KESTREL Definition & Meaning

kestrel

[ kes-truhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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.
any of several related small falcons, as the American kestrel, F. sparverius.

kestrel

/ ˈ��ɛ��ٰ�ə�� /

noun

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

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51�Թ� 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

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of kestrel¹

C15: changed from Old French cresserele, from cressele rattle, from Vulgar Latin crepicella (unattested), from Latin ��辱�� to crackle, from �� to rustle

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Example Sentences

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Bootstrap Bill, a kestrel with a partially amputated wing, perched on a branch nearby.

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You might spot a peregrine falcon or other raptor, including kestrels, which nest there.

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The sight of a kestrel hanging motionless above the ground as it scans for prey is a delight for nature lovers, and a trick drone experts are keen to investigate.

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But some urban raptors, such as American kestrels, decrease nesting in response to increased urban intensification.

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The bodies of around 50 dead hares, a barn owl and a kestrel were left outside Broughton Community Shop in Hampshire on 15 March.

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