• The wingspan of female Eurasian sparrowhawks is 68–77 cm, while that of males is 59–65 cm. Females are heavier: their weight ranges from 250–320 g, whereas males weigh 130–150 g.

The Eurasian sparrowhawk chick possesses a small beak already featuring a hook, and receives torn prey from its parents, while a quantity of soft down feathers helps retain body heat. Young birds after rapid growth have brown plumage on top and dark stripes underneath for camouflage, and they possess sharp claws on their feet to grasp and hold prey, as well as a number of wings that allow for quick maneuvering between trees. Adult Eurasian sparrowhawks have a short, strong beak with a sharp hook to tear prey, and a quantity of large yellow eyes with keen eyesight to spot prey from a distance. The female’s plumage is brown on top and white underneath with dark-brown stripes, whereas the male’s plumage is greyish-blue on top and white underneath with reddish stripes that aid in courtship displays. Adult birds have long, sharp claws that firmly hold caught birds, and a number of short, broad wings allow for sudden turns in forests during chases.