What does kestrel mean?
A kestrel is a small falcon and bird of prey, best known for its ability to hover over open fields while searching for insects, rodents, and other small animals. In Britain and much of Europe, the unqualified word usually refers to the common kestrel, a species distinguished by its pointed wings and relatively gentle hunting method. In North America, “kestrel” commonly means the American kestrel, a familiar bird around farms, roadsides, and gardens. Kestrels can also appear in falconry, where trained birds are used to pursue game. The word is consequently both an ordinary wildlife term and a specialist term associated with falconry. Its usefulness lies in identifying a recognizable group of small falcons while preserving the distinction between them, in everyday speech, from other birds of prey and from falcons generally.
nounA small falcon, especially the common kestrel, a bird of prey that often hovers while hunting over open ground. In North America, the term also commonly refers to the American kestrel.
- A small falcon, especially the common kestrel of Europe, Asia, and Africa, or the closely associated American kestrel.
- A kestrel used in falconry or kept for hunting.
"A kestrel hovered over the meadow before dropping onto a mouse in the grass."
"The kestrel circled above the field, watching for movement among the grass."
"The falconer carefully fitted a hood over the kestrel before it entered the mews."
The standard plural is “kestrels,” referring to more than one bird or to multiple kestrels in falconry.
"Two kestrels circled above the old quarry."
A kestrel can appear to hover motionless in the air before making a precise dive onto its prey.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kestrel come from?
The word “kestrel” is attested in Middle English for a bird of prey. Its deeper origin is uncertain, and historical accounts differ over the precise source of the name; it is therefore best not to assign it confidently to a single language or root.
How kestrel is actually used
In British English, “kestrel” most often means the common kestrel. In North American usage, it commonly refers to the American kestrel, also called the sparrowhawk, although that name can also refer to other small hawks in some regions. The word is used both naturally and in falconry contexts.
Easily confused with kestrel
A kestrel is a particular small falcon; “falcon” is the broader category that includes kestrels as well as larger species.
Although often called a hawk in general speech, a kestrel is technically a small falcon rather than a true hawk.