Spotted Kestrel
Falco moluccensis
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderFalconiformes (Falcons and Caracaras)
- FamilyFalconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
- GenusFalco (Typical Falcons)
- SpeciesFalco moluccensis (Spotted Kestrel)
About the Spotted Kestrel
The spotted kestrel (Falco moluccensis), also known as the Moluccan kestrel, is a falcon found throughout Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Little is known about the spotted kestrel, although it is thought to be closely related to the nankeen kestrel (Falco cenchroides). Both species are considered members of the Falco tinnunculus group.
Spread through Wallacea and Java, the spotted kestrel inhabits grasslands with scattered trees, lightly wooded cultivation, and the edges of primary and tall secondary forest. Along logging roads, it occasionally penetrates forests, and sometimes inhabits clearings within forested areas. It has also been known to live in areas of human habitation.
It is likely they have small habitat ranges. They move around during the wet and dry seasons. This is information is inferred by comparing the movements of the nankeen kestrel (F. cenchroides), their closest relative. Both species are known to be more sedentary when compared to the common kestrel (F. tinnunculus).
Spotted kestrels measure 26–32 cm (10–12.5 in) from head to tail, with a wingspan of 59–71 cm (23–28 in). On average, spotted kestrels weigh... Wikipedia →
Closest Relatives at Raja Ampat
Global Distribution
Where this species is recorded worldwide. Restricted to human observations from 2019 onwards — the same kind of record and the same period the probabilities on this page are built from, so collar-tracking studies, camera-trap arrays and museum specimens are excluded. Around Santa Rosa that removes 5,924 GPS fixes from a handful of tagged jaguars.
where this species is recorded (GBIF density — it tracks where observers go, not how likely a sighting is) · parks where it occurs — tap a pin for the sighting probability there
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raja Ampat | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | |
| 2 | Bali Barat National Park | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | |
| 3 | Tangkoko Nature Reserve | 🇮🇩 Indonesia |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Spotted Kestrel in Raja Ampat?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Spotted Kestrel sighting in Raja Ampat, based on 25 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Spotted Kestrel in Raja Ampat?
March has the highest sighting rate for Spotted Kestrel in Raja Ampat in our monthly data.