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

Explanation

A kestrel is a small falcon that hovers high in the air before swooping down on its prey. Kestrels typically hunt for insects, rodents, and lizards. In North America, a kestrel is distinguished from other falcons by its small size — it's about the same size as a blue jay or mourning dove. These colorful birds have rusty-brown, black, white, and blue plumage, and they're commonly seen hovering above an open field, wings beating, before diving to snatch a grasshopper or mouse. Experts aren't certain of the origin of kestrel, although some suspect a Latin source, crepitacillium, "small rattle," after their distinctive call.

Example Sentences

Then there was the 2013 case of a kestrel discovered by Turkish villagers with a ring around its leg bearing the words, “24311 Tel Avivunia Israel.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

A landmark Ken Loach drama "Kes", in 1969, featured a boy's bond with a kestrel.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

Both the kestrel and the barn owl are listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, giving them legal protection.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2024

It was the mouse that he had saved from the kestrel.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams