tercel
Noun: 1. A male hawk, specifically a male peregrine or gyrfalcon: A "tercel" is a term used in falconry to denote the male of certain hawk species, which is typically smaller than the female.
The word "tercel" is a specialized term used primarily in the context of falconry and ornithology. It is used to specify the gender of the bird when discussing hawks, particularly peregrine falcons and gyrfalcons. - The falconer preferred flying the tercel because it was more agile. - In many birds of prey, like the peregrine, the tercel is about one-third smaller than the female.
- "Tiercel": This is a common alternate spelling of "tercel." The terms are interchangeable.
- The tiercel performed a spectacular stoop during the hunt.
- Tiercel (n): An alternative spelling for "tercel."
- Falcon (n): A general term for birds of prey in the genus . A female peregrine is called a "falcon," while the male is the "tercel."
- Gyrfalcon (n): The largest species of falcon; a male gyrfalcon is a "tercel."
- Male hawk: A more general descriptive term.
- Tassel: An archaic synonym for "tercel."
The term "tercel" is highly specific and is not used in general conversation. Its usage is almost exclusively confined to the fields of falconry, birdwatching, and zoology. The distinction is important in these contexts because the size and sometimes behavior of the male and female differ significantly.
- male hawk especially male peregrine or gyrfalcon