Shikra

Description:

The Shikra is a small but strong bird of prey. It has short broad wings and a long tail. With Pale grey upperparts, its white and reddish from below. The female has a browner above. As in other hawks, the female is Larger than the Male. The first Photograph is of a female.

Habitat:

Shikra is a bird of open woodlands, though often spotted in Urban and Semi Urban areas, including fields for cultivation. Can be spotted easily during calm afternoons when they perch on the branches looking out for prey.

Notes:

The Flight of the shikra is made up of some rapid wing flaps followed by a short glide. The Nesting session as observed in the city of Guwahati is from March to June. Both sexes share domestic duties, according to veteran Bird Experts. But I am yet to study that.