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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
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
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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
Articles Related to bird of prey
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
Nglish: Translation of bird of prey for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bird of prey
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