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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 colonized the island and evolved into a distinct species from other Indian Ocean kestrels, probably during the Gelasian or Early Pleistocene periods. The Mauritius kestrel can reach a size between 26 and 30.5 cm (10.2 and 12.0 in), with a mass of up to 250 g (8.8 oz) and rounded wings with a span of approximately 45 cm (18 in). 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. This Mauritius kestrel was photographed in the Ebony Forest reserve near Chamarel, Mauritius.Photograph credit: Charles J. Sharp
Commons picture of the day "La Mort Saint-Innocent" is an allegorical sculpture by an unknown artist. It was located in Holy Innocents' Cemetery in Paris from 1530 until the cemetery was closed in 1786. The sculpture was moved to Saint-Gervais Church, then to Notre-Dame Cathedral, where the arm was restored by Deseine. It is currently part of the collection of the Louvre-Lens. Today is All Souls' Day. |