bird of prey

Thân thiện

A hawk, a type of bird of prey, soars high above a mountain valley.

Definition

Noun A bird of prey is a carnivorous bird that hunts and kills other animals for food. These birds are characterized by keen vision, powerful talons, and hooked beaks adapted for tearing flesh.

Usage

The term "bird of prey" is used as a singular noun. Its standard plural form is "birds of prey." It is a formal or scientific term used in biology, zoology, and general descriptive contexts to categorize this specific group of predatory birds.

Examples

• Eagles, hawks, and falcons are all considered birds of prey.
• The owl is a nocturnal bird of prey.
• Conservationists are working to protect the habitat of this rare bird of prey.

Advanced Usage

• Collective Reference: The term can be used collectively to refer to the entire category.
  • The sanctuary rehabilitates injured birds of prey.
• Figurative Use: It can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is aggressively predatory or acquisitive.
  • In the business world, he was known as a bird of prey, always looking for the next takeover.

Variants and Related Words

• Raptor: This is a direct synonym, often used in more scientific contexts.
  • The exhibit featured several species of raptors.
• Predatory bird: A more descriptive synonym with the same meaning.

Synonyms

Raptor, predatory bird.

Related Phrases

• Bird of prey sanctuary: A protected area or facility dedicated to the care and conservation of these birds.
  • We visited a bird of prey sanctuary to see the vultures up close.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of numerous carnivorous birds that hunt and kill other animals

Từ đồng nghĩa

• raptor
• raptorial bird