Shikra (Accipiter badius)
Order: FALCONIFORMES
Family: ACCIPITRIDAE Hawks, Kites, Eagles, Vultures
Scientific name: Accipiter badius
English name: Shikra
Characteristic: Size 30-36 cm. Femala a little larger than the male, has greyish brown back, whereas it is grey in the male; whitish underpart with fine reddish brown barrings. Chin white.
Distribution: Africa, South Asia, Southern China, Hainan, the Nicobars, through SE Asia to Sumatra. In Thailand, widely spread except in the southernmost provines.
Habitat: Dry evergreen forest, dipterocarp forest and secondary growth.
Habit: Prefers exposed perches. Sometimes seen soaring for a short distances, before plunging swiftly to seize preys. Diet comprises large insects, small vertebrates, such as birds, rodents and reptiles. Breeding between March-May, when a clutch of 3-5 eggs will be deposited. The incubation period is 18-21 days.
Status: Being uncommon, both as a resident and a seasonal migrant. Mostly found singly in the dipterocarp forest.
