Monday, April 21, 2025

Bird watching - Shikra

Shikra



The Shikra (Accipiter badius) is a small bird of prey that’s surprisingly common across India, even in busy cities like ours. Despite its size it's a skilled hunter, zipping through trees and rooftops with incredible agility.

It feeds on small birds, lizards, insects, and even frogs – basically anything it can spot and swoop down on. No wonder it looked so focused while sitting on that post!


Local Names: 
Chhota Baaz ( Small Hawk) - Hindi
Siriya Paravai Aadi, Kaadu Kazhugu (Forest Hawk) - Tamil
Scientific Name : 
Accipiter badius


Shikras usually build their nests high up in trees, often in densely foliaged areas like parks, groves, or quiet backyards. In urban areas, they adapt well and may use tall roadside trees or even plantation lines in farmlands.
The nest is a simple platform made of twigs and sticks, sometimes lined with green leaves or softer material. It’s not elaborate but does the job well.


In most parts of India, including Tamil Nadu, the breeding season starts around March and goes on till June. You might spot more activity—calls, aerial displays, and feeding—in this time.
A female typically lays 3 to 4 pale bluish-white eggs.
Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. The chicks fledge (fly out) in about 3–4 weeks but are still fed by the parents for some time.


It’s not every day that a bird of prey pays you a visit, especially one as elegant as the Shikra. And it wasn’t afraid of the noise or the occasional passing scooter. Just perched there, calm and collected – a true urban raptor, perfectly at home even among concrete and cables.
What struck me most was its sharpness. The Shikra isn’t just another bird. It’s fierce, fast, and quietly majestic. 
Spottings like this are little reminders that nature is all around us – even in a city, even in the middle of our daily routines.  That one unexpected sighting filled my day with wonder and left me with a smile.



References
The Book of Indian Birds (Salim Ali)

Pictures:
DLF Gardencity, Chennai