Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bird of prey

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A Southern California driver made a startling discovery Sunday morning when they found a live bird of prey stuck in the grille of their car.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2025

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

Buzzards are the most common and widespread bird of prey in the UK and often feed on carrion, according to the RSPB.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2025

He felt he was casting a spell on the detested bird of prey that would paralyze its evil force.

From "Abel's Island" by William Steig