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

Of the migratory birds of prey the kestrel is perhaps the first to arrive; the osprey and the peregrine falcon are among the last.

From Project Gutenberg

A kestrel patrolled the fields for breakfast, and a hare lilted back to her form.

From Project Gutenberg

Independently of its smaller size, it may be distinguished from the Common Kestrel by the whiteness of its claws.

From Project Gutenberg

A kestrel hovering above the Marsh is a common sight, and lapwings at certain times of the year are frequent visitors.

From Project Gutenberg

At such times it has the appearance of a delicately coloured miniature kestrel or hobby.

From Project Gutenberg