Falco zoniventris
The Banded Kestrel (*Falco zoniventris*) is a distinctive medium-sized raptor found exclusively on the island of Madagascar, a unique avian jewel. Measuring approximately 28-31 cm (11-12 in) in length with a wingspan of 60-68 cm (24-27 in) and weighing around 117-128g, its appearance is characterized by slate-grey upperparts. Its most striking feature is the heavily barred whitish underparts, which give the species its common name. A grey head and a finely barred tail serve as additional key ...
Inhabits primary and secondary humid forests, particularly at forest edges and clearings, extending from lowlands up to 2000 meters in elevation. It also adapts to disturbed areas like coffee and eucalyptus plantations.
Feeds mainly on large insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and moths, supplemented by small vertebrates including lizards, geckos, chameleons, and occasionally small birds, typically captured via perch-hunting.
The Banded Kestrel is primarily diurnal, typically hunting during the day and often roosting solitarily or in pairs within dense forest canopy. Its primary foraging strategy involves perch-hunting, where it surveys its surroundings from a prominent branch before making short, swift sallies to cap...
The Banded Kestrel (*Falco zoniventris*) is an island endemic, found exclusively throughout the forested regions of Madagascar. Its distribution spans both the humid eastern forests and the drier western deciduous forests, as well as the spiny forests of the south, demonstrating adaptability acro...
Least Concern
- The Banded Kestrel is one of three kestrel species found only on Madagascar, alongside the Madagascar Kestrel and the Grey Kestrel. - Unlike its more widespread cousin, the Madagascar Kestrel (*Falco newtoni*), the Banded Kestrel shows a strong preference for dense forest habitats rather than o...