bird of prey

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.

bird of prey

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bird of prey¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

One of two birds of prey stolen from a rescue centre has been found, the owner of the centre has said.

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But the biggest human risk to birds of prey is from illegal poisoning.

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Meanwhile the narrator’s financially devious husband appears as a vulture with “the brooding eye, the blood-tipped beak, the flabby folds of flesh” of a bird of prey.

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Now Henry can detect seven scents, ranging from birds of prey to hedgehogs, helping police track down those involved in wildlife crime.

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

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