Shikra

Shikra
	Male with red iris
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Falconiformes (or Accipitriformes, q.v.)
Family:	Accipitridae
Genus:	Accipiter
Species:	A. badius
Binomial name
	Accipiter badius; Gmelin, 1788

The Shikra (Accipiter badius) is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers.

The Shikra is a widespread resident breeder throughout south Asia, especially India, and sub-Saharan Africa. It nests in trees, building a new nest each year. It lays 3–7 eggs.

This bird is a small raptor (26–30cm long) with short broad wings and a long tail, both adaptations to fast manoeuvring. The normal flight of this species is a characteristic "flap –flap– glide".

The adult Shikra has pale grey upperparts and is white, finely barred reddish below. Sexes are similar except that the female is larger than the male. The juvenile is brown above and white, spotted with brown below. It has a barred tail.

The Shikra is a bird of open woodland including savannah and cultivation. Its hunting technique is similar to that of other small hawks such as the Sparrowhawk or the Sharp-shinned Hawk, relying on surprise as it flies from a hidden perch or flicks over a bush to catch its prey unaware.

The prey is lizards, dragonflies, and small birds and mammals.

A roller coaster at Busch Gardens Africa, SheiKra, was named after this bird. In the computer game PRISM: Guard Shield by Rival Interactive & Rebellion Studios (and sponsored by the US Army National Guard) the primary sniper rifle is named the Shikra Mk7.