Behold me—the Shikra!
The speedy assassin is writing out a resume
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.
Story of the Photo
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.
Fun Facts
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!
Shikra at Wilpattu: The Fearless Falcon of the Forest Canopy
In the vast wilderness of Wilpattu National Park, amidst whispering treetops and shimmering waterholes, lives a master of stealth — the Shikra (Accipiter badius). Sleek, swift, and laser-focused, this small but mighty raptor dominates the skies and forest edges with its razor-sharp instincts.
Often overlooked in favor of larger, more dramatic birds of prey, the Shikra is nature’s agile assassin — and if you're lucky, you just might spot one on your next Wilpattu safari.
Don’t be fooled by its modest size. The Shikra is a powerhouse in flight. With its bluish-grey plumage, piercing yellow or red eyes, and agile wingspan, this bird cuts through the canopy like a missile. Its approach? Silent. Its attack? Swift and deadly. Shikras don’t waste time with showy dives — they deliver with precision.
From open forests to city parks, the Shikra adapts with grace, making it one of the most successful raptors in Sri Lanka.
Plan Your Next Birdwatching Safari in Wilpattu
From leopards to raptors like the Shikra, Wilpattu is bursting with wildlife waiting to be discovered. Book your stay at Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu and get ready to explore one of Sri Lanka’s richest natural habitats with expert guides who know where to look and when.
Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious first-timer, keep your binoculars ready—you never know when the Shikra will strike.
