game bird

American  

noun

1. any bird hunted chiefly for sport, as a quail or pheasant, especially such a bird that is protected by game laws.

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game bird British  

noun

1. a bird of any species hunted as game

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Etymology

Origin of game bird

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

They were caught using cage-type traps baited with venison and quail, a small game bird.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

Other authors on the paper include Lisa Williams, wildlife biologist; Kenneth Duren, game bird section supervisor; and Reina Tyl, wildlife biologist, all at the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

From Science Daily • Oct. 4, 2023

The prosecution originally charged him with three counts, but the third count — leaving a game bird in his possession to go to waste through carelessness and neglect — was dismissed, according to court documents.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2023

The term “lame duck” dates to 18th-century England, when it was first used to describe bankrupt businessmen who were rendered impotent like a shot game bird.

From New York Times • Dec. 16, 2022

After a few days' hunting I found them a very satisfactory game bird.

From Game Birds and Game Fishes of the Pacific Coast by Payne, Harry Thom