bird of prey

American  

noun

1. 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.

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bird of prey British  

noun

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of bird of prey

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bird of prey

How do you share a film set with a notoriously fierce bird of prey?

From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2025

Under a bird of prey is a chivalric saying, “For God and the Empire,” and “Excellentia et Benoveleniia,” a misspelled Latin motto supposed to mean “excellence and philanthropy.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2025

Like the bird of prey seeking carrion, a foreign correspondent is characterized as a misery merchant or conflict cowboy, making a living from death and disaster.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2025

The opening seconds of the first Test saw the pair of them setting the agenda, Curry with a monstrous hit on James Slipper and Beirne swooping like a bird of prey to win a penalty.

From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2025

She peered at me over her glasses; her eyes sharpened on me like a bird of prey spying a mouse.

From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon