A cattle kite (Falco moluccensis Bonaparte, 1850) was seen perched on a tree branch observing the movements around it. This bird of prey from The Falconidae family is characterized by its small size and reddish-brown plumage with dark spots, hence its common name, the spotted kestrel. This species is commonly found in eastern Indonesia, particularly from Maluku to Papua, and often inhabits open land, grasslands, and forest edges. With its ability to fly fast and its habit of hovering in the air while hunting, the spotted kestrel is a natural predator that preys on large insects, lizards, mice, and small birds, while also playing an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. (IAAS/RWA)
