Shikras, also known as little banded goshawks, are birds of prey that are known to eat a variety of animals, including insects, reptiles, and small mammals. However, there is no clear evidence or documentation that shikras eat cats. In fact, it is more common for cats to prey on smaller birds like shikras, rather than the other way around.
What Do Shikras Eat?
Shikras are known to be opportunistic feeders, which means they will eat whatever prey is available to them. Their diet typically includes:
- Insects (such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles)
- Small reptiles (such as lizards and snakes)
- Small mammals (such as rodents, shrews, and bats)
- Small birds (such as sparrows, finches, and warblers)
While shikras have been observed eating a wide range of animals, there is no mention of cats being on their menu. In fact, cats are generally much larger than the typical prey of a shikra, and it is unlikely that a shikra would be able to successfully hunt and consume an adult cat.
Can Shikras Pose a Threat to Cats?
Image source: SHIKRA by Shiv’s fotografia
It is important to note that shikras are not typically considered a threat to cats, and there are no known instances of shikras attacking or eating adult cats. While it is possible that a shikra might prey on a small kitten or a very young cat, this would be quite rare and not the norm for this species.
Cats, on the other hand, are known to be effective predators of smaller birds, including shikras. Cats have been observed hunting and killing smaller birds, and they may even view shikras as potential prey.
Factors That Influence Shikra Prey Selection
There are several factors that can influence the prey selection of shikras, including:
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Availability of Prey: Shikras are opportunistic feeders, and they will typically hunt and consume the most readily available prey in their environment.
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Size and Strength: Shikras are relatively small birds of prey, with an average weight of around 150-250 grams. They are not well-equipped to take on larger prey, such as adult cats, which can weigh several times more.
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Hunting Strategies: Shikras are known to use a variety of hunting strategies, including perch-hunting, where they wait patiently on a perch to ambush their prey, and aerial hunting, where they pursue their prey in flight. These hunting strategies are more suited to smaller, more agile prey, rather than larger animals like cats.
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Habitat and Behavior: Shikras are typically found in forested and wooded areas, where they can easily spot and pursue their smaller prey. Cats, on the other hand, are more commonly found in urban and suburban areas, where they may not encounter shikras as frequently.
Conclusion
In summary, while shikras are known to eat a variety of animals, there is no clear evidence or documentation that they eat cats. It is more common for cats to prey on smaller birds like shikras, rather than the other way around. Shikras are not typically considered a threat to cats, and there are no known instances of shikras attacking or eating adult cats. The prey selection of shikras is influenced by factors such as availability of prey, size and strength, hunting strategies, and habitat and behavior.
References:
- White-cheeked barbet – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio
- Protocols for the hand-raising and care of cockatiels – Rehabber’s Den
- Hand-raising and care of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)
- Making room for bulbuls to start a family: The garden story
- The animals that brought us joy during the Covid-19 pandemic – CNN
