In the world of birds of prey, the shikra, also known as the Accipiter badius, is a fascinating species that has captured the attention of animal enthusiasts. As a member of the Accipitridae family, which includes hawks, eagles, and kites, the shikra is known for its agility, predatory skills, and adaptability to various environments. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of shikras and their unique characteristics.

The 5 Types of Shikras

1. Eastern Shikra (Accipiter badius)
2. Southern Shikra (Accipiter toussenelii)
3. Northern Shikra (Accipiter brevipes)
4. Indian Shikra (Accipiter badius poliogaster)
5. Javan Shikra (Accipiter badius trivirgatus)

Eastern Shikra (Accipiter badius)

The Eastern Shikra is the most common and widespread type of shikra, found throughout South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. They are small to medium-sized birds of prey, with a body length ranging from 25 to 38 cm and a wingspan of 58 to 80 cm. Eastern shikras have a slate-grey to bluish-grey back, with a reddish-brown belly and thighs. The underwing coverts are white, with black flight feathers.

Southern Shikra (Accipiter toussenelii)

The Southern Shikra is a subspecies of the Eastern Shikra, found in West and Central Africa. They are slightly larger than the Eastern Shikra, with a body length ranging from 30 to 40 cm and a wingspan of 60 to 90 cm. Southern shikras have a dark grey to blackish back, with a rufous belly and thighs. The underwing coverts are white, with black flight feathers.

Northern Shikra (Accipiter brevipes)

The Northern Shikra is a subspecies of the Eastern Shikra, found in Central Asia and parts of Russia. They are smaller than the Eastern Shikra, with a body length ranging from 25 to 30 cm and a wingspan of 50 to 65 cm. Northern shikras have a slate-grey to bluish-grey back, with a reddish-brown belly and thighs. The underwing coverts are white, with black flight feathers.

Indian Shikra (Accipiter badius poliogaster)

The Indian Shikra is a subspecies of the Eastern Shikra, found in the Indian subcontinent. They are slightly smaller than the Eastern Shikra, with a body length ranging from 25 to 30 cm and a wingspan of 55 to 75 cm. Indian shikras have a slate-grey to bluish-grey back, with a white belly and thighs. The underwing coverts are white, with black flight feathers.

Javan Shikra (Accipiter badius trivirgatus)

The Javan Shikra is a subspecies of the Eastern Shikra, found in Indonesia. They are smaller than the Eastern Shikra, with a body length ranging from 25 to 30 cm and a wingspan of 50 to 65 cm. Javan shikras have a dark grey to blackish back, with a rufous belly and thighs. The underwing coverts are white, with black flight feathers.

In summary, there are 5 main types of shikras, each with its own unique characteristics and geographical distribution. Understanding these different types is crucial for any animal enthusiast interested in birds of prey and their fascinating world.

Interesting Facts about Shikras

Image source: ShiKRA by Suvendu suvo

• Shikras are known for their agility and predatory skills, often hunting small birds, rodents, and insects.
• They are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas.
• Shikras are known for their distinctive call, which is a high-pitched “kee-kee-kee” sound.
• These birds are often used in falconry, as they are relatively easy to train and have a strong hunting instinct.
• Shikras are important members of their ecosystems, helping to control populations of small prey species.

Conservation Status of Shikras

The conservation status of shikras varies depending on the subspecies and geographical region. According to the IUCN Red List:

• The Eastern Shikra is classified as Least Concern.
• The Southern Shikra is classified as Least Concern.
• The Northern Shikra is classified as Least Concern.
• The Indian Shikra is classified as Least Concern.
• The Javan Shikra is classified as Near Threatened.

While the majority of shikra subspecies are considered Least Concern, the Javan Shikra is facing some threats, such as habitat loss and hunting, which have led to a decline in its population. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the long-term survival of this fascinating bird of prey.

References:
– “Shikra” by BirdLife International, accessed on May 2, 2024, from https://www.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shikra-accipiter-badius
– “Accipiter badius” by The IUCN Red List, accessed on May 2, 2024, from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22699725/112152555
– “Shikra” by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, accessed on May 2, 2024, from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Shikra/id