Isolated on various islands around the Indian Ocean, Kestrel populations evolved into different species, like Darwin's finches. Behaviour remains similar to Common Kestrel except on (originally) forested Mauritius where kestrels hunt arboreally more like hawks. Kestrel species differ in coloration.

Two subspecies of Madagascar Kestrel (Falco newtoni) are recognised, one on the main island and one on neighbouring Anjouan and Aldabra. It has adapted to human encroachment better than much of Madagascar's wildlife. Its diet is mainly lizards and insects. Confusingly it is sometimes referred to as the Spotted Kestrel, a name usually used for the Moluccan/Indonesian Kestrel, while the Mauritius Kestrel's name punctatus means spotted.

The Banded Kestrel (Falco zoniventris) is also restricted to Madagascar and less common. It is found in more arid habitat.

The Seychelles Kestrel (Falco araea) is the smallest of all kestrels, otherwise similar to the Madagascar Kestrel (and originally considered the same species). Its range is reduced to Mahe, with a few pairs on Silhouette and Praslin. Its diet is mainly lizards. The species status is Vulnerable.

The Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus) is found only on Mauritius and neighbouring Mascarene Islands. It usually snatches arboreal prey, typically geckos. Unusually for kestrels, the male and female have the same plumage.

Habitat loss and pesticide poisoning pushed this species to the brink of extinction, possibly down to as few as six individuals in the mid 1970s. The conservation effort was initially unsuccessful but results improved when new approaches were tried by Carl Jones in 1979. Chicks hatched at a sanctuary run by Gerald Durrell were released to new areas, and the population has now almost reached the capacity of the island.

The Spotted Kestrel (Falco moluccensis) is endemic to Indonesia.

The Nankeen Kestrel inhabits Australia and New Guinea.

External links

• Birds of Mauritius
• Banded Kestrel
• Madagascar Kestrel