The shikra (Tachyspiza badia) is widespread across Asia and Africa, inhabiting woodlands, grassy plains, and urban areas. It can be recognised by its bluish-grey upperparts and white underparts marked with rufous bars. Males and females can be distinguished by their iris colour, with males having red irises and females displaying yellow ones. The shikra consumes a diet of rodents, insects, small birds, and reptiles. It constructs platform nests, typically laying between three and four eggs.