I may be small, but don’t be fooled—size isn’t everything! I am the Shikra, the ultimate predator of the treetops, a raptor so swift and sneaky that my prey doesn’t even see me coming. While other, bigger birds waste time soaring majestically, I weave through trees like a feathered missile, striking with precision and flair.

What makes me awesome?

Sleek & deadly looks: My bluish-grey feathers scream “stealth mode,” and my piercing red or yellow eyes can spot a meal from miles away.

No-nonsense hunting style: I don’t do dramatic dives or long, drawn-out chases. One burst of speed, a calculated strike—boom! Lunch is served.

Tactical adaptability: Forest? City? Scrubland? No problem. I perch on tree branches, telephone wires, even your garden fence, surveying my kingdom.

Dietary Preferences (because I’m picky, but efficient!):

Freshly caught birds? Yes.

Plump lizards? Of course.

Unlucky rodents? Can’t say no.

Insects? A snack between meals.

Social Life? Minimal, Thanks!

I prefer solitude, unless it’s breeding season—then I team up with a mate, build a nest high in the trees, and raise my sharp-taloned heirs with care. My calls? A sharp keee-keee-keee!—perfect for telling rivals to back off. Farmers love me because I keep pests in check, and unlike some fussy raptors, I’ve mastered city life. Your parks? My hunting grounds. Your backyard? My observation post. I am the Shikra—small, swift, and perfectly optimized for survival. Stay sharp, stay hidden, and always strike with precision!

Wilpattu National Park, with its many lakes (or Willus, as they are locally known) is a fantastic place for birdwatching. While staying at the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Wilpattu, Dilum was out on a morning safari when he spotted a Shikra perched on a branch, surveying its surroundings.