Shikra

1. Bird Name

The Shikra (Accipiter badius)

2. Appearance

Both elegant and feral, the Shikra radiates a humble beauty that is hard to overlook. With its distinctive white-barred underparts and slate-gray upperparts, this bird exudes a distinctive allure. The adult male’s eyes are a striking red, a stark contrast to the immature birds and females, whose eyes are yellow. One of Shikra’s unique physical traits is the teardrop-shaped markings on its chest, transitioning to uniformly barred belly and tail. The Shikra also flaunts a sharp, hooked beak perfectly suited for its predatory lifestyle.

3. Size

The Shikra is a small bird of prey. The males typically have a length of 26–30 cm (10–12 inches) and the females being larger at 30-36 cm (12–14 inches). Their wingspan is fairly substantial, measuring 50–75 cm (20–30 inches). The weight averages between 85–160 grams (3–5.6 ounces).

4. Habitat & Distribution

The Shikra thrives in a variety of habitats across its range, including forests, farmlands, and urban areas. It is a widespread resident across Africa, the Middle East, and Indian subcontinent, extending as far east as Vietnam. It prefers lightly wooded country and open land with scattered trees.

5. Interesting Facts

Did you know that the name ‘Shikra’ comes from the Hindi word meaning ‘hunter’? Indeed, these little raptors are skillful hunters. Fascinatingly, the Shikra engages in a charming courtship display where the male dives and soars in the air while uttering a high-pitched call. Shikra is also believed to mimic the calls of drongos, babblers, and other birds, likely to create confusion amongst potential prey.

6. Diet

The Shikra’s diet is mainly composed of small vertebrates and insects. This includes birds, lizards, and small mammals such as rodents. Also included in their diet are insects like grasshoppers, caterpillars, and beetles.

7. Behavior & Sounds

Shikras, like other birds of prey, are solitary hunters and typically hunt from a perch. Their flight is unique as well, involving swift, direct flaps with wings held straight, combined with occasional gliding. Its call is a distinctive repeated high-pitched ‘ki-ki-ki-ki-ki’.

8. Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Shikra as least concern indicating that currently, they face no significant threats and have a stable population.

9. Lifespan

In the wild, the Shikra can live around 13 to 15 years. This can prolong in captivity due to the controlled environment with an absence of predators, with some reportedly living up to 20 years.

10. Additional Notes

In certain regions of Africa, the Shikra is also known as the ‘Little Banded Goshawk’. In relation to humans, the Shikra, especially in urban areas, is known for its lack of timidity, unafraid to make nests near human settlements. It plays a significant role in its ecosystem by helping control the population of rodents and insects, efficiently contributing to the balance of nature.