Eurasian sparrowhawk

The Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), also known as the northern sparrowhawk or simply the sparrowhawk, is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Adult male Eurasian sparrowhawks have bluish grey upperparts and orange-barred underparts; females and juveniles are brown above with brown barring below. The female is up to 25% larger than the male – one of the greatest size differences between the sexes in any bird species. Though it is a predator which specializes in catching woodland birds, the Eurasian sparrowhawk can be found in any habitat and often hunts garden birds in towns and cities. Males tend to take smaller birds, including tits, finches, and sparrows; females catch primarily thrushes and starlings, but are capable of killing birds weighing 500 g (18 oz) or more.

Eurasian sparrowhawk in "The Castle of the Sparrowhawk"
A special sparrowhawk was kept in a castle in Faerie. Anyone who kept this hawk awake for a week, and did not fall asleep himself, would be granted a wish by Lady Olissa, the mistress of the castle. Prince Rupen of Etchmiadzin undertook to earn the wish.