The besra, also called the besra sparrowhawk, is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter. The name "besra" is from the Hindi word for the species.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
The besra ranges from the Indian subcontinent across the Himalayan foothills into southern China and throughout much of mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sunda region. It inhabits primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and wooded plantations, and it may visit large parks in well-wooded towns. The species favors dense canopy and mid-storey cover where it can ambush prey. It is generally resident, though some populations make local or altitudinal movements.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The besra is a swift, forest-dwelling hawk that specializes in surprise attacks through dense foliage. It often hunts small birds, lizards, and large insects with rapid bursts of flight from a concealed perch. Its name derives from Hindi, reflecting its strong presence in the Indian subcontinent.
Besra Illustration by Keulemans
At Sattal, India
Temperament
secretive and agile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs outside the breeding season. Nests are placed in trees, often well concealed in dense forest; the clutch usually consists of 2–4 eggs. Both sexes participate in territory defense, with the female incubating and the male providing much of the food.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, repeated kek-kek or kik-kik-kik calls, especially around the nest. Alarm notes are rapid, high-pitched series that carry through the forest canopy.
Plumage
Adults are dark slaty-brown to grey above with finely barred rufous and white underparts and a crisp white throat often marked by a dark central streak. Females are browner and more heavily barred below; juveniles are brown above with pale fringes and streaked rather than barred underparts, usually with a distinct pale supercilium. Tail shows several bold dark bands.
Diet
The besra preys primarily on small birds, large insects such as cicadas and orthopterans, and small reptiles like lizards; it will also take small mammals when available. It relies on stealth and short, explosive pursuits from a hidden perch. Prey is often taken within or just above the canopy, with quick, twisting chases through branches.
Preferred Environment
Most hunting occurs in closed or semi-open forest, at edges, along trails, and in plantations with sufficient cover. It occasionally ventures into wooded gardens and parks near forests.
