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This is a breeding resident species found throughout the country. It is a small bird of prey, which is distributed through out Asia and Africa. Six subspecies have been recognized and the nominate form Accipiter badius badius is found only in Sri Lanka.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

This is common garden bird in the city of Colombo. I observe them very regularly in my home garden. The small hunter is always around our garden attracted by the many species of small birds that visit the little patch of forest and the bird feeders.  In my garden I have observed this species feeding on the Common Garden Lizards Calotes versicolor and many species of small birds including Purple-rumped Sunbirds, White-backed Munia, immature Magpie Robin and Rose-ringed Parakeet.

I have seen this species to be common in urban areas, open country, Montane Forests, wet zone forests, home gardens and the dry lowland forests. In the north I have found them to be common in the Mannar Island and the Jaffna Peninsular. In 2011 I observed the Shikra even in the Delft Island. 

It is a common species found all over the park. I have often seen them between the park entrances to Maradanmaduwa.