Shikras are small birds of prey that belong to the Accipitridae family and are widely distributed across Asia and Africa. They have a sharp two-note call and a typical flap and glide flight. Shikras are carnivores and feed on rodents, squirrels, bats, small birds, and their eggs, small reptiles (mainly lizards but sometimes small snakes), and insects. However, there is no specific data or evidence to suggest that shikras eat foxes.

The Diet of Shikras

Shikras are known to have a varied diet, but they primarily feed on small animals such as:

1. Rodents (e.g., mice, rats, squirrels)
2. Small birds (e.g., sparrows, finches, warblers)
3. Bird eggs and nestlings
4. Small reptiles (e.g., lizards, small snakes)
5. Insects (e.g., grasshoppers, beetles, dragonflies)

Foxes, on the other hand, are larger predators that typically prey on small mammals, birds, and even some larger animals. They are not typically part of the shikra’s diet.

Hunting Behavior of Shikras

Image source: SHIKRA by Shiv’s fotografia

Shikras are skilled hunters and use a variety of techniques to catch their prey. They often perch on a high vantage point, such as a tree branch or a power line, and scan the surrounding area for potential prey. When they spot a suitable target, they swoop down and capture it with their sharp talons.

Shikras are agile and maneuverable in flight, which allows them to pursue and catch small, fast-moving prey. They are also known to use a technique called “wing-clapping,” where they rapidly flap their wings to flush out prey from dense vegetation.

Comparison of Shikras and Foxes

Shikras and foxes differ in several key aspects:

1. Size: Shikras are relatively small birds of prey, with a body length of around 30-38 cm and a wingspan of 55-75 cm. Foxes, on the other hand, are much larger, with a body length of 45-90 cm and a weight of 3-14 kg.

2. Prey: As mentioned earlier, shikras primarily feed on small animals, such as rodents, birds, and reptiles. Foxes, on the other hand, are known to prey on a wider range of animals, including small mammals, birds, insects, and even some larger prey, such as young deer or lambs.

3. Habitat: Shikras are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas. Foxes are also found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas.

4. Hunting Techniques: Shikras are known for their agile and maneuverable flight, which allows them to pursue and capture small, fast-moving prey. Foxes, on the other hand, are known for their cunning and adaptability, using a variety of hunting techniques, such as stalking, chasing, and even digging to catch their prey.

Conclusion

In summary, while shikras are skilled hunters with a varied diet, there is no evidence to suggest that they actively hunt or consume foxes. Shikras primarily feed on small animals, such as rodents, birds, and reptiles, and their hunting behavior and prey preferences do not typically include larger predators like foxes.

References:
– Shikra (bird) – Wikipedia
– Red Fox – National Geographic
– Shikra (Accipiter badius) – The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species