Shikras, also known as “Little Banded Goshawks,” are small birds of prey that belong to the Accipitridae family, making them a type of hawk. One distinctive feature of the Shikra is its call or screech, which is a shrill shriek that can be heard in various recordings and videos online.
The Shrill Shriek of the Shikra
Shikras are known to produce a shrill shriek, which is a common characteristic of the species and is often used to identify the bird in the wild. This shrill call can be heard in various recordings and videos, and it is a distinctive feature that sets the Shikra apart from other birds of prey.
The Shikra’s shrill shriek is believed to serve several purposes, including:
- Territorial Marking: The shrill call is used by Shikras to mark their territory and communicate with other members of their species.
- Mating and Courtship: The call is also used during mating and courtship rituals, as a way for Shikras to attract mates and establish pair bonds.
- Alarm and Warning: The shrill shriek can also be used as an alarm call, warning other Shikras or nearby birds of potential threats or predators.
Habitat and Distribution of the Shikra
Image source: SHIKRA by Shiv’s fotografia
Shikras are found across much of the Asian and African continents, including countries such as Angola, Afghanistan, Chad, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Eritrea, Ghana, Iran, China, Kuwait, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Yemen, and Zimbabwe. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including:
- Savanna
- Patchy scrub
- Dry and moist woodlands
- Dense and degraded forest
- Riparian forests
- Exotic tree plantations
- Towns and gardens
- Cultivated areas
Nesting and Breeding Behavior
Shikras build relatively small nests made of sticks, often placed in the high fork of a woodland or exotic tree, such as eucalyptus. Both the male and the female work together to construct their nest, with the female doing about twice as much of the work as the male. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, which must be incubated for approximately 3 weeks. The male is responsible for bringing food to the female during incubation and to the female and young after they hatch.
Hunting Strategies and Diet
Shikras are known for their tenacious hunting skills and varied diet, which includes:
- Lizards
- Frogs
- Large insects
- Small birds
- Small mammals
They employ a number of different hunting strategies, such as:
- Diving from a concealed perch
- Ambushing birds
- Snatching prey from tree trunks and foliage
- Catching prey in flight
Shikras have been documented taking young birds from their nests, including those of weavers, Bronze Mannikin, and Gorgeous Bush Shrike.
Conservation Efforts
Despite being classified as a species of Least Concern, Shikras face threats such as:
- Habitat degradation due to wood harvesting and overgrazing by livestock
- Insecticide use
- Electrocution on power lines
- Other human-related activities
Conservation efforts, such as those by The Peregrine Fund, focus on scientific research, habitat conservation, education, and community development to help conserve raptors around the world, including the Shikra.
In conclusion, the Shikra is a small bird of prey known for its distinctive shrill shriek, which serves various purposes such as territorial marking, mating and courtship, and alarm and warning. Shikras are found across much of Asia and Africa and inhabit a variety of habitats. While they are currently classified as a species of Least Concern, they face threats from human-related activities, and conservation efforts are in place to help protect them.
References:
– Is the shikra bird a type of hawk? – Quora. https://www.quora.com/Is-the-shikra-bird-a-type-of-hawk
– Shikra sound and call – A common raptor in urban and rural India … (YouTube). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYXatbfI0xE
– Shikra | The Peregrine Fund. https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/hawks/shikra
– Wait for it – shrill shriek of the #Shikra #bird #shriek – YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTcT7CfHP8M
– How Does Shikra Sound? | Indian Goshawk | Accipiter badius – YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UHpMUbVcho
– Hawk Assault: Agile Hunters on a Wing – RoundGlass Sustain. https://roundglasssustain.com/species/hawks
