kestrel
Other forms: kestrels
A kestrel is a small falcon that hovers high in the air before swooping down on its prey. Kestrels typically hunt for insects, rodents, and lizards.
In North America, a kestrel is distinguished from other falcons by its small size — it's about the same size as a blue jay or mourning dove. These colorful birds have rusty-brown, black, white, and blue plumage, and they're commonly seen hovering above an open field, wings beating, before diving to snatch a grasshopper or mouse. Experts aren't certain of the origin of kestrel, although some suspect a Latin source, crepitacillium, "small rattle," after their distinctive call.
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small North American falcon
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synonyms:
American kestrel, Falco sparverius, sparrow hawk
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type of:
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falcon
diurnal birds of prey having long pointed powerful wings adapted for swift flight
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falcon
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small Old World falcon that hovers in the air against a wind
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synonyms:
Falco tinnunculus
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type of:
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falcon
diurnal birds of prey having long pointed powerful wings adapted for swift flight
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falcon
- MLA
- APA
- Chicago
Vocabulary lists containing kestrel
Explore the world of animals with this list of words that will make you go hog wild! From aardvarks to zebras, it's sure to be more fun than a barrel full of monkeys!
Explore the world of animals with this collection of words that will make you go hog wild! From aardvarks to zebras, it's sure to be more fun than a barrel full of monkeys! Here are links to our lists in the collection: List 1, List 2, List 3, A Vocabulary Bestiary
Axel, a bird-loving autistic boy from rural Pennsylvania, takes care of his family and a tiny eaglet after a tornado rips through his hometown.
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