windhover

English

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) or windhover is so called because of the way it flies

Etymology

wind +‎ hover, due to the bird’s habit of hovering by beating the wind with its wings; compare the earlier word windfucker.

Noun

windhover (plural windhovers)

1. (British) The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). [from 1674]

Synonyms

• kestrel
• staniel
• windfucker, windsucker

Translations

common kestrel — see common kestrel

Further reading

• common kestrel on Wikipedia.Wikipedia