noun
any of numerous carnivorous birds that hunt and kill other animals
• Syn: ↑raptor, ↑raptorial bird
• Hypernyms: ↑bird
• Hyponyms:
↑Accipitriformes, ↑order Accipitriformes, ↑hawk, ↑eagle, ↑bird of Jove, ↑vulture, ↑secretary bird, ↑Sagittarius serpentarius, ↑owl, ↑bird of Minerva, ↑bird of night, ↑hooter
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: any of various carnivorous birds that feed wholly or chiefly on meat taken by hunting as opposed to carrion and including most members of the orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes (as hawks, eagles, and owls)
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any of numerous predacious, flesh-eating birds, as the eagles, hawks, kites, vultures, falcons, and owls, having a sharp, downwardly curved beak, talons, and, usually, soaring flight.
[1350-1400; ME]
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bird of prey noun
One that devours other animals, applied usu to the Falconiformes
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Main Entry: ↑bird
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Main Entry: ↑prey
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a bird that hunts and eats other animals
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bird of prey,
any one of a group of birds including eagles, hawks, owls, and vultures, that hunt animals and eat their flesh.
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n. a predatory bird, distinguished by a hooked bill and sharp talons; a raptor. ● Orders Falconiformes (the diurnal birds of prey) and Strigiformes (the owls)
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noun, pl birds of prey [count]
: a bird that hunts and eats other animals
eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey
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Useful english dictionary. 2012.