The Seychelles does not have a very high list of birds, but there are quite a few special endemic birds. There is one endemic kestrel, found mainly on Mahe but also on a few other Seychelles islands. It is the smallest of all kestrel species in the world – there are some 15 species of kestrel (part of a larger Falco genus), several kestrel species being endemic to different Indian Ocean islands.
In April 2024 I was fortunate to have a ringing trip to the Seychelles. A small group visited two islands off Mahe to do some ringing. After good ringing on Moyenne Island, we visited Anonmyne – our first bird in the net was a Seychelles Kestrel! This was a new bird in the hand for me (and the others!). Interestingly this kestrel had been feeding on a small bird before flying into the net – only the shoulder of one wing and part of the body were left. The only possibility is that it was a Madagascar Fody, a known prey item. This kestrel feeds mainly on skinks and geckos, but also insects, small birds, and other small animals. Thanks to Gerard Rocamora for organising the trips to Moyenne and Anonmyne!
Fact sheet:
Number ringed to date (SAFRING): 6 [1948-2024]
Longevity: n/a [survival 65-90%]
Trip report: Seychelles
Reason special: very few ringed; ringing lifer
