The Shikra

The 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 harriers. It is a widespread resident breeder throughout south Asia and can be sighted throughout Tiruvannamalai District.

This bird is a small raptor 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, 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.

It nests in trees, building a new nest each year and laying 3-7 eggs.

For more information about this intriguing bird, check out the upcoming Arunachala Grace Newsletter, August issue. If you don't yet have a free subscription sign up at the facility on the left hand column of this page.