bird spider

noun

variants or bird-eating spider or birdeater

ˈbərd-ˌē-tər 

plural bird spiders or bird-eating spiders or birdeaters

: any of various tarantulas (see tarantula sense 1) that are reputed to sometimes prey on small birds

Hairy South American bird spiders, which stalk lizards and small birds, grow as big as dinner plates, spanning 10 inches from toe to bristly toe.

—Richard and Joyce Wolkomir

When attacked themselves, bird-eating spiders rise on to their four hind legs and bare their fangs at the intruder. Normally, though, they are calm and docile animals and will rarely attack or bite anything other than potential food.

—Mark Carwardine

see also goliath bird spider

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined above