kestrel

noun

kes·​trel ˈke-strəl 

: any of various small chiefly Old World falcons (genus Falco) that usually hover in the air while searching for prey: such as

a

: a common Eurasian falcon (F. tinnunculus)

b

: an American falcon (F. sparverius) having a reddish-brown back and tail and bluish-gray wings

Did you know?

There are several birds of prey that are called kestrels. Kestrels are noted for hovering while hunting their prey of large insects, birds, and small mammals. Kestrels are mainly Old World birds, but one species, the American kestrel, often called sparrow hawk in the US, is common throughout North and South America. It is about 12 in (30 cm) long, white or yellowish below, and reddish brown and slate-gray above, with colorful markings on the head. The common kestrel of the Old World is larger and less colorful.

Examples of kestrel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, visitors can observe American kestrels, barracudas, Goliath groupers, and even rehabbing turtles at the Sea Turtle Care Center. —Trudy Haywood Saunders, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2024

Birds of prey — and American kestrels in particular — have been significantly harmed by chlorophacinone, one of two poisons targeted in the law, according to Lisa Owens Viani, director of Raptors Are the Solution, a co-sponsor of the bill. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024

Occasionally, Navar says, the center will see a kestrel or screech owl. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2024

One day, our resort brought in an expert from the local rescue Liberty Wildlife, who wandered the grounds with a falcon one day and a kestrel during the next. —Alexandra Sanidad, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English castrel, from Middle French crecerelle, from crecelle rattle; from its cry

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above