kestrel

/kes-truhl/US // ˈkɛs trəl //UK // (ˈkɛstrəl) //

红隼,红隼号,红隼鸟,海燕

Definitions

n.名词 noun

1
- : 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.

Of the migratory birds of prey the kestrel is perhaps the first to arrive; the osprey and the peregrine falcon are among the last.
A kestrel patrolled the fields for breakfast, and a hare lilted back to her form.
Independently of its smaller size, it may be distinguished from the Common Kestrel by the whiteness of its claws.
A kestrel hovering above the Marsh is a common sight, and lapwings at certain times of the year are frequent visitors.
At such times it has the appearance of a delicately coloured miniature kestrel or hobby.