Shikra - photo © Rajiv Lather

Shikra (Accipiter badius) is a very common breeding resident in Haryana. A little bigger than Blue Rock Pigeon, this bird is found in the wooded areas.

Identification: Male is ashy blue-gray in color with broad cross bands on its tail, white below cross barred with brown. Female is more brown and slightly larger.

Order: CICONIIFORMES    Family: Accipitridae    Local Name male: Shikra  female: Chipka    Food: Frogs, lizards, mice, squirrels