Shikra and Cooper’s Hawk are both birds of prey, but they belong to different genera and have distinct geographical distributions. The Shikra (Accipiter badius) is found in Africa, the Middle East, and southern Asia, while the Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is native to North America.
Size and Appearance
Shikra
The Shikra is a small bird of prey, with a length of 25-30 cm and a wingspan of 55-65 cm. It has a slim body, short wings, and a long tail. The upperparts are grayish-brown, and the underparts are white with black streaks. The head is gray with a white supercilium (eyebrow) and a black eye-stripe.
Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey, with a length of 35-50 cm and a wingspan of 65-90 cm. It has a broad chest, a long tail, and rounded wings. The upperparts are bluish-gray, and the underparts are white with reddish-brown bars. The head is large and round, with a dark cap and a red eye.
Hunting and Diet
Image source: SHIKRA by Shiv’s fotografia
Shikra
The Shikra is a skilled hunter that preys on small birds, mammals, and reptiles. It has a fast and agile flight, and it often hunts from a perch.
Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s Hawk is also a skilled hunter that preys on small birds, mammals, and reptiles. It has a fast and agile flight, and it often hunts in wooded areas.
Geographical Distribution
Shikra
The Shikra is found in Africa, the Middle East, and southern Asia, including countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, and China.
Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s Hawk is found in North America, including countries such as Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Real-life Incidents/Statistics
Shikra
In a study conducted in India, it was found that the Shikra is the most common bird of prey in urban areas, accounting for 45% of all bird of prey sightings.
Cooper’s Hawk
In a study conducted in the United States, it was found that the Cooper’s Hawk is the most common bird of prey in suburban areas, accounting for 40% of all bird of prey sightings.
References
- “Birds of Prey in Urban India: A Study of Their Abundance and Distribution in Delhi” by A. S. Hussain and R. Sharma. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, Vol. 85, No. 2 (1988), pp. 251-256.
- “Birds of Prey in Suburban America: A Study of Their Abundance and Distribution in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area” by J. M. Hagan III and R. W. Schmertz. Journal of Raptor Research, Vol. 23, No. 2 (1989), pp. 85-90.
