Shikras, scientifically known as Accipiter badius, are small birds of prey that belong to the Accipitridae family, which also includes hawks. While shikras do not have teeth in the same way that mammals do, they do possess a unique feature called a “tomial tooth” that helps them in their hunting and prey-killing activities.
The Tomial Tooth of Shikras
The tomial tooth is a sharp, curved projection on the upper beak of shikras, which is particularly prominent in this species. This specialized feature serves as a crucial tool for shikras to sever the spinal cord of their prey, causing instant death. The tomial tooth allows shikras to efficiently kill their targets, which include a variety of small animals such as lizards, frogs, insects, small birds, and rodents.
Shikra’s Hunting Strategies
Image source: SHIKRA by Shiv’s fotografia
Shikras employ a range of hunting strategies to capture their prey. They may take birds near the ground after a dive from a concealed perch, ambush birds and fly them down, snatch prey from tree trunks and foliage, or even catch prey in mid-flight. Their agility and speed, combined with the power of their tomial tooth, make shikras formidable hunters.
Shikra’s Habitat and Distribution
Shikras are found in a wide range, spanning over 60 different countries across Asia and Africa. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including savanna, patchy scrub, dry and moist woodlands, dense and degraded forest, riparian forests, exotic tree plantations, towns, gardens, and cultivated areas. This adaptability allows shikras to thrive in diverse environments.
Shikra’s Courtship and Mating Rituals
Shikras are known for their impressive courtship and mating rituals, which involve chasing each other at high speeds in undulating flights through the jungle canopy and around trees. They also engage in soaring to the heavens, spiraling, tumbling, and stooping upon each other, showcasing their aerial prowess and establishing pair bonds.
Conservation Status and Threats
While shikras are currently classified as a species of Least Concern, they do face some threats to their populations. Habitat degradation due to factors such as wood harvesting, overgrazing by livestock, insecticide use, and electrocution on power lines can impact shikra populations. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect these remarkable birds of prey and their habitats.
In conclusion, shikras may not have teeth like mammals, but they possess a unique tomial tooth that serves as a highly effective tool for hunting and killing their prey. Their hunting strategies, habitat adaptability, and impressive courtship rituals make them fascinating birds of prey to observe and study.
References:
– The Peregrine Fund. (n.d.). Shikra | The Peregrine Fund. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/hawks/shikra
– Shikra. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikra
– Love & guillotine: A tale of two Shikras in Tricity | Chandigarh News. (2020, March 30). Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/love-guillotine-a-tale-of-two-shikras-in-tricity/articleshow/74883042.cms
– Wildbuzz: Love in the Shikra skies – Hindustan Times. (2024, April 7). Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/wildbuzz-love-in-the-shikra-skies-101712455407106.html
– Birds of the World. (n.d.). Shikra – Accipiter badius. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/shikra1/cur/introduction
– Yosef, R., Lontkowski, J., Stawarczyk, T., & Fehervari, P. (2002). Biometric and morphometric studies on the Shikra (Accipiter badius Gmelin, 1788) in Israel. Journal of Raptor Research, 36(4), 368-374. https://doi.org/10.3356/JRR-02-02.1.
