Throughout their range on Madagascar and in the Comoros Frances's Sparrowhawks, Accipiter francesiae, breed from October to December, in the late dry/early wet season, resulting in young leaving the nest before or when the heavy rains start in January/February. In contrast to Madagascar, nests on Mayotte (Comoros) are placed in exposed positions, and are maintained and enlarged after the young fledge, possibly as a form of territorial advertisement. On average, two young fledged per successful nest, and 1.5 fledged per nesting attempt. During the breeding season, sparrowhawks on Mayotte consume more reptiles than do those on Madagascar. On Mayotte, second-year birds can be recognized by plumage type. Recruitment into the breeding population does not occur during the first year, but possibly only from the third year. Frances's Sparrowhawks are unevenly distributed on Mayotte and post-breeding dispersal may take place from the wettest zone, where the highest breeding densities occur, to the drier southeastern parts.