kestrel etymology

Etymology

Origin: Old English Root: "cestrel"

Meaning

Definition: A small, slender falcon with pointed wings and a long tail

Origins

The word "kestrel" derives from the Old English term "cestrel," which itself is believed to have originated from the Latin "crestallus," meaning "crested." This is likely a reference to the characteristic tufted feathers on the head of the bird.

Usage

The term "kestrel" was originally used to refer to the Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), a small falcon found in Europe and Asia. However, it is now also applied to other closely related species within the genus Falco, such as the American kestrel (Falco sparverius) and the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni).

Related Words

• Crest: The tuft of feathers on the head of a bird
• Falcon: A medium-sized bird of prey
• Tinnunculus: The scientific name for the Eurasian kestrel

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