The name Kestrel comes from the French crécerelle, a derivative from crécelle, meaning ratchet. Their particular hunting behaviour is to hover above the countryside, usually at a height of around 30–70 ft and swoop down on prey, usually consisting of small mammals, lizards or large insects.
Just look at that head stabilization! A male kestrel keeps its head perfectly still while hunting at South Stack Island, Anglesey, Wales.