Shikra
\nThe
Shikra (
Accipiter badius) is a small
bird of prey in the family
Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal
raptors such as
eagles, buzzards and
harrierss.
The Shikra is a widespread resident breeder throughout south
Asia and sub-Saharan
Africa. It nests in trees, building a new nest each year. It lays 3-7 eggs.
This bird is a small raptor (26-30cm) with short broad wings and a long tail, both adaptations to fast manoeuvring. The normal flight of this species is a characteristic "flap – flap – glide".
The adult Shikra has pale grey upperparts, and is white, finely barred reddish below. Sexes are similar except that female is larger than the male. The juvenile is brown above and white, spotted with brown below. It has a barred tail.
Shikra is a bird of open woodland including savannah and cultivation. Its hunting technique is similar to other small hawks such as
Sparrowhawk,
A. nisus, or
Sharp-shinned Hawk,
A. striatus, relying on surprise as it flies from a hidden perch or flicks over a bush to catch its prey unaware.
The prey is
lizards,
dragonflies, and small
birds and
mammals.
References
- Birds of The Gambia by Barlow, Wacher and Disley, ISBN 1-873403-32-1\n* Birds of India by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6
