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.