The Accipiter badius (scientific name) or shikra/hawk is found commonly across India, Sri Lanka and sub-Saharan Africa. 14 inches in length, this bird has rounded wings and a slightly narrow tail. The underside plumage is white with rufous bars. The crown, head, neck, wings and tail range from grey to brownish. The female is larger than the male and has bright orange eyes while the male’s irises are redder. The beak is hooked, yellow at the base and black overall. Carnivorous by nature, the shikra hunts lizards, small birds, eggs and nestlings, bats, rodents, frogs and insects. An average clutch has 2-3 eggs which are incubated for a period of 1 month. Its IUCN listing is the LEAST CONCERN.
Shikra/Hawk
