Shikra

About

The Shikra is a small, agile raptor belonging to the family Accipitridae. It is a common and widespread resident breeder in open woodland, cultivated areas, and even urban gardens across its range in Asia and Africa. Known for its swift flight and opportunistic hunting, it preys primarily on small birds, mammals, and insects. Its distinctive flight pattern, with rapid wing beats followed by a glide, is a key identification feature.

Size & lifespan

Length

26-35 cm

Wingspan

50-65 cm

Weight

Male: 75-130 g, Female: 100-170 g

Lifespan

Approximately 7-10 years in the wild

Diet

Carnivore (primarily small birds, lizards, small mammals, large insects, and occasionally frogs)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adult males have a grey back, pale underparts with fine rufous barring, and rufous thighs. The tail is grey with broad dark bands. Adult females are similar but often browner on the back and have slightly coarser barring on the underparts. Juveniles are browner above, with streaked underparts and a more prominent supercilium.

Beak shape

Short, strongly hooked, dark grey to black with a yellow cere.

Eye color

Adults have deep red to reddish-orange eyes. Juveniles have yellowish eyes.

Leg color

Yellow to orange-yellow.

Distinguishing features

Relatively short, rounded wings and a long tail. The flight pattern is characteristic: several rapid wing beats followed by a short glide. In flight, the underwing coverts are white, contrasting with darker flight feathers. The broad dark tail bands are also distinctive.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles have browner upperparts, often with pale feather edgings giving a scaled appearance. Underparts are heavily streaked with dark brown, particularly on the breast and flanks, rather than barred. The eyes are yellowish, gradually turning orange and then red with age. They often show a more prominent pale supercilium.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage variations are primarily age and sex-related.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are generally larger and heavier than males, and often slightly browner on the back with coarser barring on the underparts. Eye color is typically redder in males.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Small, slender raptor with relatively short, rounded wings and a long tail. Females are noticeably larger than males.

2. 2

   Plumage (Adult Male)

   Grey upperparts, pale underparts with fine rufous barring, rufous thighs, and a grey tail with broad dark bands. Red eyes.

3. 3

   Plumage (Adult Female)

   Similar to male but often browner on the back and with slightly coarser barring on the underparts. Reddish-orange eyes.

4. 4

   Plumage (Juvenile)

   Browner upperparts with pale feather edgings, heavily streaked (not barred) underparts, yellowish eyes, and often a pale supercilium.

5. 5

   Flight Pattern

   Distinctive 'flap-flap-glide' flight with rapid wing beats followed by a short glide on flat wings. Agile and swift.

6. 6

   Underwing Pattern

   White underwing coverts contrasting with darker flight feathers, visible in flight.

7. 7

   Vocalization

   Sharp, high-pitched 'tiu-whit, tiu-whit' or 'kik-kik-kik' calls.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, savannas, cultivated lands, urban and suburban areas.

Geographic range

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa (excluding dense rainforests and arid deserts) and much of South Asia, Southeast Asia, extending east to southern China and the Philippines.

Elevation range

Sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters, occasionally higher.

Preferred environments

Open woodlands, acacia scrub, cultivated fields with scattered trees, plantations, large gardens, and urban parks. They prefer areas with a mix of open spaces for hunting and trees for perching and nesting.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during daylight hours.

Feeding habits

A highly opportunistic hunter, the Shikra typically hunts from a concealed perch, making short, rapid dashes to catch prey. It also hunts in flight, pursuing birds or insects. Its diet is diverse, including small birds (often caught in mid-air), lizards, small rodents, large insects (like grasshoppers and dragonflies), and occasionally frogs or bats. It is known to raid nests for eggs and chicks.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Not typically seen in large flocks.

Flight pattern

Characterized by a distinctive 'flap-flap-glide' flight. It has rapid, shallow wing beats followed by a short glide on flat wings. When soaring, it holds its wings in a slight dihedral. It is very agile in flight, especially when pursuing prey through vegetation.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range. Some populations, particularly in the northern parts of its Asian range, may undertake short-distance altitudinal or partial migrations in winter, moving to lower elevations or warmer areas. African populations are largely sedentary.

Territoriality

Territorial, especially during the breeding season. Pairs will defend their nesting territory from other raptors.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically: March-June in India, September-December in southern Africa. Generally coincides with the availability of prey and suitable weather conditions.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically small, compact platforms of sticks, lined with grass, leaves, or bark, placed high in the canopy of a tree (often thorny species like acacia or mango). Both sexes participate in nest building.

Clutch size

2-4 eggs, rarely 5.

Egg description

Typically 2-4 eggs, dull white or pale bluish-white, sometimes unmarked, but often faintly blotched or speckled with reddish-brown.

Incubation period

Approximately 18-21 days, primarily by the female.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 28-35 days after hatching. They remain dependent on parents for several weeks post-fledging.

Parental care

Both parents care for the young. The female primarily incubates and broods, while the male provides most of the food during this period. After hatching, both parents hunt and feed the chicks.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Scan Tree Tops. Shikras often perch conspicuously on exposed branches at the top of trees, scanning for prey.
2. Watch for Flight. Their characteristic 'flap-flap-glide' flight is a key identifier. Look for them flying low between trees or across open spaces.
3. Listen for Calls. Their sharp, repeated calls can often draw attention to their presence, especially during the breeding season.
4. Check for Mobbing. Small birds often mob Shikras, giving away their location. Listen for agitated calls of smaller passerines.
5. Observe Hunting Behavior. Watch for sudden, swift dashes from a perch or agile pursuits of prey in flight.

Similar species

Quick facts

Common Name:

Shikra

Scientific Name:

Accipiter badius

Family:

Accipitridae

Diet:

Small birds, lizards, small mammals, large insects

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Key ID Feature:

Flap-flap-glide flight, rufous barring (adults), streaked underparts (juveniles)

Fun facts

• The name 'Shikra' comes from the Hindi word 'shikara' meaning 'hunter'.
• Despite being a raptor, the Shikra is known to occasionally eat termites and other large insects, especially when other prey is scarce.
• They are remarkably adaptable and have successfully colonized urban environments, often nesting in city parks and large gardens.
• In some cultures, the Shikra is associated with courage and swiftness due to its hunting prowess.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae

Genus

Accipiter

Species

Accipiter badius

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