\Kes"trel\ (k[e^]s"tr[e^]l), n. [See {Castrel}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
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.

Note: This word is often used in contempt, as of a mean kind
      of hawk. ``Kites and kestrels have a resemblance with
      hawks.'' --Bacon.