Besra

The besra is a widespread resident breeder in dense forests throughout southern Asia, from the Indian subcontinent across Southeast Asia into East Asia. It is a medium-sized raptor, 29 to 36 cm, with short broad wings and a long tail for fast manoeuvring through vegetation, and a flap-flap-glide flight. It is like a darker shikra, with dark blue-grey upperparts in the male, reddish-barred white underparts and 3 to 4 dark bands on the tail (Wikipedia, general species account).

It nests in trees, building a new nest each year and laying 2 to 5 eggs, and hunts by surprise from a hidden perch, taking lizards, dragonflies and small birds and mammals. In winter it moves into more open woodland, including cultivation. Nationally Vulnerable (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012, listed as Accipiter virgatus).