The shikra (Accipiter badius), also known as the little banded goshawk, is named from the Hindi word for hunter. It is a small bird of prey found widely distributed in Asia and Africa, very similar in appearance to other sparrowhawks It was a favourite among falconers in India and Pakistan due to the ease with it could be trained. They were noted for their pluck and ability to take much larger birds including partridges, crows and even young peafowl. The breeding season in India is in summer from March to June.
