kestrel

[ kes-truhl ]

noun

1. a common small falcon, Falco tinnunculus, of northern parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, notable for hovering in the air with its head to the wind.
2. any of several related small falcons, as the American kestrel, F. sparverius.

kestrel

/ ˈkɛstrəl /

noun

1. any of several small falcons, esp the European Falco tinnunculus, that tend to hover against the wind and feed on small mammals on the ground

Word History and Origins

Origin of kestrel¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English castrell, ultimately from Middle French quercerelle, variant of crecerelle; further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of kestrel¹

C15: changed from Old French cresserele, from cressele rattle, from Vulgar Latin crepicella (unattested), from Latin crepitāre to crackle, from crepāre to rustle

Example Sentences

Bootstrap Bill, a kestrel with a partially amputated wing, perched on a branch nearby.

From Los Angeles Times

You might spot a peregrine falcon or other raptor, including kestrels, which nest there.

From Los Angeles Times

The sight of a kestrel hanging motionless above the ground as it scans for prey is a delight for nature lovers, and a trick drone experts are keen to investigate.

From BBC

But some urban raptors, such as American kestrels, decrease nesting in response to increased urban intensification.

From Science Daily

The bodies of around 50 dead hares, a barn owl and a kestrel were left outside Broughton Community Shop in Hampshire on 15 March.

From BBC