Shikras, also known as Accipiter badius, are a species of hawk found in Asia and Africa, including India. These birds are known for their great courage, intelligence, and skilled hunting abilities, making them a popular choice for falconry. One of the most intriguing aspects of shikras is their mating behavior, as they are known to mate for life.
Monogamous Relationship
Shikras are monogamous birds, meaning they form a pair bond and remain together for life. This is a unique characteristic among birds, as many species are known to have multiple mates throughout their lifetime. The shikra’s monogamous nature is a testament to their strong social and emotional connections.
Nest Building and Breeding
Image source: SHIKRA by Shiv’s fotografia
Shikras build their nests in leafy trees, such as mango, mahogany, and neem trees, and they regularly breed in these nests every two years. The female shikra is responsible for incubating the eggs, while the male guards the nest and warns off any potential predators.
Mating Rituals
Shikras engage in a unique type of flight as a mating ritual. This display involves the birds performing acrobatic maneuvers, such as diving, swooping, and soaring, to impress their potential mates. This behavior is not only a way for the birds to attract a partner but also a means of strengthening the bond between the pair.
Hunting Strategies
Shikras are opportunistic hunters, with a varied diet that includes smaller creatures such as frogs, fledglings, lizards, small birds, dragonflies, and some mammals. They are known to hunt in woodlands, savannah, suburban gardens, and occasionally in savannas and woodlands. Shikras are also known to develop a taste for a particular kind of prey, with some individuals specializing in hunting bats.
Intelligence and Adaptability
Shikras are intelligent birds, with the ability to understand the habits of their prey. For example, on cold and cloudy mornings, garden lizards and skinks need to bask in the sun to warm their bodies, and shikras hunt them quickly and fiercely, even before they realize what happened. This demonstrates the shikra’s keen observation skills and ability to adapt to the behavior of its prey.
Conservation Status
Shikras are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act in India, which means it is not legal to keep them as pets. This is an important measure to ensure the conservation of this species, which is known for its courageous personality and willingness to challenge other bird species that are significantly larger than them.
Shikras in Culture
Shikras have also been recognized for their significance in culture. In Singapore, the shikra is the mascot for the Republic of Singapore Airforce 149 squadron, which pilots the F5S/T Tiger fighter jets. This association highlights the shikra’s reputation as a skilled and fearless hunter, qualities that are highly valued in the military.
In conclusion, shikras are fascinating birds that mate for life and are known for their great courage, intelligence, and skilled hunting abilities. Their monogamous nature, unique mating rituals, and adaptability to their prey’s behavior make them a captivating subject of study for bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.
