Shikra \ Accipiter badius

The Shikra (Accipiter badius) is a small and agile bird of prey found across Asia and parts of Africa. Known for its sharp eyesight and swift hunting skills, this raptor is a common sight in forests, urban areas, and open grasslands. It has a distinctive appearance, with adults displaying gray upperparts, reddish-brown streaked underparts, and striking orange-red eyes. Juveniles, on the other hand, are browner with streaked plumage and yellow eyes.

Shikras primarily feed on small birds, rodents, insects, and reptiles. They are known for their silent and stealthy hunting style, often ambushing prey from a concealed perch. These birds are also noted for their acrobatic flight, particularly during courtship displays, where they perform rapid dives and loops.

Their adaptability to human-modified landscapes makes them one of the more commonly observed raptors, especially in regions like the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. The Shikra’s sharp call, often described as a shrill "kee-kee-kee," is another distinctive trait, usually heard during the breeding season.