kestrel

Everyday

1. A kestrel is a small bird of prey, a kind of falcon, with brown feathers and a long tail. tree →
2. It is famous for hovering in one place in the air, beating its wings, while looking down for mice and insects. tree →

In the lessons

In nature lessons in the UK, Ireland and Australia (where the Nankeen kestrel lives), kestrels are often seen hovering beside motorways and fields; they are predators in food chains with voles and mice. Pupils learn words like «bird of prey», «talons» and «hover». Phrases: «a hovering kestrel», «bird of prey».

Examples

• A kestrel hovered above the field. tree →
• The kestrel swooped down and caught a mouse. tree →
• Kestrels are small falcons. tree →
• We saw a kestrel beside the motorway. tree →
• In the food chain, the vole is eaten by the kestrel. tree →
• A kestrel has sharp talons and a hooked beak. tree →

Note

Countable. Pronounced KES-trel. Kestrels hover; most other falcons do not, which helps you tell them apart.