kestrel

noun

kes·​trel ˈke-strəl How to pronounce kestrel (audio)
: 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

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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

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Arid uplands and ephemeral wetlands host an exceptional array of life, from 13 species of frogs and more than 140 reptiles to 325 bird species like mulga parrots and nankeen kestrels. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Another study found urban lizards were also more responsive to threatening sounds, such as a wildfire or a kestrel. Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025 Keep an eye out for rare species like the American kestrel, gopher tortoise, and the flatwoods salamander. Erica Zazo, Outside Online, 9 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for kestrel

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of kestrel was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Kestrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kestrel. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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