Banded kestrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Banded kestrel |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Falco
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| Species: |
zoniventris
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The banded kestrel (Falco zoniventris) is a cool bird of prey that belongs to the falcon family. It lives only on the island of Madagascar, which means it's endemic there. You might also hear it called the Madagascar banded kestrel or barred kestrel. It's related to other kestrels found in Africa.
Contents
What Does the Banded Kestrel Look Like?
This kestrel is about 27–30 centimeters (10-12 inches) long. Its wings can spread out to 60–68 centimeters (23-27 inches).
Colors and Markings
The top part of its body is grey. Its tail is a dark color. The underside of the bird is mostly whitish. It has dark grey streaks on its throat and upper chest. The lower chest and belly have dark grey bars, like stripes.
Special Features
The feet, eyes, and a waxy part above its beak (called a cere) are all bright yellow. There's also bare yellow skin around its eyes.
Young Banded Kestrels
Young kestrels, called juveniles, look a bit different. They are browner than the adult birds. Their eyes are darker, and they have less bare yellow skin around their eyes.
What Does the Banded Kestrel Sound Like?
The banded kestrel has a few different calls. It can make a loud, quick, chattering sound. It also has a sharp, screaming call. However, outside of the time when they are raising their young, these birds are usually very quiet.
Where Do Banded Kestrels Live?
Banded kestrels are quite common in the southern and western parts of Madagascar. They are found less often in the north and east. You won't find them in the central, high areas of the island.
Habitat and Elevation
These birds live from sea level up to 2,000 meters (about 6,500 feet) high. They prefer to live in clearings and along the edges of forests and woodlands.
How Do Banded Kestrels Hunt and What Do They Eat?
Unlike some other kestrels, the banded kestrel rarely hovers in the air. Instead, it likes to hunt from a high spot, like a tree branch.
Their Diet
They mostly eat small reptiles, such as chamaeleons and day geckos. They also enjoy large insects like grasshoppers and beetles. Sometimes, they might even catch small birds.
Catching Prey
Banded kestrels usually catch their food on the ground. They can also snatch prey right off a tree branch or the trunk of a tree.
How Do Banded Kestrels Raise Their Young?
Banded kestrels have their breeding season from September to December.
Nesting Habits
Their nest is very simple, often just a shallow dip or hollow. They usually use an old nest built by another bird. They especially like to use old nests of the sickle-billed vanga.
Nest Location
These nests are typically found inside a tree hole. They can also be hidden among plants that grow on other trees, called epiphytic plants. The female kestrel lays three yellowish eggs.
