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

Shortly after, a pair of eagles nested on the north side, bolstering Big Bear Valley’s role as vital habitat for the birds of prey.

From Los Angeles Times

They are predators and scavengers, similar in some ways to birds of prey, and play an important role in cleaning up carcasses.

From Science Daily

For another, many birds of prey have little to no sense of smell.

From Literature

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

“Whenever you drive on the motorway in the U.K., you’ve birds of prey everywhere, and now I can identify them,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times