| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | Length about 26–30 cm; wingspan 50–70 cm; weight ~150–250 g. A small raptor with slate-grey upperparts, paler underparts with fine reddish barring, and yellow legs and eyes. Females are slightly larger and more heavily built than males.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Resident across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia. Some northern populations are partially migratory.
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| Migrate to: | Northern populations may move southwards during winter to warmer regions of India and Sri Lanka.
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| Breeding season: | March to June in India, coinciding with pre-monsoon months. Courtship involves aerial displays, calling, and mutual feeding.
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| Breed in: | Builds a stick nest in trees, usually in dense foliage. Clutch size is typically 3–4 eggs, incubated mainly by the female. Both parents feed and care for the chicks.
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| Habitat: | Found in open forests, woodlands, farmlands, gardens, and urban areas with tree cover. Adaptable and often seen near human habitation.
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| Diet: | Primarily small birds, lizards, and insects, occasionally small mammals. Hunts with agile flight through trees and open areas, often using surprise attacks from perches.
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