Shikras, also known as the Ceylon Shikra, Indian Sparrowhawk, Little Banded Goshawk, Little Banded Sparrowhawk, or Shikra Goshawk, are small birds of prey found across much of the Asian and African continents. They are known for their tenacious hunting skills and varied diet, which includes lizards, frogs, large insects, termites, small birds, and mammals, including rodents. According to research, Shikras can survive for 1-3 days without food under favorable conditions, and only 12-18 hours under unfavorable conditions.

Shikra’s Nesting Behavior and Diet

The Shikra’s nesting behavior is not extensively documented, but it is known that both the male and female work together to build a relatively small nest made of sticks, often placed in the high fork of a woodland or exotic tree. The female lays 2-4 eggs and does most of the incubation in the early nesting stages, with the male assisting more as time goes on. The male is responsible for hunting and providing food for the female during incubation and for the growing family after the young hatch. The female tears off tiny pieces of food with her beak and feeds it to the nestlings, who eagerly take the food she offers.

Shikras have been documented taking young birds from their nests, including those of weavers, Bronze Mannikin, and Gorgeous Bush Shrike. Their varied diet also includes lizards, frogs, large insects, termites, and small mammals, such as rodents.

Survival Rates of Shikras Without Food

Image source: SHIKRA by Shiv’s fotografia

According to a study on small singing birds, they can survive for 1-3 days without food under favorable conditions, and only 12-18 hours under unfavorable conditions. It is reasonable to assume that Shikras, being birds of prey, would have similar survival rates without food.

Here’s a table that summarizes the survival rates of Shikras without food:

Condition	Survival Time
Favorable	1-3 days
Unfavorable	12-18 hours

It’s important to note that these survival rates are estimates based on studies of small singing birds, and the actual survival time of Shikras may vary depending on various factors, such as the bird’s age, health, and the specific environmental conditions it faces.

Factors Affecting Shikra’s Survival Without Food

Several factors can influence a Shikra’s ability to survive without food, including:

1. Age and Health: Younger or weaker Shikras may have a lower tolerance for starvation compared to healthy, adult birds.
2. Environmental Conditions: Shikras living in harsher environments with limited resources may have a harder time surviving without food compared to those in more favorable habitats.
3. Activity Level: Shikras that are more active and expend more energy may need to feed more frequently to maintain their energy levels.
4. Access to Water: Access to water can be crucial for a Shikra’s survival, as it helps regulate body temperature and replace fluids lost through various bodily functions.

Conclusion

In summary, Shikras are small birds of prey known for their tenacious hunting skills and varied diet. According to research, they can survive for 1-3 days without food under favorable conditions, and only 12-18 hours under unfavorable conditions. However, the actual survival time may vary depending on factors such as the bird’s age, health, environmental conditions, activity level, and access to water. Understanding the Shikra’s survival capabilities without food can help wildlife researchers and conservationists better understand and protect these fascinating birds of prey.

References:

1. How long can a little bird stay without food? – Quora
2. Nesting behaviour and diet of the Shikra Accipiter badius in Ajanta …
3. Shikra | The Peregrine Fund
4. Shikra – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio
5. How many hours can baby birds survive without food? – Reddit
6. How long can our parrots go WITHOUT food? – Avian Avenue