Wildlifeof Singapore
Besra
Accipitridae
Photo: LiCheng Shih · CC BY 2.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Tachyspiza virgata
Also known as: Accipiter virgatus
Basic stats
Habitat
Dense forest
Range
Southern Asia: Indian subcontinent east through Southeast Asia into East Asia
Clutch size
2–5 eggs
Size
29–36cm
The besra, also called the besra sparrowhawk, is a medium-sized raptor of 29 to 36 cm with short broad wings and a long tail, both adaptations to flying through forest. The name is from the Hindi word for the species (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is a widespread resident breeder in dense forests throughout southern Asia, from the Indian subcontinent eastwards across Southeast Asia and into East Asia. It nests in trees, building a new nest each year, and lays 2 to 5 eggs (Wikipedia, general species account).
Quick answers
- What habitat does the Besra live in?
- Dense forest
- Where is the Besra found?
- Southern Asia: Indian subcontinent east through Southeast Asia into East Asia
- How many eggs does the Besra lay?
- 2–5 eggs
- How big is the Besra?
- 29–36cm