Nicobar Sparrowhawks

Recognized Races and their Ranges:

• • Car Nicobar Shikra (Accipiter butleri butleri – Gurney, 1898) – Nominate Race
    • Range: Car Nicobar Islands (the northernmost of the Nicobar Islands, India)

• Katchall Shikra or Nicobar Shikra (Accipiter butleri obsoletus – Richmond, 1902)
  • Range: Katchall Island and possibly Camorta / Kamorta Island (Central Nicobar Islands, India)

Habitat and Distribution

The Nicobar Sparrowhawk, which is endemic to the Nicobar Islands and found nowhere else on earth, is a unique species. The Andaman-Nicobar Union Territory of India is a chain of islands located in the eastern Indian Ocean. Its unique ecosystems are known for their rich biodiversity. Geographic isolation on the islands has allowed species such as Accipiter butleri to evolve in almost complete seclusion. This is why they have unique forms that are not found anywhere else.

The Nicobar Sparrowhawk is primarily found in tropical lowland moist forests that dominate the landscapes of many Nicobar Islands. The forests have dense undergrowth, high humidity and dense canopies. This is an environment that’s perfect for a predator. This species is associated with mature, older forests that are relatively untouched by human activity. The bird, which is characteristic of Accipiter species, is believed to have a small territory within this habitat.

The extremely limited range of this species makes its conservation so urgent. The species is thought to be restricted to a few islands, including Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, and Kondul. The bird’s range is shrinking due to habitat degradation and the small size of these islands. Nicobar Sparrowhawks are non-migratory birds and do not migrate beyond these islands. It is therefore critically dependent on this habitat’s protection and stability.

Breeding and Nesting

The breeding habits of the Nicobar Sparrowhawk are not well understood, but the patterns observed in closely related forest hawks seem to be similar. Nests are usually built in the canopy of the forest, using horizontal branches to provide support and concealment. These elevated nests protect from ground-based predators as well as human disturbances.

Nests are usually made of twigs, sticks and feathers. Softer materials, such as leaves or moss, can be used to cushion the egg and then the chicks. The dense canopy of the forest not only provides protection but also regulates humidity and temperature to create a microclimate that is ideal for incubation.

The exact timing of the breeding season may not be known, but it is likely to coincide with seasonal shifts that increase the availability and abundance of prey, possibly during or just after the monsoon month. Many tropical birds plan their breeding to coincide with the arrival of insects and food sources. This ensures that their chicks are well-fed during the crucial fledgling phase.

The male Nicobar Sparrowhawk provides food, as does the female Nicobar Sparrowhawk. The chicks stay in the nest after hatching for several weeks. They grow rapidly under the care of both parents before taking their first flight. These behaviours are speculative due to the low population density of the bird and its secretive nature. However, they are in line with other species’ known life histories.

Feeding and Diet Behaviour

The Nicobar Sparrowhawk, a predatory bird, is known to feed primarily on insects and lizards. Although its diet hasn’t been studied extensively, limited observations suggest it eats mainly lizards.  The Nicobar Islands have a large number of these prey items, especially during the rainy season. According to Audubon Society, this species is well documented.

Lizards such as skinks, geckos and other lizards are probably a mainstay of the diet. The hawk can easily surprise these reptiles with quick, precise strikes. They are often found in leaf litter or the lower branches of trees. It also feeds on insects such as grasshoppers, large beetles and even cicadas. This is especially true during breeding season, when a diet rich in protein is vital for the development of chicks. According to BirdLife International, this species is well documented.

Nicobar Sparrowhawks hunt using stealth and speed. This raptor does not fly in the open sky like eagles and vultures. Instead, it waits patiently at a perch located within the middle of the forest to scan the undergrowth. It launches a low, rapid flight when it finds prey. It uses its long, agile tail and wings to maneuver through the dense foliage and kill with precision.

The Nicobar Sparrowhawk is well-suited to this ambush method of hunting, which requires excellent vision and timing. It may not be one of the biggest or most powerful predators in its habitat, but it is undoubtedly the most effective.

Vocalization

The Nicobar Sparrowhawk’s voice is one of many mysteries. No definitive recordings have been made of the bird’s vocalisations. It is not surprising that the bird is rarely seen or heard.

It is reasonable to assume, however, that the Nicobar Sparrowhawk, like other hawks, uses sound as a means of communication, especially during breeding season or territorial disputes. Accipiter Hawks are known for their sharp and high-pitched call. These calls can be described as “kek kek kek” or “ki ki ki”. These vocalisations can be used to scare off intruders or to attract mates and chicks.

When young birds are hungry, they may make begging sounds that are louder and persistent. Future research can help to fill the gap in knowledge about the Nicobar Sparrowhawk.

Conservation Status 

On the IUCN Red List, Nicobar Sparrowhawk is rightly listed as Vulnerable. The species is thought to have a very small population and occupy a very limited geographical range. Confirmed sightings are, and have been for many decades. This raises fears that this species is on the verge of extinction.

The main threat to the Nicobar Sparrowhawk comes from habitat destruction. Logging, agricultural expansion and infrastructure development have had a significant impact on the forests of the Nicobar Islands. The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami was particularly damaging to the environment, destroying large tracts of coastal forests and affecting entire ecosystems.

In addition, the introduction of species that are invasive, such as cats, dogs, and rats, poses a serious risk to young birds and eggs. Humans have brought these predators to the islands, and they’ve had a devastating effect on native fauna. The Nicobar Sparrowhawk, a species with insufficient data, has exacerbated these threats. No accurate population counts are available, there is no long-term monitoring program, and the public is not aware of its existence.

Conclusion

The Nicobar Sparrowhawk represents more than a rare bird. It is also a silent watchman of India’s remotest and most fragile ecosystems. It is a unique species that can be found nowhere else in the world. This makes it a crucial part of the Nicobar Islands’ natural heritage. The sparrowhawk is a species that has been overlooked for its importance to the environment. It remains understudied and unprotected.

Our limited knowledge is directly responsible for its vulnerability. It is impossible to create effective conservation plans without enough data. The lack of knowledge is exacerbated by the difficulties of accessing the Nicobar Islands, and the limited research infrastructure the area. This is not an excuse to remain inactive.

The Nicobar Sparrowhawk’s protection is more than just saving one species. It is also about protecting an ecosystem that supports many other types of life. Tropical forests are some of the most diverse habitats and most endangered on earth, especially on islands. Each tree cut down, each invasive species introduced, and every forest fragment lost have cascading impacts that threaten the habitat balance which supports species such as the sparrowhawk.

Please Note: The articles or images on this page are the sole property of the authors or photographers. Please contact them directly concerning any copyright or licensing questions. Thank you.