Shikra
Accipiter badius
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae
About
The shikra is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae found widely distributed in Asia and Africa where it is also called the little banded goshawk. The African forms may represent a separate species but have usually been considered as subspecies of the shikra. The shikra is very similar in appearance, as well as behavior, at least to some degree, to other species including the Chinese sparrowhawk, Eurasian goshawk and Eurasian sparrowhawk. They have a sharp two-note call and exhibit the flap-and-glide flight style typical of Tachyspiza and Accipiter hawks. Their calls are imitated by drongos and the common hawk-cuckoo resembles it in plumage. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter.
Fun Fact
The Indian population dussumieri is resident on the plains and lower hills (up to 1,400 m (4,590 ft) in the Himalayas).
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in a range of habitats including forests, farmland and urban areas.
Diet
Feed on rodents (including Meriones hurrianae), squirrels, small birds, small reptiles (mainly lizards but sometimes small snakes) and insects.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance