Malagasy kestrel Falco newtoni

Typical kestrel with a rufous back, barred tail, and dark “moustache” mark on the face. Can be rufous or white on the underparts. Found throughout Madagascar in almost all habitats except thick forest. Conspicuous in towns and villages, where it often nests on buildings. Spends much of its time on the wing, often hovering. Call is a high, repeated “keek.” Smaller and slimmer than Banded Kestrel, rufous rather than gray, and without broad bars on the belly.