Banded Kestrel
Falco zoniventris
Atypical kestrel that is marked more like a small hawk, with a gray back and a barred belly. Uncommon to rare Madagascar endemic that is found patchily across the island in and adjacent to forest. Absent from most of the east and center of the island. Sits motionless on prominent perches for long periods. Flights are short, low, and infrequent. Call is a quick rolling “tr-r-r-r.” Larger and chunkier than Madagascar Kestrel, gray rather than rufous, and with broad bars on the belly. Separated from sparrowhawks by big-headed kestrel shape and upright posture.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Falco zoniventris
- Authority
- Peters, W, 1854
- Order
- Falconiformes
- Family
- Falconidae
- Genus
- Falco
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Chrysuronia lilliae
Rare, endangered, and poorly known hummingbird restricted to mangroves and adjacent scrubby areas along the Colombian coast. Male has sapphire underparts extending from throat all the way to belly, and lacks the distinct hood typical of the more common Sapphire-throated Hummingbird. Female’s plumage is not known with certainty, but likely resembles female Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, which has white central underparts bordered by green flanks, and white tail tips.
White-quilled Rock-Pigeon
Petrophassa albipennis
Large rusty brown pigeon with faint pale speckles on its plumage. In flight shows white wing panels, and flies with a loud clattering of wings. Found only on the sandstone areas of the Kimberley and Ord-Victoria regions. Often roosts on high rocky cliffs or on top of sandstone towers; comes down to the sandy ground in the early morning and evening.
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneus
Medium-sized harrier, flies with wings held in a V-shape, low over open fields and marshes, listening for rodents lurking below. Distinctive foraging behavior and conspicuous white patch on rump in all plumages. Five long primary ‘finger tips’ prominent in flight. Females and immatures are warm brown with streaky breasts. Adult male has plain mid-gray wings with black wingtips and paler belly.
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