kestrel

kes·trel

noun \ˈkes-trəl\

Definition of KESTREL

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

Origin of KESTREL

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

First Known Use: 15th century

kestrel

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Male common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).—Werner Layer/Bruce Coleman Ltd.

Any of several birds of prey (genus Falco) known for hovering while hunting. Kestrels prey on large insects, birds, and small mammals. The male is more colourful than the female. Kestrels are mainly Old World birds, but one species, the American kestrel (F. sparverius), often called the sparrow hawk in the U.S., 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 colourful markings on the head. The common kestrel (F. tinnunculus) of the Old World is larger and less colourful. See also falcon.