Shikra

The shikra is a small bird of prey found across Asia and Africa, including Sri Lanka. It lives in forests, farmlands, and cities, usually seen alone or in pairs. Shikras hunt small animals like birds, lizards, rodents, and insects, and sometimes even bats or carrion. Their sharp call often alarms smaller animals, and some birds mimic it to scare others.

Adults are about 26–30 cm long, with grey upperparts and barred underparts. Males have red eyes, while females are slightly larger with orange-yellow eyes. Juveniles have streaks and bands. In flight, they show a glide-and-flap style. They breed from March to June, building nests from twigs and grass. Both parents help. They usually lay 3–4 bluish-grey eggs, which hatch in about 3 weeks. Some can lay more eggs if the first ones are removed.