The Shikra is a small, widespread raptor found across Africa and Asia, recognized by its relatively short, rounded wings and long tail. It's often found in varied habitats, including urban areas.
Where to spot
Very common and widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It adapts to a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, cultivated land, and even city parks.
How to spot
Look for its characteristic 'flap-flap-glide' flight pattern. It often perches conspicuously on telephone poles or exposed branches. Listen for its distinctive repetitive 'kip-kip-kip' call.
When to spot
Active throughout the day. Often seen soaring, hunting, or perched prominently on trees or wires, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.
Where to spot
Very common and widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It adapts to a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, cultivated land, and even city parks.
How to spot
Look for its characteristic 'flap-flap-glide' flight pattern. It often perches conspicuously on telephone poles or exposed branches. Listen for its distinctive repetitive 'kip-kip-kip' call.
When to spot
Active throughout the day. Often seen soaring, hunting, or perched prominently on trees or wires, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
In some parts of its range, the Shikra has been traditionally used in falconry due to its agility and effectiveness in catching small birds and rodents.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.