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

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland used cage-type traps baited with venison and quail - a small game bird - to capture the cats.

From BBC • May 16, 2025

The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented.

From Science Daily • Oct. 4, 2023

He and his companions soon began to squabble over which was Europe’s fastest game bird.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 25, 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

It was almost the only game bird, except capercailzie, I had never shot, and I was extremely anxious to seize an opportunity of doing so.

From Ladies in the Field: Sketches of Sport by Greville, Beatrice Violet Graham