About Falco newtoni (Gurney Sr, 1863)
This species, the Malagasy kestrel (Falco newtoni), reaches a total length of 30 cm. Male wing length ranges from 180 mm to 195 mm, while female wing length ranges from 188 mm to 203 mm. Male body weight is between 112 and 118 grams, and female body weight can reach up to 128 grams. For typical (non-rufous morph) males, the head and nape are rufous grey with dark streaks. A dark moustachial streak runs from the base of the bill backward to the sides of the throat. The upperparts and wing coverts are chestnut with black spots, and the uppertail coverts are grey with blackish spots. The long flight feathers are blackish brown, and their inner webs are covered with white and chestnut spots. The underparts are whitish. The short flight feathers are chestnut-colored with dark bands. Black spots cover the chest, belly, and underwing coverts. The tail is grey, with six to seven narrow black bars, a broad subterminal black bar, and white tips on all tail feathers. There is also a rufous color morph of this species. In the rufous morph, the head and nape are almost black. The body and underwing coverts are dark chestnut brown with black streaks and spots. The throat is buffish-white, and the underwing coverts are greyish white with black spots. Female Falco newtoni have a stronger chestnut color on the head, more extensive spotting on the underparts, and a brown tail with black bars. Both sexes have a slate grey bill with a black tip, a yellow cere, and legs that are either yellow or bright orange in the rufous morph. Juveniles have similar coloration to adult females. This species has a large range, and is native to Madagascar, Mayotte, and the Comores. The Malagasy kestrel is a non-migratory breeding resident in Madagascar, where it occurs in savannas, wetlands, and artificial landscapes near human settlements, at altitudes from 0 to 2000 meters above sea level. It is uncommon in forested areas. The Aldabra kestrel population is associated with Grande Terre (an island of the Aldabra group), with evidence also of its presence on Anjouan in the Comores. Malagasy kestrels typically nest on rock ledges, in buildings, in tree holes, or in abandoned stick nests built by other bird species, such as the pied crow. They lay a clutch of four to six eggs, usually in September. Only the female incubates the eggs, and the male feeds her at regular intervals during this incubation period.
