bird of prey

noun phrase

: a carnivorous bird (such as a hawk, eagle, vulture, or owl) that feeds wholly or chiefly on meat taken by hunting or on carrion : raptor

Examples of bird of prey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Owens Viani said proponents had also hoped to create buffer zones around agricultural areas, where birds of prey forage and which are part of habitat ranges for mountain lions, coyotes and other animals. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024 The owl was being helped by A Place Called Hope, a center based in Killingworth that helps protect and rehabilitate birds of prey. Taylor Hartz, Hartford Courant, 21 Jan. 2024 The last few mild winters are likely to blame, too, allowing the populations of mice to grow larger and outpace the snakes and birds of prey. Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 10 Oct. 2024 Then, out of nowhere, a hummingbird flies into the frame and starts flitting around the bird of prey. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bird of prey 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bird of prey was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near bird of prey

Cite this Entry

“Bird of prey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20of%20prey. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

bird of prey

: a meat-eating bird (as a hawk) that feeds partly or completely on the animals it hunts

More from Merriam-Webster on bird of prey

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