No, female shikras are not bigger than male shikras. In fact, male shikras are generally slightly larger and heavier than their female counterparts.
The Size and Weight Difference Between Male and Female Shikras
The average length of a male shikra is around 29-33 cm, while the average length of a female shikra is around 26-30 cm. This means that male shikras are typically 3-4 cm longer than females.
When it comes to weight, the average weight of a male shikra is around 160-220 g, while the average weight of a female shikra is around 140-180 g. This indicates that male shikras are generally 20-40 g heavier than females.
Factors Influencing the Size Difference
Image source: ShiKRA by Suvendu suvo
There are a few factors that contribute to the size difference between male and female shikras:
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Sexual Dimorphism: Shikras, like many other bird species, exhibit sexual dimorphism, which means that the males and females have distinct physical characteristics. In the case of shikras, the males are slightly larger and heavier than the females.
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Hunting and Feeding Strategies: The size difference between male and female shikras may be related to their hunting and feeding strategies. Larger males may be better equipped to capture and handle larger prey, while smaller females may be more agile and better suited for hunting smaller prey.
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Evolutionary Adaptations: The size difference between male and female shikras may have evolved over time as an adaptation to their respective roles within the species, such as breeding, nesting, and parental care.
Variations in Size and Weight
It’s important to note that there can be some variation in size and weight between individual shikras, and the averages mentioned above may not apply to every single bird. Factors such as age, health, and environmental conditions can all influence the size and weight of a shikra.
Comparison to Other Raptor Species
While male shikras are generally larger than females, this pattern is not universal across all raptor species. In some species, such as the peregrine falcon, the females are actually larger and heavier than the males. This variation in size differences between the sexes is a result of the unique evolutionary adaptations and ecological niches of each species.
Conclusion
In summary, female shikras are not bigger than male shikras. The males are typically slightly larger and heavier than the females, with an average length of 29-33 cm and an average weight of 160-220 g, compared to the females’ average length of 26-30 cm and average weight of 140-180 g. This size difference is likely due to a combination of sexual dimorphism, hunting and feeding strategies, and evolutionary adaptations within the species.
References:
– Shikra Facts
– Shikra (Accipiter badius)
– Shikra (Accipiter badius)
