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| MEASUREMENTS: The Mauritius Kestrel has a body length of 8 - 10 inches, an approximate wingspan of 1 1/2 feet, and weighs 6 - 8 ounces. |
| HABITAT: Mauritius Kestrels are limited to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Historically these kestrels lived in forests throughout the island. Deforestation, pesticides, and depredation from introduced hunters, like cats, mongoose, and monkeys, caused a decline in the kestrel population to only a few birds. Through captive breeding, the population has increased to several hundred individuals. The birds now live in remnant old-growth forest, secondary forests, and savanna-scrub lands. |
| DIET: Phelsuma Geckos and other small lizards, birds, and insects are the main diet of these kestrels, but some small mammals are eaten as well. They search for prey from a perch, while flying above the tree tops, and sometimes by hovering. After the prey is sighted, the kestrel will swoop down from above or run and pounce upon the prey. |
| REPRODUCTION: Mauritius Kestrels nest in natural cavities in cliffs and trees, and in artificial nest boxes. The female lays 2 - 5 eggs that are incubated for 30 days. The young kestrels fledge at 38 - 39 days, but stay in the parental territory for their first year. |
| NAME DERIVATION: The scientific name comes from the Latin words falco, meaning hook-shaped (falcate) and may refer to the beak or claws, and punctatus, meaning spotted. Mauritius is an island in the western Indian Ocean where this kestrel is found. |
INTERESTING FACTS:
- At one time, the Mauritius Kestrel was one of the rarest birds in the world, with only a couple of pairs remaining. Through captive breeding and release into non-traditional habitat, supplying artificial nest boxes, supplemental feeding, and banning pesticides, this kestrel has come back from the brink of extinction.
- Unlike the Common Kestrel of the Old World and the American Kestrel of the New World, there is no difference in coloration between the male and female Mauritius Kestrel.
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