bird of prey


noun

any of numerous predacious, flesh-eating birds, as the eagles, hawks, kites, vultures, falcons, and owls, having a sharp, downwardly curved beak, talons, and, usually, soaring flight.

Origin of bird of prey

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example sentences from the Web for bird of prey

  • Bird-of-prey here has been thought to have reference to the eagle, which was the standard of Cyrus.

    The Expositor's Bible |George Adam Smith
  • Who call from the sunrise a Bird-of-prey, from a land far-off the Man of My counsel.

    The Expositor's Bible |George Adam Smith

British Dictionary definitions for bird of prey

bird of prey

noun

a bird, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl, that hunts and kills other animals, esp vertebrates, for food. It has strong talons and a sharp hooked bill Related adjective: raptorial