Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'kestrel'

English Word: kestrel

Key Russian Translations:

• пустельга [ˈpustʲɪlʲɡə] - [Formal, used in ornithological contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in specialized texts like biology or nature documentaries.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian vocabulary for animals and nature, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пустельга: [ˈpustʲɪlʲɡə]

Note on пустельга: The stress falls on the first syllable, and the 'лʲ' sound is a palatalized 'l', which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A small falcon, often found in open areas and known for its hovering flight.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пустельга - Used in formal or scientific discussions about birds of prey, such as in wildlife guides or educational materials.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу я увидел пустельгу, которая парила в воздухе.

  In the forest, I saw a kestrel hovering in the air.

• Пустельга — это распространённый хищник в открытых полях Европы.

  The kestrel is a common predator in the open fields of Europe.

• Охотники изучают поведение пустельги для лучшего понимания экосистемы.

  Hunters study the behavior of the kestrel to better understand the ecosystem.

• В зоопарке дети наблюдали за пустельгой во время кормежки.

  At the zoo, children watched the kestrel during feeding time.

• Пустельга часто используется в литературе как символ свободы и ловкости.

  The kestrel is often used in literature as a symbol of freedom and agility.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Пустельга is a feminine noun in Russian (3rd declension). It follows regular noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: соколиный (sokolinyi) - A general term for falcon-like birds, but less specific; кречет (krechet) - For larger falcon species, with a more majestic connotation in literary contexts.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific animal term; however, in broader contexts, it could contrast with мирные птицы (peaceful birds) like воробей (vorobei, sparrow).

Related Phrases:

• Охотничий пустельга - Hunting kestrel; refers to kestrels used in falconry, a traditional practice in Russian culture.
• Пустельга в полёте - Kestrel in flight; used to describe its characteristic hovering behavior in nature documentaries.
• Гнездящаяся пустельга - Nesting kestrel; common in discussions about bird habitats and conservation.

Usage Notes:

Пустельга directly corresponds to the English "kestrel" as a specific type of falcon. It is primarily used in formal, educational, or scientific contexts rather than everyday speech. When translating, ensure the context specifies the bird's characteristics to avoid confusion with other raptors. For example, in plural forms, always decline according to Russian case rules. If multiple translations exist, choose пустельга for precise ornithological accuracy, especially in wildlife-related topics.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я видел пустельга" instead of "Я видел пустельгу" (accusative case).

  Correct: Я видел пустельгу. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with the verb and context; this mistake often stems from English speakers treating Russian like English, where articles and cases are less rigid.

• Error: Confusing it with similar birds, e.g., translating as "сокол" (sokol, a general falcon), which is less specific.

  Correct: Use "пустельга" for accuracy. Explanation: Сокол is a broader term, so it might dilute the meaning; always verify the exact species in context to maintain precision.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the kestrel (пустельга) often symbolizes agility and freedom in literature and folklore, such as in stories by writers like Tolstoy, where birds of prey represent untamed nature. It also appears in traditional falconry practices, a historical pastime among Russian nobility, highlighting themes of mastery over the wild.

Related Concepts:

• сокол (sokol)
• кречет (krechet)
• хищные птицы (khishnye ptitsy)