Malagasy Kestrel
Falco newtoni
The Malagasy Kestrel (Falco newtoni) is a rare falcons and caracara found in 3 countries, weighing about 123 g. The Malagasy kestrel, also known as the Madagascar kestrel, Malagasy spotted kestrel, Newton's kestrel, Madagascar spotted kestrel, katiti (Creole) or hitsikitsika (Malagasy), is a small bird of prey of the genus Falco.
About the Malagasy Kestrel
The Malagasy kestrel, also known as the Madagascar kestrel, Malagasy spotted kestrel, Newton's kestrel, Madagascar spotted kestrel, katiti (Creole) or hitsikitsika (Malagasy), is a small bird of prey of the genus Falco. It is named after British ornithologist Edward Newton. It occurs in two subspecies on Madagascar and at Aldabra. The race from Aldabra is also called Aldabra kestrel. Its closest living relative is the Seychelles kestrel; they were at one time considered conspecific. Their common ancestors appear to have diverged very recently, probably less than 1 million years ago during the Early or Middle Pleistocene. The Mauritius kestrel is more distantly related.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
It can reach a size of 30 cm. The wings are 180 mm to 195 mm at the males and 188 mm to 203 mm at the females. The males can reach a weight between 112 and 118 grams. The weight of the females is up to 128 grams. The head and the nape of the males is rufous grey with dark streaks. A dark moustachial streak running from the basis of the bill backwards to sides of the throat. The upperparts and the wingcoverts are chestnut with black spots. The uppertail coverts are grey with blackish spots. The long flight feathers are blackish brown, the inner webs are covered with white and chestnut spots. Voice: The Malagasy kestrel's call consists of a sharp scream of iitsi, kitsi, kitsi, kitsi or a loud repeated twitter.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Moldova.
When to see it
Best months: July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in November. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Malagasy Kestrel?
- It can reach a size of 30 cm. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Malagasy Kestrel?
- The Malagasy Kestrel is a medium sized bird weighing about 123 g.
- Where can you see a Malagasy Kestrel?
- The Malagasy Kestrel occurs in 3 countries, including Madagascar and the Seychelles.
- What birds look similar to a Malagasy Kestrel?
- The Malagasy Kestrel is most easily confused with the African Hobby, the Laggar Falcon and the Dickinson's Kestrel.
- Is the Malagasy Kestrel endangered?
- The Malagasy Kestrel is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Malagasy Kestrel for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.