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

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

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

“He is a mix between a bird of prey, like a peregrine falcon, with extremely streamlined shapes — of course a feline but also a Mexican salamander called an axolotl,” Otto says.

From Los Angeles Times

During their research, the pair discovered footage of birds of prey engaging in midair, and they chose to incorporate those movements into the dragon fight.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC