american kestrel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “american kestrel” mean?
A small, vibrantly-colored falcon (Falco sparverius) native to the Americas, also known as the sparrow hawk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, vibrantly-colored falcon (Falco sparverius) native to the Americas, also known as the sparrow hawk.
Often used as a flagship species in discussions about grassland conservation and raptor biology in the Americas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'kestrel' typically refers to the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), a different Eurasian species. To avoid confusion, the full name 'American kestrel' is used when specificity is needed. In American English, 'kestrel' alone usually means the American species.
Connotations
In the UK, it may evoke a specifically introduced or non-native bird. In the US, it is a familiar native species.
Frequency
High frequency in North American ornithological contexts; low frequency in UK general English; moderate frequency in UK birdwatching contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “american kestrel” in a Sentence
The American kestrel [verb: hunts, nests, declines]We observed an American kestrelThe habitat of the American kestrelVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american kestrel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The area has been american-kestrelled (birdwatcher slang for 'visited by the species').
adjective
British English
- We studied the American-kestrel habitat.
American English
- She has an American Kestrel poster on her wall.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except possibly in environmental impact assessments or ecotourism.
Academic
Common in biology, ecology, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Used by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts; otherwise uncommon.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology, wildlife management, and conservation biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american kestrel”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american kestrel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american kestrel”
- Using 'kestrel' generically in international contexts without specifying the species.
- Confusing it with the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different species. The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is native to the Americas, while the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
It primarily eats large insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Major factors include habitat loss, reduced availability of nesting cavities, and a decline in insect populations.
Yes, they are sometimes used by beginner falconers due to their small size and availability.
A small, vibrantly-colored falcon (Falco sparverius) native to the Americas, also known as the sparrow hawk.
American kestrel is usually technical / formal in register.
American kestrel: in British English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ɪ.kən ˈkes.trəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌmɛr.ɪ.kən ˈkɛs.trəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As focused as a kestrel”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
American KESTrel: A KEEN-EYED, SMALL, and TERRITorial RAPTOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SYMBOL OF DECLINE (as its populations are dropping, making it an indicator species).
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary conservation concern for the American kestrel?