kestrel

American  

[kes-truhl] / ˈkɛs trəl /

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.

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kestrel British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of kestrel

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

Example Sentences

"I did learn to fly a kestrel, which is actually the most fun thing I have ever done in the name of work," she said.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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