Malagasy Kestrel
Falco newtoni
Least ConcernAves · Falconiformes · Falconidae
About
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.
Fun Fact
The weight of the females is up to 128 grams.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Occurs in savannas and wetlands but also artificial landscapes in the vicinity of human settlements in altitudes from 0 to 2000 asl.
Diet
Eats small birds, frogs, and mammals, all of which are taken on the ground.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance