The Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus) is a bird of prey from the family Falconidae
endemic to the forests of Mauritius
where it is restricted to the southwestern plateau's forests, cliffs, and ravines.
It is the most distinct of the Indian Ocean kestrels.
It colonized its island home to evolve into a distinct species probably during the Gelasian (Late Pliocene.
It is the most distant living species among the
western Indian Ocean kestrels (Groombridge et al. 2002, qv Réunion Kestrel).
t can reach a size between 26 and 30.5 cm.
The weight is up to 250 grams. The males are slightly smaller than the females.
The wing is approximately 45 cm and are rounded, unlike those of other falcons.
The lifespan is 15 years in captivity.
The Mauritius Kestrel hunts by means of short, swift flights through forests.
It is carnivorous, eating geckos, dragonflies, cicadas, cockroaches, crickets, and small birds.
