| image_caption = Male American kestrel
| taxon = Falco
| authority = Linnaeus, 1758
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision = See § Groups
}}
The term kestrel (from , derivative from , i.e. ratchet) is the common name given to several species of predatory birds from the falcongenus ''Falco''. Kestrels are most easily distinguished by their typical hunting behaviour which is to hover at a height of around over open country and swoop down on ground prey, usually small mammals, lizards or large insects, while other falcons are more adapted for active hunting during flight.
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