kestrel

views updated Jun 11 2018

kes·trel / ˈkestrəl/ • n. a small falcon (genus Falco) that hovers with rapidly beating wings while searching for prey on the ground. Several species include the common kestrel (F. tinnunculus) of Eurasia and Africa, and the American kestrel (F. sparverius).

kestrel

views updated Jun 27 2018

kestrel (windhover) Small falcon that lives mainly in Europe, and hovers over its prey before attacking. It feeds mainly on rodents, insects and small birds. Length: 30cm (12in). Species Falco tinnunculus.

kestrel

views updated May 11 2018

kestrel XV. Earliest form castrell, perh. for *casserell — dial. var. casserelle of F. crécerelle, †cresserelle, f. synon. crécelle rattle, kestrel, perh. ult. of imit. orig.

kestrel

views updated May 29 2018

kestrel figuratively (in archaic use), a contemptible person. In falconry, a kestrel is traditionally the bird flown by a knave.

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