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The '''[[Wikipedia:Mauritius kestrel|Mauritius kestrel]]''' (''Falco punctatus'') is a bird of prey in the family [[Wikipedia:Falconidae|Falconidae]] endemic to the forests of [[Wikipedia:Mauritius|Mauritius]], where it is restricted to the southwestern plateau's forests, cliffs, and ravines. It colonized the island and evolved into a distinct species from other [[Wikipedia:Indian Ocean|Indian Ocean]] kestrels, probably during the [[Wikipedia:Gelasian|Gelasian]] or [[Wikipedia:Early Pleistocene|Early Pleistocene]] periods. 

The Mauritius kestrel can reach a size between 26 and 30.5 centimetres (10.2 and 12.0 inches), with a mass of up to 250 grams (8.8 ounces) and rounded wings with a span of approximately 45 centimetres (18 inches). Males are slightly smaller than the females. It is a carnivorous bird, eating geckos, dragonflies, cicadas, cockroaches, crickets, and small birds. It hunts by means of short, swift flights through the forests. 

In 2022, it was proclaimed the [[Wikipedia:National symbols of Mauritius|Mauritian national bird]] to mark the 30th anniversary of the [[Wikipedia:Republic of Mauritius|Republic of Mauritius]]. This Mauritius kestrel was photographed in the [[Wikipedia:Ebony Forest|Ebony Forest]] near the village of [[Wikipedia:Chamarel, Mauritius|Chamarel]].

''Photograph credit: [[Wikipedia:Charles J. Sharp|Charles J. Sharp]]'' [[Wikipedia:Eero Saarinen|Eero Saarinen]] ''[[Wikipedia:Verbena hastata|Verbena hastata]]'' [[Wikipedia:Detour (1945 film)|''Detour'']] ''[[Wikipedia:Featured pictures|More featured pictures]]''