The shikra is a small raptor (bird of prey) found all over Bangalore. A fully grown bird is about the size of a large pigeon. It has a grey upper body with a whitish underside embellished with a fine brown banded pattern.
It is a brilliant hunter and this one was eyeing a squirrel on a tree one late evening before the sunset. In one swoop it grabbed the squirrel in its powerful talons and sat on a branch to feast itself. It was quite a spectacle to watch.
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