The Shikra, also known as Accipiter badius, is a small yet agile bird of prey found across much of Asia and Africa. One of the most distinctive features of this raptor is its impressive wingspan, which can vary significantly between males and females.

The Shikra’s Sexually Dimorphic Wingspan

The Shikra exhibits a clear sexual dimorphism in its wingspan, with males and females displaying distinct differences in their measurements.

Characteristic	Male Shikra	Female Shikra
Wingspan	48-56 cm	56-68 cm
Length	26-30 cm	30-35 cm

This variation in wingspan is an adaptation that allows the Shikra to thrive in its diverse habitats, with the larger females better equipped to hunt larger prey, while the smaller males can more easily maneuver through dense vegetation in pursuit of smaller quarry.

Adaptations for Agile Flight

Image source: ShiKRA by Suvendu suvo

The Shikra’s wingspan is not just impressive in its size, but also in its shape and design. The bird has short, rounded wings and a long, narrow tail, which are adaptations that enable it to fly quickly and agilely through dense foliage.

These features allow the Shikra to:

1. Easily navigate through tight spaces in its preferred habitats, such as forests and woodlands.
2. Quickly change direction and pursue its prey with remarkable speed and precision.
3. Maintain excellent maneuverability, which is crucial for its hunting strategy of ambushing and pouncing on unsuspecting prey.

The Shikra’s Hunting Prowess

The Shikra is a skilled and versatile hunter, using its impressive wingspan and agility to its advantage. Its diet consists of a wide range of prey, including:

• Rodents
• Birds (including young birds from nests)
• Lizards
• Insects

The Shikra’s hunting strategy often involves perching patiently on a vantage point, such as a tree branch or power line, and then swooping down swiftly to capture its prey. Its long, narrow tail and short, rounded wings allow it to navigate through dense vegetation with ease, making it a formidable predator.

Threats to the Shikra’s Survival

Despite its widespread distribution, the Shikra faces several threats to its survival, including:

1. Habitat Degradation: Deforestation, overgrazing, and the use of insecticides have all contributed to the loss and degradation of the Shikra’s natural habitats.
2. Electrocution: The Shikra is at risk of being electrocuted when it perches on power lines, which can be a significant threat in some areas.
3. Falconry: The Shikra is sometimes captured and used in the practice of falconry, which can have a negative impact on wild populations.

Conservation Efforts

To protect the Shikra and its habitat, various conservation efforts are underway, including:

1. Habitat Restoration: Initiatives to restore and protect the Shikra’s natural habitats, such as forests and woodlands, are crucial for the species’ long-term survival.
2. Education and Outreach: Programs that raise awareness about the importance of conserving the Shikra and its ecosystem are essential for garnering public support and participation in conservation efforts.
3. Monitoring and Research: Ongoing monitoring and research on the Shikra’s population, behavior, and threats are necessary to inform effective conservation strategies.

By understanding the unique characteristics and adaptations of the Shikra, particularly its impressive wingspan, we can better appreciate the importance of this remarkable bird of prey and the need to protect it for future generations.

References:

• Uganda Birding Safaris & Tours. Shikra in Uganda. Retrieved from https://www.ugandabirdingsafaristour.com/shikra-in-uganda/
• Birds of the World. Shikra – Accipiter badius. Retrieved from https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/shikra1/cur/introduction
• The Wildebeest. Shikra – a widely distributed bird of prey. Retrieved from https://thewildebeest.co.za/01407-shikra.php
• The Peregrine Fund. Shikra | The Peregrine Fund. Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/hawks/shikra