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

Another study found urban lizards were also more responsive to threatening sounds, such as a wildfire or a kestrel.

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"Those birds, in turn, then provide a food source for some of the more charismatic birds, like peregrine falcons or kestrels."

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

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

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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.

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