from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Kestrel \Kes"trel\ (k[e^]s"tr[e^]l), n. [See {Castrel}.] (Zool.)
A small, slender European hawk ({Falco alaudarius}), allied
to the sparrow hawk. Its color is reddish fawn, streaked and
spotted with white and black. Also called {windhover} and
{stannel}. The name is also applied to other allied species.
[1913 Webster]
Note: This word is often used in contempt, as of a mean kind
of hawk. "Kites and kestrels have a resemblance with
hawks." --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]