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