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

Look for a variety of birds of prey, slithering reptiles, and little critters that run from here to there. — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

These falcons and other birds of prey were once rare in the region, with their population even reaching zero at one point. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

The first episode focused on burrowing owls in Cape Coral, while the second highlighted one of Gadberry's favorite birds of prey, the snail kite. — Patrick Connolly Orlando Sentinel, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026

This avian bystander may have recognized a fellow bird of prey in Coriolanus, whose role in the Roman ecosystem is necessary yet not fit for all purposes in a young democracy beset with growing pains. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bird of prey

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

bird of prey

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