Falcons and Caracaras (Falconidae)

Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus) - HBW 2, p. 260

French: Crécerelle de Maurice German: Mauritiusfalke Spanish: Cernícalo de la Mauricio

Taxonomy: Falco punctatus Temminck, 1821, Mauritius.
Considered closest to F. newtoni and F. araea in the F. tinnunculus species group. Probably also close to endemic kestrel species of Reunion, extinct since 17th century, but known from bones and some anecdotal accounts. Monotypic.

Distribution: Mauritius I, SW Indian Ocean.