Shikra Bird Details
Accipiter badius
Shikra,Little Banded Goshawk, Indian Sparrowhawk;
Shikra
Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon in 1783.
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Accipiter
India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Egypt.
Appearance :
The Shikra is a small to medium-sized raptor with a sleek and streamlined body. Males are generally smaller than females and have a bluish-grey upper body and rufous-barred underparts. Females are larger and have a more brownish-grey upper body with paler underparts. Juveniles have brown streaks and yellow eyes, while adults have deep red eyes. The legs and cere (skin above the bill) are bright yellow.
Behaviour :
The Shikra is a highly agile and fast flyer, hunting small birds, lizards, and insects by surprise attacks from perches or short glides. They are territorial and often aggressive toward intruders, especially during the breeding season.
Habitat :
Shikras are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, plantations, and even urban areas. They prefer areas with some tree cover but are commonly seen in parks and gardens in towns and cities.
Diet :
The Shikra feeds on a wide range of prey, including small birds, rodents, lizards, frogs, and large insects. It hunts primarily by stealth, often perching quietly and ambushing prey with a sudden burst of speed.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Shikra is widely distributed across South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It is found from the Indian subcontinent through Southeast Asia to the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia, as well as in parts of northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Population Size :
The global population of the Shikra is considered stable.
Life Span :
In the wild, Shikras can live up to 7 to 10 years, with some individuals reaching 15 years in captivity.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Shikra is a small to medium-sized raptor with a streamlined body. It is an agile bird of prey with sharp claws and keen vision, designed for fast hunting. The body is compact, with short wings and a long tail, which aids in maneuverability.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (lower leg) length is about 40 to 45 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small and streamlined, with distinct, sharp red or yellow eyes in adults. Juveniles have yellow or pale brown eyes. The Shikra has a hooked bill typical of raptors.
- Bill: The bill is short, hooked, and adapted for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length: The bill length is approximately 1.5 to 2 cm.
Length :
The Shikra's body length ranges from 26 to 30 cm.
Neck :
The Shikra has a short, muscular neck, helping it to rapidly move its head while hunting and feeding.
Size :
Overall, the Shikra is a small, slender raptor. Males are smaller than females, showing slight sexual dimorphism in size.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and is one of the distinguishing features of the Shikra, helping with agility in flight.
- Tail Length: The tail length is about 13 to 15 cm, with dark bands visible across the tail feathers.
- Feathers: The upperparts of the Shikra are greyish-blue in males and brownish-grey in females. The underparts are whitish with rufous (reddish-brown) barring. Juveniles have streaks on the underparts. The feathers are soft, providing good insulation and aiding in silent flight.
Weight :
Males weigh around 100 to 150 grams, while females, being larger, weigh between 130 to 220 grams.
Wing :
The Shikra has short, broad, and rounded wings, which allow for quick and agile flight in dense environments like woodlands and urban areas.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 55 to 65 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Shikra has bright red eyes in adults (yellow in juveniles) and a sharp, hooked bill for tearing prey. Its facial features are sleek and sharp, aiding its predatory lifestyle.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Shikras build a small platform nest, usually high up in trees, but occasionally found in lower vegetation. The nest is placed 6 to 12 meters above the ground in a sturdy fork of branches.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is made of twigs and sticks, often lined with softer materials like grass, feathers, or leaves. It is a simple structure, but sturdy enough to support the eggs and chicks.
Breeding Season :
The Shikra breeds primarily during the spring and early summer months, from March to June.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season typically spans from March to June, with peak activity in April and May.
Egg Color :
Shikra eggs are typically pale bluish-white or whitish, sometimes with faint brown or grey spots.
Egg Length :
Eggs measure about 35 to 40 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is approximately 28 to 32 mm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 15 to 20 grams.
Clutch Size :
The clutch size ranges from 2 to 4 eggs, with 3 being the most common number.
No. of Broods :
The Shikra usually has one brood per year, but in rare cases, a second brood may be attempted if the first is unsuccessful.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts 18 to 21 days.
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the nestling period lasts 22 to 25 days.
Vocalization :
The Shikra’s call is a repetitive and high-pitched "kik-kik-kik" or "kee-kee-kee", especially during the breeding season. It can also emit a shrill alarm call when disturbed or during territorial disputes.
Sex Demorphism :
There is mild sexual dimorphism in Shikras. Females are larger than males, though their plumage is generally similar. The male's upperparts are typically bluish-grey, while the female’s are brownish-grey. Juveniles also differ with more streaking and brownish tones.
Migration Details :
The Shikra is largely non-migratory and is a resident species in most of its range. However, some local seasonal movements may occur, especially in response to food availability and weather conditions. Populations in northern regions might move short distances during colder months, but large-scale migration is rare.