Shikras, also known as the little banded goshawk, Indian sparrowhawk, or little banded sparrowhawk, are small birds of prey that belong to the Accipitridae family. They are known for their aggressive hunting skills and adaptability to different environments. Shikras have a unique mating ritual and breeding behavior that sets them apart from other birds of prey.
The Mating Ritual of Shikras
Shikras are monogamous birds, meaning they form a pair and mate with the same partner for life. The mating ritual of shikras is a fascinating display of their aerial prowess and courtship behavior.
Aerial Displays
The mating ritual of shikras begins with an elaborate aerial display. The male shikra will perform a series of acrobatic maneuvers, including steep dives, tight turns, and rapid flapping of wings, to impress the female. This display is often accompanied by a series of high-pitched calls and vocalizations.
Courtship Feeding
After the aerial display, the male shikra will engage in courtship feeding. He will bring food, such as small birds or rodents, to the female and offer it to her. This behavior serves to demonstrate the male’s hunting skills and his ability to provide for the female and their future offspring.
Nest Building
Once the courtship is successful, the male and female shikras will work together to build a nest. The nest is typically constructed in the branches of a tree, using a combination of twigs, sticks, and leaves. The nest is often loose and rather messy, but it serves as a safe and secure place for the eggs and hatchlings.
Breeding and Egg Laying
Image source: ShiKRA by Suvendu suvo
After the nest is built, the female shikra will lay a clutch of 3 to 7 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 18 to 21 days, with both the male and female taking turns sitting on the nest.
Incubation and Hatching
During the incubation period, the male shikra will continue to provide food for the female, ensuring that she has the energy and resources to keep the eggs warm. Once the eggs hatch, the parents will work together to feed and care for the hatchlings.
Parental Care
Shikras are devoted parents, and both the male and female play an active role in raising their young. They will bring food to the nest, protect the hatchlings from predators, and teach them the skills they need to survive in the wild.
Habitat and Diet
Shikras are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, farms, urban areas, and occasionally savannas and woodlands. They prefer areas with plenty of large trees and avoid dense deserts and jungles.
Hunting Behavior
Shikras are skilled hunters, using their agility and surprise tactics to catch their prey. Their diet consists of smaller creatures such as frogs, fledglings, lizards, small birds, dragonflies, and some mammals.
Adaptability
Shikras are known for their adaptability to different environments. They are found in the continents of Asia and Africa, including the subcontinents of India, and have been able to thrive in a variety of habitats.
In conclusion, the mating and breeding behavior of shikras is a fascinating example of the intricate and complex relationships that exist among birds of prey. From their elaborate aerial displays to their devoted parental care, shikras demonstrate the remarkable adaptations and behaviors that have allowed them to survive and thrive in their natural environments.
