KESTREL. One of the smallest of the true falcons or 'noble' birds of prey (Falco alau darius), scarcely more than a foot in length, and the commonest of all the British Aceipitres. It is widely distributed in the Old World. occur ring in Asia and North Africa as well as in nearly all Europe. It is nearly related to the common sparro•-hawk of America, Avhieli it re sembles in color and habits, as well as in size. The general color is brick-red above, buff, fawn, or rufous beneath, everywhere marked with black, and with the head and rump bluish-gray. The sexes differ markedly in color. the female lending toward rusty-brown, and the male toward ashy gray. Like all true falcons, the kestrel is a strong flier. but it is easily distinguished from other falcons and hawks by its habit of hovering in one spot for some time, sustaining itself by the rapid movement of the wings. When doing this,
it always keeps its head to the wind, whence has arisen one of its popular names. `wintlhover.' Like the sparrow-hawk, the kestrel is a very useful bird, its principal diet being mice and in sects, in the destruction of which it renders real service to the farmers. It occasionally captures small birds. and can lie trained to do so, hut its use in falconry was always confined to the lower classes, among W110111 t he use of the larger falcons was forbidden. Fcr this reason, the name 'kes trel' came to be applied as a term of contempt. The nest i-3 made in hollow trees. in crevices of cliffs, or even in deserted crows' nests. and the eggs are usually about five in number. creamy white, more or less spotted with brown. See Plate of Far.coNs AND FALCONRY.