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

Watch birds of prey and dock-diving dogs in action, or explore exhibits on conservation. — Sarah Clark, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2026

Roadrunners and other birds of prey still chow down on them, says Williams. — Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 1 Nov. 2026

Look out for gopher tortoises, fox squirrels and birds of prey. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

Ojai Raptor Center is a nonprofit organization that specializes in rehabilitating birds of prey, typically assisting 1,000-1,500 birds each year, per its website. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 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