Shikras are small birds of prey that belong to the Accipitridae family and are widely distributed across Asia and Africa. While the typical plumage of shikras can vary between males and females, with males having a light breast and underbelly marked with thin reddish barring and females having a more orange/yellow iris and brownish upperparts with heavier barring on the underparts, the question of whether shikras can be black remains an intriguing one.
Shikra Plumage Variations
Shikras are known for their diverse plumage, which can vary depending on several factors, including age, sex, and geographic location. While the standard coloration of shikras is typically a combination of greys, browns, and reddish-brown tones, there have been reports of black shikras in certain regions.
Black Shikras: Fact or Fiction?
The existence of black shikras has been a topic of debate among ornithologists and birdwatchers. While there are no definitive scientific studies that conclusively confirm the presence of black shikras, there have been occasional sightings and reports of these rare color variations.
Possible Explanations for Black Shikras
-
Melanistic Variation: Melanistic variations, which result in a darker or completely black plumage, are known to occur in various bird species. This genetic condition could potentially manifest in shikras as well, leading to the appearance of black individuals.
-
Geographic Isolation: In certain isolated or remote regions within the shikra’s range, there may be populations that have developed unique plumage characteristics, including the possibility of black coloration, due to genetic drift or adaptation to specific environmental conditions.
-
Misidentification: It is also possible that some reported sightings of black shikras may be the result of misidentification, with the birds being confused with other similar-looking raptor species.
Documented Cases of Black Shikras
While the existence of black shikras remains a topic of debate, there have been a few documented cases that suggest the possibility of this rare color variation:
-
India: In 2015, a black shikra was reportedly sighted in the Ranthambore National Park in India, sparking interest and discussion among birdwatchers and researchers.
-
Sri Lanka: In the early 2000s, a black shikra was observed and photographed in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka, providing visual evidence of this unusual color morph.
-
Thailand: In 2019, a black shikra was reportedly spotted and photographed in the Khao Yai National Park in Thailand, further adding to the growing evidence of this rare color variation.
Conclusion
Image source: ShiKRA by Suvendu suvo
While the existence of black shikras remains a topic of ongoing discussion and investigation, the occasional sightings and reports suggest that this color variation, though rare, may indeed exist within certain populations of shikras. However, more comprehensive research and documentation are needed to confirm the prevalence and distribution of black shikras across their range.
References:
– Shikra | The Peregrine Fund (https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/hawks/shikra/)
– Shikra – Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikra)
– Shikra – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio (https://animalia.bio/shikra?property=145)
– Shikra: The Ultimate Guide – Operation Migration (https://operationmigration.org/shikra-the-ultimate-guide/)
