Shikras are small birds of prey that are known for their tenacious hunting abilities and varied diet. While the exact amount of food they consume per day can vary, understanding their feeding habits and dietary preferences can provide valuable insights into their daily caloric intake.

Shikras’ Dietary Preferences

Shikras are carnivorous birds that feed on a wide range of prey, including:

• Rodents (such as squirrels and bats)
• Small birds and their eggs
• Small reptiles (mainly lizards, but sometimes small snakes)
• Insects

They are also known to occasionally feed on carrion. Shikras are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of any available prey, making their diet highly adaptable to the local ecosystem.

Factors Influencing Shikras’ Daily Food Intake

Image source: ShiKRA by Suvendu suvo

The amount of food a shikra consumes per day can be influenced by several factors:

1. Prey Availability: The abundance and accessibility of their preferred prey in the local environment can significantly impact a shikra’s daily food intake.

2. Size and Age: Larger and older shikras may require more food to sustain their energy needs compared to smaller or younger individuals.

3. Breeding Season: During the breeding season, when shikras are actively building nests, incubating eggs, and feeding their young, their food consumption may increase to support these energy-intensive activities.

4. Time of Year: Shikras may need to consume more food during colder months to maintain their body temperature and energy levels, compared to warmer periods.

Estimated Daily Food Intake

While there is no definitive figure for the exact amount of food a shikra consumes per day, researchers and experts have provided some estimates based on observations and studies:

• Small Prey: Shikras may consume 1-2 small prey items, such as small birds or lizards, per day.
• Medium-sized Prey: For larger prey, such as small rodents or bats, shikras may consume 1 item per day.
• Insects and Other Small Prey: Shikras may supplement their diet with insects and other small prey, consuming several of these items per day.

It’s important to note that these estimates can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier, and individual shikras may have different feeding patterns and requirements.

Hunting Strategies and Feeding Behavior

Shikras are known for their diverse hunting strategies, which can also influence their daily food intake:

1. Ambush Hunting: Shikras may wait patiently on a perch, such as a tree branch or power line, and then swoop down to capture prey that comes within their reach.

2. Aerial Hunting: Shikras are skilled at hunting in flight, snatching prey from the air or the ground as they soar and glide.

3. Nest Raiding: Shikras have been observed taking young birds from the nests of other species, including weavers, Bronze Mannikins, and Gorgeous Bush Shrikes.

4. Caching Behavior: Shikras are known to cache excess food for later consumption, which can help them maintain a steady food supply during periods of scarcity.

Conclusion

While the exact amount of food a shikra consumes per day can vary, understanding their dietary preferences, hunting strategies, and the factors that influence their feeding habits can provide valuable insights into their daily caloric intake. By studying the feeding behavior of shikras, we can gain a better understanding of their role in the ecosystem and the adaptations that have allowed them to thrive as successful predators.

References:
– The Shikra: A Bird That Embodies Brains and Bravery
– Shikra: The Leopard of the Wings
– Shikra (Accipiter badius)