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.
It was likely dropped by a bird of prey or fell from a tree, then taken away by a predator, removed by someone or decayed on the spot — although there are no remains left behind. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025 The County of San Diego Parks and Recreation’s annual celebration of local birds of prey, including hawks, owls and falcons, Guests can meet ambassador birds up close and learn about their unique behaviors. Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025 Territorial raptors and birds of prey can occupy the same nests for decades and even centuries. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 The bird of prey landed perfectly on her glove and perched there for a few moments. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bird of prey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20of%20prey. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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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