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The Eurasian sparrowhawk, scientifically designated as *Accipiter nisus*, is classified within the Falconidae family.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect; *Accipiter nisus* belongs to the Accipitridae family, not Falconidae.
There are typically seven recognized subspecies of the Eurasian sparrowhawk.
Answer: False
Explanation: Generally, six subspecies of the Eurasian sparrowhawk are recognized.
The scientific name *Accipiter nisus* is derived exclusively from the Latin term for 'sparrow'.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Accipiter' means 'hawk', and 'nisus' refers specifically to the sparrowhawk.
The nominate subspecies, *A. n. nisus*, exclusively breeds in Europe.
Answer: False
Explanation: *A. n. nisus* breeds across Europe and parts of Asia.
What is the scientific designation for the Eurasian sparrowhawk?
Answer: Accipiter nisus
Explanation: The scientific name of the Eurasian sparrowhawk is *Accipiter nisus*.
Which of the following is not recognized as a subspecies of the Eurasian sparrowhawk?
Answer: *Accipiter nisus gentilis*
Explanation: *Accipiter nisus gentilis* is the scientific name for the Eurasian goshawk, not a subspecies of the Eurasian sparrowhawk.
The scientific name *Accipiter nisus* is derived from Latin terms signifying:
Answer: Hawk, sparrowhawk
Explanation: The Latin term 'Accipiter' signifies 'hawk', and 'nisus' refers specifically to the sparrowhawk.
Male and female Eurasian sparrowhawks exhibit minimal sexual dimorphism, with females being only slightly smaller than males.
Answer: False
Explanation: Females are considerably larger and heavier than males, representing a pronounced sexual dimorphism characteristic of the species.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk's morphology, characterized by short, broad wings and a long tail, is primarily adapted for high-speed pursuits in open-air environments.
Answer: False
Explanation: These morphological features are adaptations for enhanced maneuverability within dense woodland, not for high-speed open-air hunting.
Countershading in the Eurasian sparrowhawk is characterized by darker underparts and lighter upperparts, facilitating camouflage against the forest floor.
Answer: False
Explanation: Countershading in this species involves lighter underparts and darker upperparts, serving to camouflage the bird against the sky when viewed from below.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk's morphology, featuring blunted wings and a long tail, is optimized for swift, direct flight across open terrain.
Answer: False
Explanation: Its structure is adapted for agile maneuvering in dense environments, not long-distance, direct flight.
The weight disparity between male and female Eurasian sparrowhawks is minimal.
Answer: False
Explanation: Females are significantly larger and heavier than males, representing a pronounced sexual dimorphism.
The physical structure of the Eurasian sparrowhawk is adapted for swift, direct flight over extended distances.
Answer: False
Explanation: Its structure is adapted for agile maneuvering in dense environments, not long-distance, direct flight.
Which statement most accurately describes the size difference between male and female Eurasian sparrowhawks?
Answer: Females are considerably larger and heavier than males.
Explanation: Females are considerably larger and heavier than males, a pronounced sexual dimorphism characteristic of the species.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk's primary hunting adaptations enhance its capacity for:
Answer: Navigate quickly through dense woodland.
Explanation: The species' morphology, including short, broad wings and a long tail, facilitates exceptional maneuverability within dense woodland environments.
How does countershading contribute to the camouflage of the Eurasian sparrowhawk?
Answer: Pale underparts make it harder to see against the sky when viewed from below.
Explanation: Countershading with pale underparts disrupts the bird's outline against the sky when viewed from below, enhancing camouflage.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk's physical structure, characterized by blunted wings and a long tail, is best suited for:
Answer: Maneuvering through dense vegetation.
Explanation: The species' structure, including blunted wings and a long tail, facilitates agile maneuvering within dense arboreal environments.
Eurasian sparrowhawks inhabit exclusively dense, old-growth forests throughout their geographical distribution.
Answer: False
Explanation: While they inhabit woodlands, they are also found in areas with scattered trees and can adapt to urban environments with sufficient tree cover.
All Eurasian sparrowhawks undertake extensive southward migrations during the winter months.
Answer: False
Explanation: Migratory behavior is geographically dependent; northern populations migrate, while southern populations tend to be resident.
Modern forestry practices emphasizing dense, uniform tree stands have substantially benefited Eurasian sparrowhawk populations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Practices creating medium-aged stands with suitable cover near edges are more beneficial.
Eurasian sparrowhawks exhibit difficulty adapting to urban environments and actively avoid areas with significant human activity.
Answer: False
Explanation: They are known to adapt well to urban environments, hunting garden birds and nesting in city parks.
Which habitat type is least favored by the Eurasian sparrowhawk?
Answer: Open grasslands with no trees
Explanation: Eurasian sparrowhawks prefer habitats with trees for cover and hunting, making open grasslands unsuitable.
What factor primarily determines whether a Eurasian sparrowhawk migrates or remains resident?
Answer: The specific geographic location within its range.
Explanation: Migratory behavior is geographically dependent; northern populations migrate, while southern populations tend to be resident.
How do modern forestry practices, such as the creation of medium-aged stands, benefit the Eurasian sparrowhawk?
Answer: They offer suitable hunting grounds and cover near woodland edges.
Explanation: Modern forestry practices creating medium-aged stands provide suitable hunting territories and adequate cover in proximity to woodland edges.
How do Eurasian sparrowhawks demonstrate adaptability to urban environments?
Answer: By hunting garden birds and nesting in city parks.
Explanation: Eurasian sparrowhawks adapt well to urban settings by hunting garden birds and nesting in city parks, provided sufficient tree cover exists.
The primary diet of the Eurasian sparrowhawk comprises small mammals and reptiles.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Eurasian sparrowhawk primarily preys upon woodland birds.
Eurasian sparrowhawks achieve a high hunting success rate, capturing prey in more than 50% of their attacks.
Answer: False
Explanation: The species has a relatively low hunting success rate, estimated at approximately 10%.
The characteristic flight pattern of the Eurasian sparrowhawk involves continuous, steady wing beats.
Answer: False
Explanation: Their flight pattern is characterized by a series of rapid wing beats followed by a glide ('flap-flap-glide').
Eurasian sparrowhawks exclusively employ ambush hunting by perching and waiting for prey.
Answer: False
Explanation: While perching and waiting is one method, they also utilize soaring, low-level flight, and pursuit.
Parasitic infections in potential prey birds significantly reduce the Eurasian sparrowhawk's probability of a successful hunt.
Answer: False
Explanation: Parasitic infections often make prey more vulnerable, potentially increasing the sparrowhawk's success rate.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk typically engages in long-distance daily flights, frequently ascending high above the tree canopy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Their typical daily flight range is limited (2-3 km), and they generally only fly high for specific purposes like display or migration.
Female Eurasian sparrowhawks typically hunt prey that is significantly lighter than that hunted by males.
Answer: False
Explanation: Females, being larger, typically hunt prey that is considerably heavier than that hunted by males.
Adult male Eurasian sparrowhawks require a greater daily food intake compared to adult females.
Answer: False
Explanation: Females have a higher daily food requirement due to their larger size and metabolic needs.
Female Eurasian sparrowhawks predominantly hunt very small birds, such as finches and tits.
Answer: False
Explanation: Females typically hunt larger birds like thrushes and starlings; males are more likely to hunt finches and tits.
The hunting success rate of the Eurasian sparrowhawk is approximately 30%.
Answer: False
Explanation: The success rate is considerably lower, estimated at around 10%.
The Eurasian goshawk and the Eurasian sparrowhawk consume nearly identical diets.
Answer: False
Explanation: While both are raptors, their diets differ significantly in size and type, with the goshawk typically hunting larger prey.
The daily food requirement for Eurasian sparrowhawks is approximately equal for males and females.
Answer: False
Explanation: Females require a greater daily intake than males due to their larger size.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk's hunting technique primarily involves prolonged aerial chases designed to exhaust its prey.
Answer: False
Explanation: Their technique relies more on surprise attacks and agile maneuvering, often over shorter distances, rather than prolonged chases.
How does the typical diet of male and female Eurasian sparrowhawks differ?
Answer: Males hunt smaller birds; females hunt larger birds.
Explanation: Male sparrowhawks typically hunt smaller avian species, while females commonly capture larger prey.
What is the approximate hunting success rate for the Eurasian sparrowhawk?
Answer: Less than 10%
Explanation: The species has a relatively low hunting success rate, estimated at approximately 10%.
The 'flap-flap-glide' motion is characteristic of which aspect of the Eurasian sparrowhawk's behavior?
Answer: Flight pattern
Explanation: The 'flap-flap-glide' motion is a distinctive characteristic of the Eurasian sparrowhawk's flight pattern.
Which hunting method is NOT typically employed by the Eurasian sparrowhawk?
Answer: Hunting cooperatively in pairs
Explanation: Eurasian sparrowhawks are solitary hunters and do not typically hunt cooperatively in pairs.
Parasitized birds are more likely to be preyed upon by Eurasian sparrowhawks due to their:
Answer: Easier to catch due to impaired abilities.
Explanation: Parasitic infections often impair avian hosts' abilities, making them more vulnerable and thus easier for sparrowhawks to capture.
What is the typical daily flight range of a Eurasian sparrowhawk during routine activities?
Answer: 2-3 kilometers
Explanation: During routine daily activities, a Eurasian sparrowhawk typically covers a flight range of 2 to 3 kilometers.
Compared to males, female Eurasian sparrowhawks typically hunt prey that is:
Answer: Larger and heavier.
Explanation: Females, being larger, typically hunt prey that is considerably heavier than that hunted by males.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk's average hunting success rate of approximately 10% implies that:
Answer: It relies heavily on surprise and agility rather than guaranteed capture.
Explanation: The low success rate suggests a hunting strategy based on surprise and agility, rather than consistent capture.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk's hunting strategy often involves:
Answer: Surprise attacks from cover.
Explanation: Eurasian sparrowhawks are known for their surprise attacks, often initiated from concealed positions.
Which of the following is NOT a typical prey item for female Eurasian sparrowhawks?
Answer: Tits
Explanation: Female Eurasian sparrowhawks typically hunt larger birds like thrushes and starlings; tits are more commonly preyed upon by males.
A typical Eurasian sparrowhawk clutch consists of 8 to 10 eggs.
Answer: False
Explanation: A typical clutch size ranges from four to five eggs.
Solely the male Eurasian sparrowhawk undertakes incubation of the eggs and provides care for newly hatched chicks.
Answer: False
Explanation: The female primarily incubates and cares for the young chicks, while the male provides food.
The average lifespan of a Eurasian sparrowhawk in the wild is approximately 10 years.
Answer: False
Explanation: The average lifespan is around four years.
Eurasian sparrowhawks construct new nests annually, usually maintaining the same location.
Answer: False
Explanation: They build new nests annually, often in proximity to previous sites, but not necessarily in the exact same location.
Breeding success in Eurasian sparrowhawks is primarily contingent upon the availability of nesting materials.
Answer: False
Explanation: Breeding success is more closely linked to the male's ability to provide adequate food for the female and young.
The typical nest of the Eurasian sparrowhawk is constructed from substantial branches and lined with moss.
Answer: False
Explanation: Nests are typically built from twigs and are not usually lined with moss.
What is the typical number of eggs in a Eurasian sparrowhawk clutch?
Answer: 4-5
Explanation: A typical clutch size ranges from four to five eggs.
During the initial period post-hatching, who primarily provides care for young Eurasian sparrowhawks?
Answer: The female, feeding and protecting them.
Explanation: The female primarily incubates and cares for the young chicks during the initial period, while the male provides food.
What is the role of the male Eurasian sparrowhawk in feeding the young during the initial weeks after hatching?
Answer: He brings food to the nest for the female to distribute.
Explanation: The male's primary role in feeding the young during the initial weeks is to bring food to the nest for the female to distribute.
According to the source material, which factor is crucial for successful Eurasian sparrowhawk breeding?
Answer: The male consistently providing adequate food for the female.
Explanation: Breeding success is contingent upon the male consistently providing sufficient food resources for the female and young.
The primary cause of the Eurasian sparrowhawk population crash following World War II was extensive habitat destruction.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary cause was the widespread use of organochlorine insecticides.
The prohibition of organochlorine insecticides during the 1970s significantly contributed to the recovery of the Eurasian sparrowhawk population.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ban reduced environmental pollutants, allowing for improved reproductive success and population recovery.
Historically, conflicts between Eurasian sparrowhawks and humans have arisen primarily due to their role in pollination.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historical conflicts stemmed from perceived threats to gamebirds and poultry, not pollination.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk is readily trainable and is a preferred species for novice falconers.
Answer: False
Explanation: While used in falconry, they are considered challenging to train and not typically recommended for novices.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Eurasian sparrowhawk as 'Vulnerable'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Eurasian sparrowhawk is currently classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN.
Larger avian predators, such as the Golden Eagle, constitute the primary natural predators of the Eurasian sparrowhawk.
Answer: True
Explanation: Larger raptors, along with certain owls and mammals, are known predators.
Studies conducted in Britain indicate that increased predation by Eurasian sparrowhawks is the principal factor contributing to songbird population declines.
Answer: False
Explanation: Research suggests sparrowhawk predation is unlikely to be the primary driver; other factors are considered more significant.
The subspecies *Accipiter nisus granti*, indigenous to the Canary Islands, is not classified as threatened.
Answer: False
Explanation: This subspecies faces significant threats and is listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive.
The estimated global population of Eurasian sparrowhawks is less than 500,000 individuals.
Answer: False
Explanation: The estimated global population is approximately 1.5 million birds.
Collisions with man-made structures pose a significant threat to Eurasian sparrowhawks inhabiting urban environments.
Answer: True
Explanation: While adaptable to urban areas, these collisions are a noted hazard.
What was the primary cause of the Eurasian sparrowhawk population crash in Europe following World War II?
Answer: Widespread use of organochlorine insecticides.
Explanation: The population crash was primarily attributed to the widespread application of organochlorine insecticides, which caused eggshell thinning and direct toxicity.
How did the prohibition of specific insecticides contribute to the recovery of the Eurasian sparrowhawk population?
Answer: It reduced pollution, improving eggshell thickness and reproductive success.
Explanation: The ban reduced environmental pollutants, allowing for improved eggshell thickness and reproductive success, facilitating population recovery.
Historically, Eurasian sparrowhawks have been persecuted by humans primarily due to their perceived role as:
Answer: Threats to gamebirds and poultry.
Explanation: Historical persecution stemmed from perceived threats to gamebirds and poultry, not pollination or disease transmission.
According to the IUCN, the current conservation status of the Eurasian sparrowhawk is:
Answer: Least Concern
Explanation: The Eurasian sparrowhawk is currently classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN.
Which of the following is listed as a natural predator of the Eurasian sparrowhawk?
Answer: All of the above
Explanation: The Eurasian sparrowhawk is subject to predation by larger raptors, owls, and certain mammals, including foxes and martens.
Long-term studies on British songbirds suggest that Eurasian sparrowhawk predation is:
Answer: Unlikely to be the primary cause of population declines.
Explanation: Research suggests sparrowhawk predation is unlikely to be the primary driver; other factors are considered more significant.
What specific threats does the subspecies *Accipiter nisus granti* face in Madeira and the Canary Islands?
Answer: Habitat loss, illegal hunting, and egg-collecting.
Explanation: The subspecies *Accipiter nisus granti* faces significant threats including habitat degradation, illegal hunting, and egg collection.
Which of the following was a consequence of organochlorine insecticide use on Eurasian sparrowhawks?
Answer: Eggshell thinning and fragility.
Explanation: Organochlorine insecticides caused eggshell thinning, rendering the eggs fragile and susceptible to breakage during incubation.
What was the estimated global population of Eurasian sparrowhawks as of 2009?
Answer: Approx. 1.5 million
Explanation: As of 2009, the estimated global population of Eurasian sparrowhawks was approximately 1.5 million individuals.
The visual resemblance between the Eurasian sparrowhawk and the common cuckoo aids the cuckoo in evading aggressive responses from small birds near their nesting sites.
Answer: True
Explanation: The common cuckoo mimics the sparrowhawk's appearance, which deters small birds from mobbing it as it approaches their nests to lay eggs.
In the context of falconry, a female Eurasian sparrowhawk is designated by the term 'musket'.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Musket' refers to a male Eurasian sparrowhawk; females are typically referred to by their species name or 'hawk'.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk lacks significant cultural references in mythology or literature.
Answer: False
Explanation: The species appears in various mythologies, folklore, and literary works.
The name 'sparrowhawk' derives from its exclusive nesting behavior within sparrow nests.
Answer: False
Explanation: The name originates from its predation on sparrows.
The scientific name *nisus* for the sparrowhawk is linked to a figure in Roman mythology who was transformed into a hawk.
Answer: False
Explanation: The figure, Nisus, is from Greek mythology, and he was transformed into a sparrowhawk, not just any hawk.
In falconry, the term 'musket' for a male sparrowhawk originates from the French word for 'small cannon'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term likely derives from Latin 'musca' (fly) or Old French 'moschet', referencing the bird's small size, not 'small cannon'.
Folklore prevalent in England suggested that the common cuckoo transformed into a Eurasian sparrowhawk during the winter season.
Answer: True
Explanation: This belief reflects historical observations and interpretations of seasonal avian behavior.
The barred pattern on the underparts of the Eurasian sparrowhawk functions as camouflage, causing it to resemble the common cuckoo.
Answer: False
Explanation: The barred underparts are part of its own camouflage (countershading), and the resemblance is mimicked by the cuckoo for its own benefit, not vice-versa for camouflage.
The Old English term 'spearhafoc' directly translates to 'sparrowhawk'.
Answer: True
Explanation: This term reflects the bird's recognized predation on sparrows since ancient times.
In Shakespearean literature, the term 'eyas musket' denotes a young, aggressive falcon.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Eyas musket' refers to a young male sparrowhawk, and in context, often signifies a young, spirited person.
What is the ecological significance of the Eurasian sparrowhawk's resemblance to the common cuckoo?
Answer: It helps the cuckoo avoid detection by small birds when laying eggs.
Explanation: The common cuckoo mimics the sparrowhawk's appearance, which deters small birds from mobbing it as it approaches their nests to lay eggs.
What is the falconry term for a male Eurasian sparrowhawk?
Answer: Musket
Explanation: In falconry, a male Eurasian sparrowhawk is designated by the term 'musket'.
What is the etymological origin of the name 'sparrowhawk'?
Answer: It signifies a hawk that preys on sparrows.
Explanation: The name originates from Old English 'spearhafoc' and Old Norse 'sparrhaukr', directly translating to a hawk that preys upon sparrows.
The connection between the scientific name *nisus* and Greek mythology refers to:
Answer: Nisus, a king transformed after his daughter cut his hair.
Explanation: The specific epithet *nisus* is derived from Greek mythology, referencing King Nisus, who was transformed into a sparrowhawk.
The term 'musket', used for a male sparrowhawk in falconry, likely relates to:
Answer: Its small size, possibly referencing a 'fly'.
Explanation: The term likely derives from Latin 'musca' (fly) or Old French 'moschet', referencing the bird's small size.
What historical belief existed in England regarding the relationship between the common cuckoo and the Eurasian sparrowhawk?
Answer: The cuckoo transformed into a sparrowhawk in winter.
Explanation: A historical belief suggested that the common cuckoo transformed into a Eurasian sparrowhawk during the winter season.
In Shakespeare's 'The Merry Wives of Windsor,' the term 'eyas musket' refers to:
Answer: A young, spirited man.
Explanation: In Shakespeare's play, 'eyas musket' denotes a young, spirited male, combining the terms for a nestling hawk and a male sparrowhawk.