Small Sparrowhawk
NameSmall Sparrowhawk
Common NameShikra
Scientific NameAccipiter badius
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)57.5
Length (cm)31
Weight (g)150
Plumage DetailsAdult males have blue-grey upperparts, a grey head, and finely rufous-barred underparts. Females are browner above with rufous barring below. Both sexes have bright yellow eyes, a dark bill with a yellow cere, and a barred tail.
Vocalization / CallA sharp, high-pitched 'tiu-tiu-tiu' or 'kik-kik-kik' call, often repeated rapidly, especially during breeding season.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across much of sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and South Asia extending into Southeast Asia.
Identifying FeaturesGrey head, Rufous-barred underparts (males), Yellow eyes, Short, broad wings, Long, barred tail, Agile flight
Description
The Shikra is a small, agile raptor characterized by its short, broad wings and relatively long tail. It is often seen perching upright in trees or flying with rapid wing beats and glides through open woodlands and cultivated areas.
