Shikra

Shikra

(Accipiter badius)

• Description: 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.

• Distribution:

  The Shikra is a widespread resident breeder throughout south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Shikra is a bird of open woodland including savannah and cultivation. It nests in trees, building a new nest each year. It lays 3-7 eggs.

• Diet:

  Its hunting technique is similar to other small hawks such as Sparrow hawk, A. nisus 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.