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Shikra

The Shikra (Accipiter badius), also known as the little banded goshawk or Indian sparrowhawk, is a small, agile bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, characterized by its short, rounded wings, long barred tail, and powerful flight adapted for maneuvering through dense vegetation.^[1] Adults typically measure 26–30 cm in length, with a wingspan of 48–68 cm and a weight of 100–266 g, displaying slate-grey upperparts, whitish underparts with fine rufous or reddish barring, yellow legs and cere, and eye color varying from deep red in males to orange-yellow in females.^[1] This species is renowned for its tenacious hunting style, ambushing prey such as lizards, small birds, frogs, insects, and mammals from perches or in sudden dives, often raiding nests for young.^[1] Native to a vast range spanning sub-Saharan Africa (such as Angola and South Africa), the Arabian Peninsula, and southern Asia (such as India and Nepal), the Shikra occupies diverse habitats from dry deciduous woodlands and savannas to scrublands, plantations, urban gardens, and even coastal areas up to 2,000 m elevation, though it avoids dense closed-canopy forests.^[2] It is largely resident but exhibits seasonal migrations at the edges of its range, such as in the Palearctic region, and is often observed solitarily or in pairs, perching prominently to scan for prey.^[2] Breeding occurs year-round in equatorial areas but is seasonal elsewhere, with nests built in tree forks 5–16 m high using twigs; females lay 2–4 eggs, which are incubated for about three weeks, and fledglings leave the nest after roughly a month.^[1] Classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its stable global population estimated at 500,000–999,999 mature individuals and extensive range of over 66 million km², the Shikra faces localized threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and electrocution on power lines, yet its adaptability to human-modified landscapes, including urban settings, supports its resilience.^[2] Historically used in falconry in parts of Asia for its trainability and prowess, this raptor plays a key ecological role in controlling rodent and insect populations, highlighting its importance in both natural and agricultural ecosystems.^[1]

Taxonomy

Etymology and naming

The name "Shikra" derives from the Hindi and Urdu term shikari, meaning "hunter," a designation that aptly captures the bird's agile and predatory hunting style.^[3]^[4] This linguistic root traces back to Persian influences, where shikra (شِکره) similarly denotes a falcon or hunter, highlighting its historical association with falconry in South Asian traditions.^[5] In scientific nomenclature, the Shikra was first formally described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788 as Falco badius within the 13th edition of Carl Linnaeus's Systema Naturae, placing it among the falcons based on early morphological observations.^[6]^[7] Over time, it was reclassified into the genus Accipiter as ornithological understanding evolved, reflecting its closer affinity to true hawks or goshawks. Following molecular phylogenetic studies, including analyses of ultraconserved elements and nuclear DNA, the species was transferred to the resurrected genus Tachyspiza in 2024 by major authorities such as the IOC World Bird List (v14.1).^[8] The species bears various common names across its range, including "little banded goshawk" in English, a name emphasizing its barred plumage and small size, particularly in African ornithological contexts.^[5] In Asian regions, it is known regionally as shikra in Hindi and Urdu, barishen in Assamese, shakaro in Gujarati, and helang-sewah pudar in Malay, underscoring its widespread cultural recognition in local languages.^[9]^[10]

Classification and subspecies

The shikra (Tachyspiza badia) belongs to the family Accipitridae, within the subfamily Accipitrinae, and the genus Tachyspiza. This placement reflects its close morphological and ecological affinities with other small hawks, characterized by short, rounded wings and long tails adapted for agile flight in forested environments. Molecular phylogenetic studies, including those using ultraconserved element analyses, have resolved the non-monophyly of Accipiter by transferring the shikra and related species to Tachyspiza, grouping it accurately with close relatives like the Besra based on shared evolutionary history.^[8] The species is recognized to have 6 subspecies, differentiated primarily by plumage variations and geographic distribution, though some authorities suggest splitting the African forms as a separate species. The nominate subspecies T. b. badia occurs across the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka, while T. b. sphenura and T. b. polyzonoides are found in sub-Saharan Africa. Other Asian subspecies include T. b. cenchroides (Caucasus to northwest India), T. b. dussumieri (central India), and T. b. poliopsis (northern India to Sumatra). Key morphological differences include variations in barring patterns on the underparts and overall size, with African subspecies tending to be larger than their Asian counterparts.^[11] Phylogenetically, the shikra clusters within a clade of smaller Accipiter-like hawks that diverges early from the core Accipiter lineage, including species like the Eurasian sparrowhawk (A. nisus), as evidenced by DNA sequence analyses of nuclear and mitochondrial markers. This separation underscores the evolutionary divergence driven by adaptations to diverse habitats across the Old World.^[12]

Description

Morphology and measurements

The Shikra (Tachyspiza badia) is a small raptor measuring 26–30 cm in length, with a wingspan of 48–68 cm and body weight ranging from 100–266 g.^[1] Females exhibit sexual dimorphism by being larger than males, often by 10–20% in linear dimensions and weight.^[13] These measurements place the Shikra among the smaller members of the Tachyspiza genus, comparable in size to the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), though its more compact build is particularly adapted for navigating dense woodland environments.^[13] Key anatomical features include short, rounded wings that enable high maneuverability during short pursuits, and a long, narrow tail with barring that functions as a rudder for precise steering in flight.^[13] The bill is sharp and curved, featuring a prominent cere at its base for sensory functions, while the powerful yellow legs end in strong talons designed for grasping and subduing prey.^[1] These traits contribute to its role as an effective woodland hunter.

Plumage variations

The adult Shikra exhibits a distinctive plumage characterized by gray upperparts and pale underparts with fine rufous or brownish barring. Males typically display slate-gray upperparts, a whitish throat and underbody with narrow rufous bars, and a rufous nape patch, while the tail features narrow dark bands ending in a broad subterminal band.^[14] Females are generally duller, with brownish-gray upperparts and broader, more prominent barring on the underparts, though the overall pattern remains similar.^[14]^[15] Sexual dimorphism in plumage is subtle but present, with males showing sharper contrasts in their gray tones and finer barring compared to the more uniform, heavily barred appearance of females. In some subspecies, such as T. b. poliopsis from Southeast Asia, this dimorphism is minimal, with both sexes displaying nearly identical adult feathering.^[15] The iris color also differs, with males having a deep red eye and females an orange-yellow one, contributing to visual distinction in the field.^[1] Juvenile Shikras possess a markedly different plumage from adults, featuring brown upperparts with rusty edges, heavily streaked or spotted underparts, and a more boldly banded tail. They also show a prominent dark moustachial stripe and overall browner tones.^[14]^[15] Transition to adult plumage occurs through a partial post-juvenile molt beginning at 4–10 months of age, primarily affecting body contours and resulting in a transitional phase with mixed juvenile spots and adult-like rufous barring that is broader and rustier than in full adults. This transitional plumage is retained for about six months and varies in extent among individuals. A complete annual molt to full adult feathering follows at around one year, typically post-breeding and synchronous across the population.^[15] Geographic plumage variations align with subspecies distributions, showing clinal differences across the species' range in Africa and Asia. African subspecies, such as T. b. sphenura and T. b. polyzonoides, tend to have darker overall plumage with more extensive brown tones and rufous below, lacking a distinct rufous hindcollar and featuring a weak or absent throat stripe. In contrast, Asian forms like T. b. cenchroides, T. b. dussumieri, and T. b. badius are paler, with lighter gray upperparts and more pronounced rufous elements. These differences are subtle and primarily reflect adaptations to regional environments, though subspecies boundaries are weakly defined.^[11]^[15]

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The Shikra (Accipiter badius) has a broad native range across sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and southern Asia, extending from Senegal and Gambia in West Africa eastward to Myanmar, southern China, Thailand, Vietnam, and possibly Sumatra in winter. In Africa, its distribution includes populations from Senegambia southward to northern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Tanzania, with additional southern extensions from southern DRC to central Namibia and northern South Africa. Across Asia, it occupies areas from Armenia and Kazakhstan through Pakistan, India (including the Himalayas), Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.^[11]^[2] The species is primarily sedentary in its tropical core ranges, such as southern India, Sri Lanka, and much of sub-Saharan Africa, where populations remain year-round. However, northern peripheral populations show partial migratory behavior; for example, the subspecies A. b. cenchroides breeds from Armenia to northwestern India and migrates southward in winter to Pakistan, central and southern India, and Southeast Asia from September–October to mid-April–early May. In West Africa, some individuals undertake seasonal movements southward during the dry season for breeding, returning north during the rainy season.^[11]^[2] Vagrant occurrences extend beyond the core range, with records in the Middle East (e.g., Israel, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Yemen, Iran) and Europe (e.g., Turkey), as well as more distant sites like Indonesia, Lesotho, Malaysia, and Mongolia. Historical range expansions have been documented in urbanizing regions, notably a rapid increase in breeding populations in the United Arab Emirates since 2013, attributed to afforestation and habitat alterations in arid urban environments.^[2]^[16] In areas of geographic overlap with similar raptors, such as the Levant Sparrowhawk (A. brevipes) in the Middle East or the African Goshawk (A. tachiro) in sub-Saharan Africa, the Shikra tends to occupy more open savanna and woodland edges, avoiding dense forest interiors dominated by these larger congeners.^[2]

Habitat preferences

The Shikra (Accipiter badius) primarily occupies open and semi-open landscapes that provide scattered trees for perching, nesting, and hunting vantage points. It favors deciduous woodlands, savannas, dry and moist woodlands, plantations (including exotic species like eucalyptus), gardens, and riparian forests, as well as human-modified environments such as farmlands, towns, and urban areas with adequate tree cover. These habitats offer a mix of open ground for prey detection and elevated perches, enabling the bird's ambush-style predation.^[2]^[1] The species is adapted to a broad elevational gradient, occurring from sea level up to 2,000 m, with occasional records reaching 3,000 m in parts of its African and Arabian range. It avoids dense, closed-canopy forests, which limit visibility and perch access, as well as extremely arid deserts lacking sufficient vegetation and prey resources. Within suitable habitats, the Shikra relies on microhabitats featuring tall, mature trees—often in high forks or horizontal branches 5–16 m above ground—for nesting and observation posts. This perch-dependent lifestyle underscores its tolerance for fragmented or degraded woodlands, including patchy scrub and cultivated edges.^[2]^[1] A key adaptation to these environments is the Shikra's preference for ecotones, such as interfaces between open grasslands and wooded patches, where it can conceal itself on branches to launch surprise attacks on ground or low-flying prey. This edge habitat utilization enhances hunting efficiency in both natural savannas and anthropogenic landscapes like agricultural fields bordering tree lines.^[1]

Behavior

Daily activities and locomotion

The Shikra is a diurnal raptor, active primarily from dawn to dusk, with heightened activity peaks observed in the early morning around 0800 h and late afternoon around 1700 h during breeding periods. Observations spanning 0550 h to 1945 h indicate that individuals engage in routine behaviors such as perching, scanning for opportunities, and short flights throughout the day, with reduced activity at midday. In non-breeding seasons, Shikras roost solitarily or in pairs in suitable woodland sites, though specific patterns vary by population and location.^[17]^[18] The Shikra's locomotion features a characteristic flap-and-glide flight style, with rapid wingbeats interspersed by glides, adapted for maneuvering through dense woodland habitats. In open areas, particularly during breeding, individuals switch to soaring on thermals, often in pairs, to cover greater distances efficiently. Territorial displays include undulating flights, where the bird performs acrobatic dives and climbs to assert dominance over intruders. These flight adaptations are supported by the species' rounded wings and long, barred tail, enabling agile navigation and precise control during hovers or stoops.^[18]^[19] Shikras exhibit solitary or paired territorial behavior, maintaining well-respected boundaries without specialized announcing vocalizations, though aggressive pursuits of conspecifics or threats like corvids occur. Territories are defended intensively, especially around nests, with pairs coordinating responses to larger predators via aerial chases and circling maneuvers. In non-breeding contexts, territoriality relaxes, allowing closer proximity among individuals.^[20]^[18]^[17] Daily ranging is limited, with foraging typically confined to within 1-2 km of the nest or roost site, reflecting the species' woodland preferences and ambush-oriented lifestyle. Migratory populations undertake seasonal movements, but resident birds show minimal daily displacement beyond territorial bounds, averaging 1-2 km² per pair. This localized pattern supports energy-efficient routines, with males often ranging slightly farther than females during provisioning.^[18]^[17]

Foraging and diet

The Shikra (Accipiter badius) maintains an opportunistic diet dominated by small birds and reptiles, with insects, rodents, and occasional amphibians or bats comprising the remainder. Small birds, such as bulbuls and sparrows, and reptiles like lizards (including geckos, skinks, and garden lizards) are frequently targeted for their abundance in forested and open habitats. Rodents, squirrels, and large insects supplement the diet, particularly when primary prey is scarce, and the bird may opportunistically capture frogs near water sources or bats during evening hunts.^[2]^[1]^[21] Hunting strategies emphasize stealth and speed, with the Shikra typically ambushing prey from concealed perches in foliage or branches, launching surprise dives of up to 10 meters to strike near the ground. It may also pursue small birds in short aerial chases, plucking them mid-air with agile maneuvers reminiscent of other accipiters, or snatch lizards and insects directly from tree trunks and low vegetation. These tactics rely on the bird's cryptic plumage for camouflage and its ability to weave through dense cover, enabling captures in varied environments from woodlands to urban edges.^[1]^[22]^[21] Foraging ecology reflects adaptations to daily and seasonal rhythms, including hunts in low-light crepuscular periods to target active prey like emerging bats or insects. During the dry season, the diet shifts toward greater insect consumption, especially swarming termites, which the Shikra gleans from the ground in opportunistic bouts. This flexibility supports its wide distribution across diverse habitats, balancing energy needs with prey availability.^[21]^[17] Digestive adaptations facilitate efficient prey processing, with the Shikra's strong stomach acids breaking down flesh rapidly while indigestible components like bones, feathers, scales, and fur are compacted into pellets. These pellets are regurgitated daily, typically 6–10 hours after feeding, to clear the gut and maintain metabolic efficiency suited to frequent hunting.^[1]^[21]

Vocalizations and communication

The Shikra (Accipiter badius) utilizes a diverse repertoire of vocalizations for alarm, contact, courtship, and juvenile signaling, with calls often described as shrill and piercing to convey urgency or coordination in social contexts. These vocalizations are particularly prominent during territorial disputes or interactions with potential threats, helping to deter intruders or alert mates.^[11] The primary alarm call is a sharp, repeated "kiew-kiew" or "ki-kie," delivered with high pitch and fading on the second syllable, varying in intensity to match the perceived threat level from predators or rivals; this call is frequently emitted while chasing other birds or during defense of foraging areas.^[23]^[24] In addition to vocal alerts, the Shikra employs non-vocal signals such as rapid tail-flicking and head-bobbing while perched, which serve to emphasize territorial boundaries and facilitate visual communication during pair interactions or displays.^[21] Courtship vocalizations typically involve whistled, two- or three-note phrases like "pee-wee" or "pee-pee-pee," often produced in duets by paired adults to strengthen bonds and coordinate during pre-breeding activities; these calls are clearer and more melodic than alarm notes, contrasting with the sharper tones used in aggression.^[25]^[24] Juveniles produce high-pitched, squealing begging calls at the nest, characterized by persistent, urgent chirps to solicit food deliveries from parents; these differ markedly from adult calls in their higher frequency and repetitive nature, aiding in parent-offspring recognition.^[24] Overall, the Shikra's vocal and visual signals integrate seamlessly with its daily routines, such as pair bonding observed in perched or flight displays.^[11]

Reproduction

Breeding biology

The Shikra forms monogamous pairs that often maintain lifelong bonds, particularly among resident populations.^[13] These pairs engage in courtship rituals featuring aerial chases and soaring displays on thermals, accompanied by vocal duets that reinforce pair bonds.^[13]^[26] Joint selection of nest sites follows, with pairs showing high selectivity for suitable locations.^[20] The breeding season aligns with the dry period, occurring from March to June in India and southern Asia, while in tropical regions such as parts of Africa, it happens year-round but peaks during the dry season from October to March.^[13]^[2] Females typically lay a clutch of 3–4 pale bluish-grey eggs, stippled with darker markings.^[13] Incubation lasts 18–21 days and is performed primarily by the female, with the male contributing minimally but providing food to support her.^[13]^[17] Fledging success rates average around 69% of nests producing fledglings, with outcomes influenced by food availability that affects hatching and nestling survival.^[27]

Nesting and parental care

The Shikra constructs its nest as a shallow platform composed of twigs and sticks, often placed in the fork of a tree trunk or branches at heights usually ranging from 5 to 16 m (extremes 4–19 m) above the ground.^[1]^[17] Both sexes participate in nest building, with the female contributing approximately twice as much effort as the male, and pairs frequently repair and reuse the structure in subsequent breeding seasons or incorporate elements from old nests of other birds such as magpies.^[1] The nest interior is occasionally lined with fresh green leaves, grass, roots, or bark to provide cushioning and camouflage.^[28] The female performs the majority of incubation duties on a clutch of 3–4 eggs, lasting approximately 18–21 days, while the male contributes minimally but begins provisioning the female with prey during this period.^[1]^[17] Upon hatching, the altricial chicks are covered in pale down and remain entirely dependent on parental care, with the female handling most brooding to shield them from weather and predators.^[29] The male delivers the bulk of food items—often comprising lizards, small birds, or insects—which the female tears into small pieces to feed the nestlings, though older chicks may begin self-feeding when prey is dropped directly into the nest.^[1]^[17] Chicks develop rapidly and typically fledge after 25–35 days, remaining in the vicinity of the nest for an additional 2–4 weeks while parents continue provisioning.^[17]^[1] Due to asynchronous hatching, sibling competition for food is common, often resulting in the starvation or eviction of weaker chicks by dominant siblings, which can reduce overall clutch survival rates to below 100% in multi-chick broods. The female assumes a more aggressive role in nest defense, actively guarding the site and alerting the male to potential threats, while the male focuses primarily on hunting.^[17]

Conservation

Population status

The Shikra (Accipiter badius) is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, a status it has held since at least 2016, reflecting its large global range and lack of evidence for significant population declines. The global population is estimated at 500,000–999,999 mature individuals, based on assessments from 2009, though earlier estimates suggested around 1,000,000 individuals or approximately 400,000 breeding pairs.^[2] Overall, the population trend is considered stable, with no substantial reductions observed across its distribution.^[2] Population densities vary by region and habitat quality, typically ranging from 1 to 50 breeding pairs per 100 km² in optimal wooded or savanna areas. For instance, densities reach up to about 43 pairs per 100 km² in West African woodlands, while lower figures of 0.85–2 pairs per 100 km² occur in South African savannas.^[11] In some localized studies, such as in Armenia, mean densities average 4.4 pairs per 100 km², with peaks at 7.5 pairs per 100 km².^[30] Higher densities are noted in urban or human-modified landscapes, where the species adapts well to increased prey availability. Monitoring efforts, including breeding bird surveys and citizen science platforms, indicate no significant declines in core ranges. In India, the State of India's Birds report, drawing on eBird data and other observations, assesses long-term trends as inconclusive but current annual trends as stable, with a very large distribution range size.^[31] In Africa, multiregional raptor surveys across savannas reveal regional variations, such as a 32% decline in West Africa and 65% in northern Botswana over recent decades, though these do not alter the global stable assessment.^[32] Regionally, Shikra populations show increases in human-altered landscapes, such as around Dubai in the UAE, where breeding range expansions have been documented since the early 2000s.^[2] In contrast, populations remain stable in natural habitats across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, benefiting from the species' adaptability to diverse environments.^[2]

Threats and management

The Shikra faces several primary threats across its range, primarily driven by human activities. Habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization has significantly impacted suitable wooded and open areas preferred by the species, reducing available nesting and foraging sites in parts of its Asian and African distribution.^[33]^[2] Bioaccumulation of persistent organochlorine pesticides, such as DDT, occurs in Shikra tissues through consumption of contaminated prey, leading to elevated concentrations in liver samples—up to 3.43 μg/g wet weight in some individuals—and potential sublethal effects on reproduction and health.^[34] Collisions with man-made structures, including power lines and wind turbines, pose an additional risk, as the species' agile flight through open habitats increases encounters with infrastructure.^[35] Illegal trade represents a minor but ongoing threat, with occasional poaching for falconry or use as pets in Asia, where raptors are trapped and sold through informal networks.^[36] Conservation management for the Shikra includes international protections and targeted habitat initiatives. The species is listed under CITES Appendix II, regulating international trade to prevent overexploitation, and is also covered by CMS Appendix II and the Raptors MoU, promoting cooperative monitoring and habitat safeguards.^[2] In India, afforestation programs have supported population recovery; for instance, restoration efforts in Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary through encroachment removal and tree planting doubled Shikra sightings over four years, while breeding has been documented in the restored Aravalli Biodiversity Park.^[37]^[38] Looking ahead, climate change may alter migration patterns for the partially migratory populations, potentially disrupting routes through shifting weather and habitat availability, necessitating adaptive monitoring to track long-term trends.^[39]

Relationship with humans

Cultural significance

In Indian culture, the Shikra symbolizes agility, courage, and precision, often appearing in ancient epics and modern literature as a metaphor for swift action and unyielding spirit. Known as Syena in Sanskrit texts like the Mahabharata, it represents a bird of prey embodying predatory prowess and is referenced in contexts of divine or heroic hunts.^[40] In Punjabi poetry, such as Shiv Kumar Batalvi's works, the Shikra evokes themes of love, longing, betrayal, and raw willpower, portraying it as an ambiguous force in human emotions.^[41] In historical contexts, it is admired for its hunting skills, reflected in its name derived from the Hindi shikari (hunter), underscoring its cultural association with dexterity and survival.^[42] In modern media, the Shikra features prominently in wildlife documentaries and films focused on Asian raptors, highlighting its urban adaptability and predatory behaviors in regions like India and Sri Lanka.^[43] These portrayals emphasize its role as a resilient urban predator, contributing to public appreciation of avian diversity across South Asia.^[44] For conservation awareness, the Shikra is included in educational initiatives across South Asia aimed at raptor protection, such as community programs that promote habitat preservation and reduce human-wildlife conflicts to safeguard its populations.^[45] These efforts underscore its ecological importance in controlling pest populations, fostering broader support for biodiversity in urban and rural landscapes.^[46]

Use in falconry and hunting

The Shikra (Accipiter badius) has a long-standing tradition of use in falconry, particularly in India and Pakistan, where it has been trained to hunt small game birds such as quail and sparrows. Valued for its prowess in woodland environments, the bird's agile, stealthy hunting style—characterized by low, flap-and-glide flights through dense cover—makes it well-suited for pursuing prey in forested or semi-wooded terrains.^[2]^[47] Historical accounts trace this practice back to at least the medieval Mughal era, when the Shikra, often referred to as a sparrowhawk, was a favored species among nobility. Emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605), an avid falconer, reportedly preferred the humble Shikra for its trainability and effectiveness in capturing smaller quarry, integrating it into organized royal hunting parties that symbolized status and skill. Training typically involved capturing juveniles during the post-breeding season, imprinting them through close human contact to build trust, and conditioning them to respond to lures—such as padded swings or feathered dummies—dangling from lines to simulate prey. This method capitalized on the bird's natural foraging behaviors, allowing falconers to direct its innate ambush tactics toward human-set targets.^[47]^[3] In contemporary times, the use of Shikras in falconry has declined sharply due to protective regulations. In India, capturing or possessing wild raptors like the Shikra became illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which schedules it for conservation to prevent exploitation. Similar restrictions apply in Pakistan, though enforcement varies, leading to occasional persistence in rural areas. While falconry with Shikras continues sporadically in parts of the Middle East within its range, where the practice remains culturally embedded, ethical concerns over wild capture— including stress on juveniles and disruption of natural behaviors—have fueled debates among conservationists and practitioners, prompting calls for stricter oversight.^[3]^[48]^[49] Despite historical and ongoing use, the impact on Shikra populations appears limited, with no evidence of significant declines attributed to falconry; global estimates place the mature population at 500,000–999,999 individuals, remaining stable overall. Localized reductions may occur in intensively hunted regions, but these are mitigated by the species' wide distribution and resilience, as well as broader conservation measures like CITES Appendix II listing, which regulates international trade. Efforts toward captive breeding for falconry remain exploratory and uncommon for this species, focusing instead on wild population monitoring.^[2]^[50]

References

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The Shikra is a small bird of prey, with a long, barred tail and powerful wings. The Shikra has a light breast and underbelly marked with thin reddish barring.
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The species inhabits a wide range of dry habitats with trees, including deciduous woodland, savanna, plantations and gardens, but avoids closed canopy or dense ...
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Geographic Range. The Shikra is widely distributed across: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka; Parts of West and Central Asia; Extends into ...
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The shikra is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae found widely distributed in Asia and Africa where it is also called the little banded goshawk.
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Jul 5, 2021 · Shikra SCI Name: Accipiter badius Protonym: Falco badius Syst.Nat. 1 pt1 p.280 Category: Accipitriformes / Accipitridae / Accipiter Taxonomy ...Missing: 1799 | Show results with:1799
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The Shikra is a widespread resident breeder throughout south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. ... Regional Names. Assamese: বৰীশেন; Gujarati: શકરો ...
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Shikra. Shikra. This species is defined as a Review Species ... Accipiter badius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021.. Accessed on ...
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Move polytypic Shikra Accipiter badius into Tachyspiza, as Tachyspiza badia (with subspecies sphenura, polyzonoides, cenchroides, dussumieri, badia, and ...
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Chestnut-headed Crake was formerly assigned to Anurolimnas. Subsequently treated as congeneric with Russet-crowned Crake, formerly assigned to Laterallus.
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A common, widespread resident across Asia and Africa. Adult males have a reddish iris, blue gray upperparts and fine brownish-orange barring on underparts.Identification · Range Map · Media
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Dec 4, 2000 · Birds in transitional plumage underwent a complete molt to adult plumage in. April, May, and August, possibly slightly earlier than the molt in ...<|separator|>
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May 28, 2021 · It uses a diversity of habitats ranging from urban gardens, green spaces in peri-urban areas, plantations, cultivations, and forests. A recent ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Here, a pair of Shikras defended their territory intensively against Hooded. Crows Corvus corone, making typical alarm calls. This behaviour was also observed ...Missing: activity behavior
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Apparently the territorial claims of others of the species are well respected. No special territory announcing call or note was noticed, presumably the loud.Missing: behavior | Show results with:behavior
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The shikra (Accipiter badius) is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae found widely distributed in Asia and Africa where it is also called the little ...
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Jul 13, 2023 · This bird is a small raptor (26-30cm) with short broad wings and a long tail, both adaptations to fast manoeuvring. The normal flight of this ...Distribution / Range · Trivia · Schoddes Bird Of Paradise
[24]
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The Shikra (Accipiter badius) is a bird in the order ACCIPITRIFORMES, family Accipitridae (Kites, Hawks, Eagles). There are 165 foreground and 19 background ...Missing: communication | Show results with:communication
[26]
Shikra (Accipiter badius) identification - Birda
They are typically solitary or found in pairs. Distribution. This raptor's range extends from Senegal and Gambia to southwest Arabia, south to north Tanzania, ...
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[PDF] Conservation Plan for Schedule-I and Threatened Species Only two ...
The shikra are found in a range of habitats including forests, farmland and urban areas. They are usually seen singly or in pairs. No Shikra was sighted in the ...Missing: altitudinal | Show results with:altitudinal<|control11|><|separator|>
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[PDF] breeding success and nest reoccupancy rate of indian shikra ...
Mean clutch size was 2.31±0.53 (mean±SD), hatching success 40% and nestling fledged were 91.67%. Out of observed nests, successful nests were 69%, while ...Missing: monogamy | Show results with:monogamy
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Shikra (Accipiter badius) - Planet of Birds
Aug 27, 2011 · They are well adapted for flying through dense bush. Bird-catching Sparrow-hawks generally have long and slender legs, with slender digits, the ...
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Shikra - Oiseaux-Birds
DESCRIPTION : Shikra adult has yellow bill and legs, and red eyes. Wing tip is rounded. Outer primary tips are black. Head and upperparts are ...
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Shikra Accipiter badius breeding in Armenia. - ResearchGate
Mar 29, 2017 · The Shikra Accipiter badius is a widespread Accipiter with a predominantly Asian and African distribution. In the Transcaucasus, until ...<|separator|>
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Shikra | State of India's Birds
Shikra Accipiter badius. Long-term Trend: Trend Inconclusive. Current Annual Trend: Stable. Distribution Range Size: Very Large.
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African savanna raptors show evidence of widespread population ...
Jan 4, 2024 · Here we describe multiregional trends among 42 African raptor species, 88% of which have declined over a ca. 20–40-yr period, with 69% exceeding the ...
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Shikra | The Unseen Master of the Skies - Rajaji National Park
Sep 30, 2024 · The Shikra (Accipiter badius) is a medium-sized hawk found predominantly in Africa and parts of Asia. With its sharp eyes and agile flight, this bird is a ...<|separator|>
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Accumulation pattern of persistent organochlorine pesticides in liver ...
Aug 6, 2025 · The higher concentrations of total organochlorine pesticides were detected in livers of shikra Accipiter badius (3.43 ± 0.99 μg/g wet wt) ...
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"A tale of wilderness" The sun beat down on the Jhalana Leopard ...
Dec 13, 2024 · Threats • Pesticide Poisoning: Bioaccumulation of toxins like DDT ... • Collisions: Risk of collision with man-made structures like wind ...
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Wildlife trade shifts from brick-and-mortar markets to virtual ...
Sep 1, 2020 · Raptors are legally and illegally traded for recreational hunting or falconry, especially in the Middle East and USA, or for them to be kept as ...
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Delhi: As raptors find sanctuary at Asola, Shikra numbers double in ...
Jul 19, 2021 · The forest and wildlife department helped remove encroachments from the sanctuary over the last few years, while afforestation took place in ...
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[PDF] Shikra breeding in Delhi's Aravalli Biodiversity Park, a restored habitat
Jul 21, 2024 · The park's commitment to creating a conducive habitat for avian creatures has resulted in the nesting and breeding of numerous bird species,.
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Animal migration to northern latitudes: environmental changes and ...
Population declines have been greater among migratory species because of their vulnerability to climate change and human pressure.
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Chapter 4.34 - The Shyena (Shikra) in the Epics
Aug 13, 2021 · In Literature, Syena is a bird of prey and has been identified variously as a hawk, a falcon, an eagle, an owl or a vulture.In the Mahabharata, ...
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Terror and beauty, the morning of the shikra - Hindustan Times
Sep 29, 2021 · In Batalvi's poem, the shikra is an ambiguous metaphor for love, longing, betrayal and sheer animal will. There is ambiguity even about its ...
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Shikra - the leopard among birds of prey - India Narrative
Jan 2, 2022 · The Shikra is a small, courageous, and fast raptor, known for its hunting skills, and is likened to leopards for its fierce techniques. It has ...
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Shikra the red-eyed urban raptor of India - YouTube
Jul 15, 2019 · Shikra the red-eyed urban raptor of India perched on a tree branch at the Wildfilmsindia office. The Shikra (Accipiter badius) belongs to ...
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Shikra the fast and the furious - The New Indian Express
Oct 4, 2012 · The Shikra is native to Asia and Africa is found in most of the Asian continent, besides being fairly widespread across much of Africa.
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Shikra - Stay connected with nature and your friend - Bird Buddy
Varied Habitat Preferences. Shikras inhabit diverse ecosystems ranging from forests and savannas to urban parks across Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.
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Raptor Conservation in East and South Asia. - ResearchGate
Aug 23, 2025 · Many of the world's raptors, or birds of prey, are experiencing declines and are increasingly threatened with extinction.Missing: Shikra | Show results with:Shikra
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A History of Falconry
Surprisingly, the humble sparrowhawk was the favourite of the mighty Emperor Akbar. In the Indus Valley, falconry was considered a life-sustaining ...Falconry In Korea And China · Falconry In Japan · Falconry In IndiaMissing: shikra | Show results with:shikra<|control11|><|separator|>
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Pakistan regulates falconry as Arab hunting forays loom - Arab News
Nov 27, 2020 · “It is good that falconry has been regulated in Sindh,” he added, saying that the new regulations would help local communities and conservation ...
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Ethical and Scientific Aspects Concerning Animal Welfare and ...
There is no evidence that the ethological needs of falconry birds' are not met by the keeping and training typical for falconry. And even if you face falconry ...Missing: Shikra | Show results with:Shikra
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