On 14th September, I witnessed one of the most unforgettable
wildlife moments right in my home garden—a Shikra (Accipiter badius) swooping
down with incredible speed, hunting a Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), and
feeding on its prey. As a bird photography enthusiast, this was a rare chance
to observe the raw behavior of a raptor from just a few meters away.
Fortunately, I was able to capture photographs and video footage of this
dramatic scene.
 |
| Shikra and its pray |
My Observation: A Shikra on the Hunt
On that morning, the garden was unusually silent. A sudden
rustling sound made me look up—and there it was:
- The Shikra perched quietly on a branch, scanning the
surroundings.
- Within seconds, it darted toward the ground with lightning
speed, grabbing a Common Myna.
- It held the prey tightly with its sharp talons, ensuring
there was no escape.
- Then it perched in a shaded area and began tearing and
eating the Myna with strong, hooked beak movements.
- The whole hunting sequence showcased the Shikra’s
precision, agility, and predatory confidence.
This was the first time I witnessed a complete hunt in my
own garden—a moment that reminded me how much wildlife exists right around us.
 |
| Shikra - Silent Predator |
About the Shikra (Accipiter badius)
The Shikra, also known as the Little Banded Goshawk, is a
small but powerful bird of prey commonly found across Sri Lanka, India, and
South Asia.
Key Identification Features
- Medium-sized raptor
- Bright yellow or orange-red eyes
- Sharp hooked beak
- Slim body with barred underparts
- Long tail with distinctive black bands
Male Shikras are generally greyish with red eyes, while
females are browner and slightly larger.
Shikra Behavior
1. Silent Hunting
They prefer to perch quietly and watch for movement. Once
they spot prey, they strike with high speed and accuracy.
2. Diet
Their typical prey includes:
- Small birds (sparrows, mynas, bulbuls)
- Lizards
- Small mammals
- Insects
3. Habitat
Shikras adapt well to:
- Gardens
- Urban areas
- Forest edges
- Farmlands
- Open woodlands
A Perfect Opportunity for Bird Photography
The encounter gave me a chance to capture:
- Close-up shots showing the Shikra’s fierce expression and
sharp eyes
- Action shots during the hunt
- The post-hunt feeding behavior
- A short video clip capturing the real-time predatory
moment
Why Shikras Are Fascinating to Photograph
- Their intense eyes create powerful portraits
- Their fast hunting movements challenge photographers
- They often allow short observation time before flying away
- Every sighting becomes a unique behavioral study
 |
| The Hunter’s Focus |
Final Thoughts
Spotting a Shikra hunting in my own garden was both
emotional and exciting. Moments like these remind us that wildlife exists even
in the spaces we consider ordinary. For nature lovers and bird photographers,
such rare sightings are true gifts.
 |
| Eyes of a Predator |
Captured by Umesh Chamodika
Shot on Canon EOS 2000D + 75-300mm
Similar posts
Morning Bird Watching in My Home Garden
Comments
Post a Comment