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

In midsentence, she’d suddenly break off to excitedly note a young kestrel flying near the crossing or a honeybee foraging among some early flowers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

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

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

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 • Aug. 8, 2024

You've worked with so many animals on the show over four seasons, but the kestrel is new.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2024

Next time the kestrel sees a mouse, his own soul cries out Kee in imitation.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White