Shikras are small birds of prey that belong to the Accipitridae family and are known for their hunting skills and intelligence. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, farmland, and urban areas, and are known to feed on rodents, squirrels, small birds, small reptiles, insects, and occasionally carrion.

Do Shikras Eat Other Birds?

Yes, shikras are known to eat other birds. They are opportunistic predators that will take advantage of any opportunity to catch smaller birds. Shikras are known to hunt a variety of bird species, including small blue kingfishers, babblers, and even larger birds like the greater coucal and spotted owlet.

Hunting Tactics of Shikras

Image source: SHIKRA by Shiv’s fotografia

Shikras are skilled hunters that use a variety of tactics to catch their prey. They are known to fly low along treelines and pounce on unsuspecting birds or animals, as well as soaring high in circles and diving down on their prey from above. They have excellent vision and are able to maneuver quickly through trees and other obstacles to catch their prey.

Physical Characteristics of Shikras

In terms of physical characteristics, shikras are small birds with short, rounded wings and long, narrow tails. Adults have a pale grey or white underside with fine rufous barring on the upperparts, while juveniles have dark streaks and spots on the upper breast and narrowly barred wings. Males have a red iris, while females have a less red (yellowish orange) iris and brownish upperparts with heavier barring on the underparts.

Aggressive Behavior of Shikras

Shikras are also known for their aggressive behavior, particularly when it comes to defending their nests. They are known to be aggressive towards other birds and creatures that come too close to their nests, and have been known to attack humans who get too close.

Shikras and Other Birds

Shikras are known to steal food from other birds, particularly drongos, who mimic their calls to alarm other birds and steal their food. This behavior is known as kleptoparasitism, where one species steals food from another.

Habitat and Distribution of Shikras

Shikras are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, farmland, and urban areas. They are widely distributed across Asia, with their range extending from the Middle East to Southeast Asia.

Conservation Status of Shikras

The conservation status of shikras varies depending on the region. In some areas, they are considered common and widespread, while in others, they are threatened by habitat loss and hunting.

In conclusion, shikras are fascinating birds that are known for their intelligence, hunting skills, and aggressive behavior. While they do eat other birds, they are opportunistic predators that will take advantage of any opportunity to catch prey. Their physical characteristics, hunting tactics, and aggressive behavior make them a unique and interesting species to observe and study.

Reference:
– Shikra (bird) – Wikipedia
– Shikra – The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
– Shikra (Accipiter badius) – Birds of the World