Besra Bird Details
Accipiter virgatus
Besra,Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Tree Hawk;
Besra, Dhoti
Coenraad Jacob Temminck, 1822
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Accipiter
India(Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur, Himalayan regions), Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Appearance :
The Besra is a small to medium-sized raptor characterized by a short tail and broad wings. The upperparts are generally dark gray or brown, while the underparts are lighter with dark streaks. Males tend to be more bluish-gray, whereas females are brownish.
Behaviour :
Known for its agility and quick flight; it often hunts in wooded areas. Besras are solitary or found in pairs, displaying territorial behavior during the breeding season.
Habitat :
Prefers forests, particularly subtropical and tropical areas, but can also be found in open woodlands and plantations. They thrive in elevations ranging from lowland to mountainous regions.
Diet :
Primarily feeds on small birds, including finches, warblers, and sometimes small mammals and insects. They hunt using ambush tactics and short, quick flights.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Besra is found across various regions in Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of East Asia.
Population Size :
The global population of the besra (Accipiter virgatus) is estimated to be close to 100,000 birds.
Life Span :
Typically ranges from 5 to 10 years in the wild
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Besra is a small to medium-sized raptor with a compact body and a relatively short tail. It exhibits a sleek, aerodynamic shape suited for agility in flight.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 5 to 6.5 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small compared to the body, with a rounded shape and a distinct facial pattern. The eyes are sharp and well-adapted for hunting.
- Bill: The bill is short, hooked, and strong, ideal for catching and consuming prey.
- Bill Length: Around 2.5 to 3.0 cm.
Length :
Typically ranges from 28 to 35 cm
Neck :
The neck is short, supporting the head and contributing to the bird's streamlined shape.
Size :
It is a small to medium-sized raptor
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is relatively short, with a square tip, aiding in quick maneuvers during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 10 to 12 cm.
- Feathers: The plumage is characterized by a mix of dark gray or brown upperparts and lighter underparts with dark streaks, providing excellent camouflage in wooded habitats.
Weight :
Generally varies from 150 grams for males to around 350 grams for females.
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded with pointed tips, allowing for agile flying and quick turns.
Wing Span :
Ranges from 60 to 75 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Besra has a distinctive facial pattern with a pronounced supercilium (eyebrow stripe) and dark cap, contributing to its striking appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Constructed in trees, often in dense foliage to provide protection from predators and elements.
- Nest Made Up Of: Composed of twigs, branches, leaves, and sometimes lined with softer materials such as feathers for comfort.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs from March to July
Nesting Season :
Peaks from April to June.
Egg Color :
Usually pale blue or bluish-white, often with darker speckles or blotches.
Egg Length :
Approximately 3.3 to 4.0 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 2.4 to 3.0 cm.
- Egg Weight: Ranges from 12 to 20 grams.
Clutch Size :
Generally consists of 2 to 5 eggs, with an average of 3 to 4 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Typically raises one brood per year;
Incubation Period :
Lasts about 28 to 32 days
Nestling Period :
Young fledglings typically leave the nest about 28 to 35 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Known for a variety of sharp, high-pitched calls, particularly during the breeding season and when alarmed, often described as "kak-kak" sounds.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are larger than males, with noticeable size differences in body mass and dimensions.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The Besra is generally considered a resident species in many regions but may exhibit partial migratory behavior depending on local food availability and climate.
- Migration Period: Migration generally occurs in late summer to early autumn for populations that migrate.
- Migration Route: Those that migrate typically follow established flyways, moving from breeding grounds in the Himalayas and northeastern India to wintering grounds in Southeast Asia.