The Shikra (Accipiter badius) and the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) are both birds of prey, but they belong to different families and have distinct characteristics. This article will delve into the key differences between these two raptors, covering their size, appearance, hunting styles, and conservation status.
Size and Appearance
The Peregrine Falcon is significantly larger than the Shikra, with a wingspan of 39-48 inches compared to the Shikra’s 20-24 inches. The Peregrine Falcon also has a more pointed wing shape and a longer, more hooked beak than the Shikra.
In terms of coloration, the Shikra has whitish underparts with fine rufous bars and grey upperparts, while the Peregrine Falcon has dark grey or bluish-black upperparts and white underparts with dark bars. The Shikra’s iris is red in males and yellowish-orange in females, while the Peregrine Falcon has a dark eye.
Hunting Styles
Image source: ShiKRA by Suvendu suvo
The Shikra is known for its tenacious hunting style, feeding on a wide range of prey, including lizards, frogs, large insects, termites, small birds, and mammals. It is a skilled hunter that can take down prey larger than itself.
On the other hand, the Peregrine Falcon is renowned for its incredible speed and agility in flight. It is capable of reaching speeds over 240 miles per hour during its hunting stoop (high-speed dive) to catch medium-sized birds in mid-air.
Conservation Status
The Shikra is currently classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In contrast, the Peregrine Falcon was once listed as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act due to the use of the pesticide DDT, which caused thinning of eggshells and declines in populations. However, thanks to conservation efforts, the Peregrine Falcon has made a remarkable recovery and was removed from the Endangered Species List in 1999.
Habitat and Distribution
The Shikra is widely distributed in Asia and Africa, where it can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas. The Peregrine Falcon, on the other hand, has a global distribution and can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
Nesting and Breeding
Both the Shikra and the Peregrine Falcon are known to build their nests in high places, such as on cliffs, tall trees, or man-made structures. The Shikra typically lays 2-4 eggs, while the Peregrine Falcon lays 3-4 eggs on average.
Vocalizations
The Shikra is known for its distinctive call, which is a high-pitched “kee-kee-kee” or a sharp “kik-kik-kik.” The Peregrine Falcon, on the other hand, has a wide range of vocalizations, including a loud “kak-kak-kak” call and a softer “kee-kee-kee” call.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Shikra and the Peregrine Falcon are both birds of prey, they have distinct differences in size, appearance, hunting style, conservation status, habitat, and vocalizations. Understanding these differences can help us appreciate the diversity of the avian world and the unique adaptations of these remarkable raptors.
References:
- Is the shikra bird a type of hawk? – Quora. Available at: https://www.quora.com/Is-the-shikra-bird-a-type-of-hawk
- Shikra – Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikra
- The Peregrine Fund. (2023). Shikra | The Peregrine Fund. Available at: https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/hawks/shikra
- The World Center for Birds of Prey. (2023). Shikra Hunting And Falcons, Hawks Eagle Discussion – Raptors Today. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSI3nFzq2fU
- The World Center for Birds of Prey. (2023). Shikra and falcon getting sunlight || Raptors Today – YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9INzDqJY2g
- All About Birds. (2023). Cooper’s Hawk Similar Species Comparison – All About Birds. Available at: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Coopers_Hawk/species-compare/.
