Shikra

The Shikra is a widespread small accipiter found from sub-Saharan Africa across the Middle East to South and Southeast Asia, occupying open woodland, farmland, and even city gardens. Its compact, short-winged, long-tailed build is typical of accipiters, built for quick maneuvering through vegetation rather than sustained open-country soaring.

Back and crown feathers are a clean blue-gray, and the tail is crossed by several narrow dusky bands, appearing more finely marked than the broader bands of larger accipiters. Underparts show fine rufous-orange barring on a pale background, distinct from the coarser gray barring of many similarly sized hawks. Wings are short and rounded and the tail proportionately long, the classic accipiter silhouette adapted for rapid twisting flight through cover.

Adult males are blue-gray above with pale underparts finely barred rufous-orange, while females are duller and browner above with similar but slightly heavier barring below. Juveniles are brown above with dark streaking on a buffy background below, only acquiring the barred adult pattern after their first molt. The species can resemble the Eurasian Sparrowhawk where ranges overlap but typically shows a paler eye and finer, more even barring.

Shikras occupy open woodland, cultivated land, scrub, and garden habitat across sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia. Most populations are resident, though some northern and higher-latitude populations show partial seasonal movements.

It hunts lizards, small birds, and large insects, typically ambushing prey from a concealed perch with a short, fast dash. Nests are built in a tree fork using twigs, and the species gives sharp, repeated calls, especially during the breeding season near the nest site.