Shikras (Accipiter badius) are small birds of prey that are known to feed on a variety of small animals, including pigeons. These agile raptors are found across Asia and Africa and are known for their hunting prowess, often taking down prey much larger than themselves.
Shikras and Their Prey
Shikras are carnivorous birds that primarily feed on small rodents, squirrels, bats, small birds, and their eggs, as well as small reptiles and insects. They are particularly adept at hunting small birds, including pigeons, which are a common prey item for these raptors.
Hunting Strategies
Shikras employ a variety of hunting strategies to catch their prey, including:
- Diving from a concealed perch to take birds near the ground
- Ambushing birds and flying them down
- Snatching prey from tree trunks and foliage
- Catching prey in mid-flight
These hunting techniques allow shikras to effectively target and capture a wide range of small animals, including pigeons.
Shikras and Pigeons
Image source: SHIKRA by Shiv’s fotografia
Pigeons are a common sight in many urban and suburban areas, and they are often targeted by shikras as a food source. Shikras have been observed hunting and feeding on pigeons in various locations, and there is ample evidence to support the fact that they do indeed eat pigeons.
Shikra Predation on Pigeons
Numerous studies and observations have documented shikras preying on pigeons. These raptors are known to take young pigeons from their nests, as well as adult pigeons that they encounter in their hunting grounds. Shikras have been observed swooping down on pigeons, either catching them in mid-flight or snatching them from the ground or perches.
Impact on Pigeon Populations
While shikras do prey on pigeons, their impact on pigeon populations is generally considered to be relatively low. Pigeons are abundant in many areas, and shikras are just one of the many predators that feed on them. Additionally, shikras play an important role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems by controlling the populations of small animals, including pigeons.
Conservation Status and Threats
Shikras are currently classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but they face various threats that could impact their populations. These threats include habitat degradation due to wood harvesting and overgrazing, insecticide use, electrocution on power lines, and illegal trading.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect shikra populations and their habitats, ensuring that these remarkable raptors continue to play their vital role in the natural world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shikras do indeed eat pigeons, along with a variety of other small animals. These agile raptors employ a range of hunting strategies to capture their prey, and their predation on pigeons is well-documented. While shikras play an important role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems, their populations face various threats that require ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their long-term survival.
References:
- Shikra eating a pigeon – YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKUvUeIf-o4
- Shikra eating Rock Pigeon – YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKUvUeIf-o4
- Shikra eating a pigeon – video Dailymotion. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xk2c75
- Shikra – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikra
- Shikra | The Peregrine Fund. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/hawks/shikra/
- Shikra – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://animalia.bio/shikra?property=145
