SHIKAR
The shikra is an extraordinary hunter, little but powerful raptor. it is also called the little banded goshawk, the Indian sparrowhawk and little banded sparrowhawk. The shikra is one of the commonest hawks in India. Its name has been derived from Urdu, and the Hindi word, shikari, meaning hunter.
The shikra is found in a range of habitats including forests, farmland and urban areas. They are usually seen singly or in pairs. The flight is typical with flaps and glides.
The adult Shikra has pale grey upperparts, and is white, finely barred reddish below. Males and females look alike except that female is larger than the male. The juvenile is brown above and white, spotted with brown below. It has a barred tail.
DIET
They feed on squirrels, small birds, small reptiles, rodents and insects.
LIFESPAN
The lifespan is from 2.5–7 years.