The Shikra (Accipiter badius) is a small bird of prey found in Asia and Africa, known for its sharp two-note call and typical flap-and-glide flight. This article provides a detailed account of Shikra egg hatching, drawing from various sources, including scientific literature, blogs, and videos.

Egg Characteristics and Clutch Size

Shikra eggs are pale bluish-grey, stippled on the broad end in black. The female lays a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs, with both sexes sharing incubation duties. The male spends less than 10% of the incubation time, while the female does the majority of the incubation.

Incubation Period and Hatching

Image source: ShiKRA by Suvendu suvo

The incubation period for Shikra eggs lasts 18 to 21 days. During this time, the eggs are predominantly incubated by the female, with the male taking short shifts to relieve the female. The male brings food to the nest during the incubation period, and the female feeds the chicks after they hatch.

Nesting Behavior and Habitat

Shikras are solitary nesters and usually found in forests, woodlands, open areas, farmlands, plantations, gardens, and urban areas. They build a platform nest similar to that of crows, lined with grass. Both partners help build the nest, carrying twigs in their feet and sometimes using metal wires.

Post-Hatching Development

When the chicks hatch, they are altricial, meaning they are born blind, featherless, and dependent on their parents for food and warmth. The male brings food to the nest, and the female feeds the chicks. Fledgling usually occurs when chicks are one month old, and they remain with their parents during their first year of life.

Conservation Status

Shikras are not currently facing major threats, but the loss of their native habitat and illegal trading may pose serious threats in the future. According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Shikra is around 500,000-999,999 mature individuals, with 100-410 mature individuals in Europe and 1,200 mature individuals in the Arabian population.

Real-Life Incidents and Statistics

A study conducted in Ajanta, India, observed a nesting pair of Shikras that successfully fledged three chicks. The male spent less than 10% of the incubation time, and the female did the majority of the incubation. The study also found that both sexes brought food to the nest, with the male bringing more prey items than the female.

The Shikra is a fascinating bird of prey, and understanding its egg hatching process is crucial for animal enthusiasts and conservationists alike. By learning about the unique characteristics and behaviors of this species, we can better appreciate the diversity of the natural world and work towards protecting these remarkable creatures.

References:
– Shikra – YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX2B4nM16IXcueyb-0AoL-0tL1TKtKJ4G
– Shikra – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://animalia.bio/shikra?property=145
– First Shikra Baby Hatching From Egg Today – YouTube. (2022, August 5). Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxODXxJlumY
– Nesting behaviour and diet of the Shikra Accipiter badius in Ajanta … (2021, May 28). Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://indianbirds.in/pdfs/IB_17_2_Suryawanshi_AccipiterBadius.pdf
– First Shikra Baby Hatching From Egg Today (4) – Mother Bird … – YouTube. (2022, May 14). Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYpaRXNQ-x0