retains the fierce hunting instincts typical of its lineage.
This elusive raptor ranges from Nicaragua to northern Argentina, with particularly strong populations in the Amazon and Atlantic forests. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests, often below 1000 meters (3280 feet), including mature forest, edges, and secondary growth. The species is a specialized bird-hunter, ambushing small passerines and even hummingbirds from shaded perches in the understory. It occasionally preys on small mammals or bats. Though not globally threatened, it is seldom observed due to its secretive habits and patchy distribution.
Little sparrowhawk (Tachyspiza minulla)
- Body length: As small as 22 cm (8.7 in).
- Weight: As little as 68 g (2.4 oz).
- Wingspan: As short as 39 cm (15.4 in).
- Where found: Eastern and southern sub-Saharan Africa.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
The little sparrowhawk is among the lightest hawks in the world and one of the smallest members of the Accipitrinae subfamily. Males may measure just 22 centimeters (8.7 inches) in length and weigh as little as 74 grams (2.6 oz), but the very smallest individuals on record are females, some weighing as little as 68 grams (2.4 ounces) – an unusual case where sexual size dimorphism overlaps at the lower extreme. The species has short, rounded wings and a long tail, making it highly maneuverable in confined woodland spaces. Its flight is fast and agile, well suited for sudden bursts of speed during ambushes.
The little sparrowhawk ranges from Ethiopia to South Africa, inhabiting woodland, scrub, and river valleys, as well as drier habitats like fynbos and open grasslands. It has also adapted to suburban gardens in some areas. It is a solitary, monogamous species that nests in small stick platforms lined with green leaves, usually built by the female. An ambush predator, it hunts from cover and launches short dashes to seize small birds in flight – including species up to the size of a dove. Despite its small size, it can fall prey to larger hawks such as the gabar goshawk, while its chicks are sometimes taken by lizard buzzards. The population appears stable, and the species is not currently threatened.
Red-thighed sparrowhawk (Tachyspiza erythropus)
- Body length: As small as 23 cm (9.1 in).
- Weight: As little as 78 g (2.8 oz)
- Wingspan: As short as 40 cm (15.7 in)
- Where found: Western and Central African lowland rainforests.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
The red-thighed sparrowhawk is one of the smallest African hawks, with adult males measuring as little as 23 centimeters (9.1 inches) in length and weighing only 78 grams (2.8 ounces). Its compact size, rounded wings, and long tail make it well suited for navigating dense, lowland rainforest interiors. The species is named for the reddish bare skin on its upper legs, a feature often obscured by plumage. This hawk is highly secretive and mainly crepuscular, spending much of the day perched motionless in shaded understory layers. It often remains undetected even where locally common.
Found across western and northern central Africa, the red-thighed sparrowhawk inhabits lowland primary rainforest, mature secondary forest, and clearings along forest edges. It hunts primarily from a perch, launching rapid dashes to capture small birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Individuals are sometimes observed hunting cooperatively in pairs, particularly when targeting mixed-species bird flocks. Despite a suspected slow decline in some regions, the species remains widespread across its range and is not currently considered at risk.
Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus)
- Body length: As small as 23 cm (9.1 in).
- Weight: As little as 82 g (2.9 oz).
- Wingspan: As short as 42 cm (16.5 in).
- Where found: North, Central, and South America, including the West Indies.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
The sharp-shinned hawk is the smallest hawk in North America and one of the tiniest members of the Accipiter genus globally. Adult males can measure just 23 centimeters (9.1 inches) in length, weigh as little as 82 grams (2.9 ounces), and span only 42 centimeters (16.5 inches) across the wings. Females are 30-50% larger, a pronounced example of raptor sexual dimorphism. This small accipiter has short, rounded wings and a narrow tail with squared-off corners, allowing it to weave swiftly through dense vegetation in pursuit of prey. Agile and fast, it relies on ambush and sudden acceleration to capture birds mid-flight.
The sharp-shinned hawk occurs across a vast range from Alaska and Canada to Panama, with separate breeding populations in the Andes and southern parts of South America. It breeds in a variety of wooded habitats including boreal, deciduous, and cloud forests, as well as gallery woodlands and savanna edges, typically from sea level to 2,700 meters (8,860 feet). Outside the breeding season, it is highly adaptable and may be seen in open landscapes and even suburban areas. Its diet is dominated by small birds, but it also takes rodents, bats, and insects. Although deforestation may affect some local populations, the species remains widespread and relatively numerous. In parts of North America, long-term monitoring even suggests significant increases in numbers over recent decades.
Japanese sparrowhawk (Tachyspiza gularis)
- Body length: As small as 23 cm (9.1 in).
- Weight: As little as 85 g (3.0 oz).
- Wingspan: As short as 46 cm (18.1 in).
- Where found: Eastern Asia (breeding), Southeast Asia (wintering).
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
The Japanese sparrowhawk is a small and fast migratory hawk, with the smallest adult males measuring just 23 centimeters (9.1 inches) in length and weighing as little as 85 grams (3 ounces). Compact and agile, this forest-edge hunter has short, rounded wings and a long tail adapted for rapid flight through wooded terrain. It shares the classic accipiter silhouette but is lighter and narrower-winged than most of its relatives. Unlike larger hawks, it avoids closed-canopy interiors and prefers to hunt along clearings and woodland margins.
This species breeds from southern Siberia and Mongolia through eastern China, Korea, and Japan, and winters widely in Southeast Asia, reaching as far south as Indonesia and the Philippines. It nests in deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, particularly favoring Japanese red pine in some parts of its range, and makes small twig nests lined with green foliage. During migration and in winter, it shifts to semi-open areas with scattered trees, including agricultural zones and wetlands. While the population is currently stable, it may face future pressure from habitat loss due to logging and declines in preferred nest trees, as well as possible competition or nest predation by expanding crow populations.
Besra (Tachyspiza virgata)
- Body length: As small as 24 cm (9.4 in).
- Weight: As little as 83 g (2.9 oz).
- Wingspan: As short as 42 cm (16.5 in).
- Where found: Southern, Southeast, and East Asia.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
The besra is a secretive forest hawk found across much of Asia, with males measuring as little as 24 centimeters (9.4 inches) in length and weighing just 83 grams (2.9 ounces) in some Philippine populations. Although typical male weights are closer to 100 grams (3.5 ounces), individuals of the northern Philippine subspecies (T. v. confusa) represent some of the smallest known forms. The species has short, rounded wings and a long tail, giving it the speed and precision required for rapid pursuit in closed-canopy forest. Compared to its more open-country relatives, the besra is more elusive, spending much of its time deep in foliage.
This hawk is widespread across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, southern China, and parts of Indonesia and the Philippines. It is a resident breeder in dense forest, particularly lowland and hill forests, and shows a strong dependency on intact woodland. It preys mostly on small birds and insects, ambushing from cover or launching short, high-speed chases through trees. While the global population remains large, besras are suspected to be in decline due to ongoing deforestation, particularly in India, Java, and the Philippines. The rate of forest loss in its range mirrors its suspected population trend, though no other significant threats are currently known.
Shikra (Tachyspiza badius)
- Body length: As small as 26 cm (10.2 in).
- Weight: As little as 100 g (3.5 oz).
- Wingspan: As short as 48 cm (18.9 in).
- Where found: Sub-Saharan Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and southern Asia.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
The shikra is a small, fast, and highly adaptable hawk found across three continents. Adult males can be as small as 26 centimeters (10.2 inches) in length and weigh just 100 grams (3.5 ounces), with a modest wingspan of 48 centimeters (18.9 inches). It has a streamlined form with sharp, rounded wings and a long tail, allowing for rapid maneuvers through open woodlands. The shikra closely resembles the Eurasian sparrowhawk in appearance but is more tolerant of arid and semi-open habitats. Males are known for their display flights and high-pitched calls, especially during the breeding season.
Widespread across Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and much of South Asia, the shikra thrives in dry habitats with scattered trees, including savanna, scrub, plantations, and urban gardens. It avoids dense forests but can be found up to 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in elevation in some areas. While globally secure, the species faces localized pressures from habitat degradation and the wildlife trade. In parts of Asia and Africa, shikras are trapped for falconry, sold in markets, or used in traditional medicine. However, current levels of trade are not believed to be causing population decline.
Gabar goshawk (Micronisus gabar)
- Body length: As small as 28 cm (11.0 in).
- Weight: As little as 90 g (3.2 oz).
- Wingspan: As short as 56 cm (22.0 in).
- Where found: Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
The gabar goshawk is one of the smallest goshawks in the world, with small males measuring just 28 centimeters (11 inches) in length and weighing as little as 90 grams (3.2 ounces) – light for a member of its group. Although not a true Accipiter, it belongs to the same family (Accipitridae) and shares many characteristics of forest hawks, including a compact body, rounded wings, and a long tail. The species is also notable for its striking plumage polymorphism, occurring in both pale and dark morphs. Males are often seen displaying during the breeding season, chasing females between trees or calling from perches.
Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, the gabar goshawk inhabits dry woodland, thorn scrub, and savanna. It is usually sedentary, though younger birds may wander, and minor migratory movements occur in some regions. The species typically hunts small birds, reptiles, and large insects. It constructs small twig nests high in thorny trees like acacias. Remarkably, it decorates its nests with live spiders and their webs, which are believed to help camouflage the nest and reduce parasites by trapping arthropods. Despite some regional habitat pressures, the species remains common and stable throughout most of its extensive range.
Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
- Body length: As small as 28 cm (11.0 in).
- Weight: As little as 105 g (3.7 oz).
- Wingspan: As short as 56 cm (22.0 in).
- Where found: Across Europe, North Africa, and much of temperate and Central Asia.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk is the smallest hawk in Europe, with the tiniest adult males measuring just 28 centimeters (11 inches) in length and weighing as little as 105 grams (3.7 ounces). Despite being noticeably smaller than females (which can be up to 80% heavier) this agile woodland hunter is a remarkably capable flier. It has short, rounded wings and a long, narrow tail adapted for fast, twisting pursuits through forest undergrowth. Solitary outside of the breeding season, it is commonly seen darting after birds in parks, woodlands, and even gardens across its range.
Widespread from the British Isles to Japan and from Scandinavia to North Africa, this species occupies a variety of wooded habitats interspersed with open areas. Northern populations migrate south to wintering grounds in southern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, while others are year-round residents. Its diet consists almost entirely of small birds, often ambushed in flight. Although once heavily persecuted in parts of Europe and severely impacted by pesticide use in the mid-20th century, populations have since recovered in many areas. Localized threats remain, such as trapping for falconry in North Africa and habitat loss in island regions, but the overall population is currently considered stable.
Collared sparrowhawk (Tachyspiza cirrocephala)
- Body length: As small as 29 cm (11.4 in).
- Weight: As little as 126 g (4.4 oz).
- Wingspan: As short as 55 cm (21.7 in).
- Where found: Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, and nearby islands.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
The collared sparrowhawk is the smallest hawk found in Australia and Oceania, with males measuring as little as 29 centimeters (11.4 inches) in length and weighing around 126 grams (4.4 ounces). With its short, rounded wings and long tail, this small hawk is built for rapid bursts of speed and tight maneuvering through trees and underbrush. It closely resembles the larger brown goshawk but is slimmer and more lightly built, with long, slender toes and a characteristic square-tipped tail.
Widespread across mainland Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea, the collared sparrowhawk inhabits a variety of environments, from forests and woodlands to suburban gardens and city parks. It is typically solitary and secretive, though occasionally seen in urban areas. Although generally uncommon, it is not considered threatened. Habitat loss has been minimal in recent decades, and the species appears to tolerate degraded environments well. Its population is thought to be stable across most of its range.
Tiny hunters of the hawk world
From dense Asian forests to African savannas, North American woodlands, and Australian suburbs, the world’s smallest hawks display remarkable diversity in size, behavior, and habitat.
Despite their modest dimensions (some no larger than a songbird) these raptors are agile, efficient predators with the same sharp instincts and aerial prowess as their larger cousins. Though only a few belong to the genus Accipiter, others like Micronisus, Microspizias, and Tachyspiza show that small body size has emerged independently in multiple hawk groups.
By focusing on the lower limits of hawk size, whether in body length, wingspan, or weight, this list offers a rare glimpse into the miniature end of raptor evolution. These diminutive hunters prove that when it comes to survival and specialization, size is only part of the equation.
Further reading