kestrel

noun kes·trel \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

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

First Known Use: 15th century

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