bird spider

noun

variants: or bird-eating spider or birdeater

plural bird spiders or bird-eating spiders or birdeaters\ ˈbərd-ˌē-tər

Definition of bird spider

: 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