game bird

noun

1. any bird hunted chiefly for sport, as a quail or pheasant, especially such a bird that is protected by game laws.

game bird

noun

1. a bird of any species hunted as game

Word History and Origins

Origin of game bird¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

He began chukar hunting eight years ago, and now, pursuing the game bird makes up most of his time afield.

From Outside Online

These game birds introduced from the Middle East and southern Asia thrive in the steep slopes and treacherous terrain of the Great Basin region of the western United States, where they’ve evaded many a hopeful hunter.

From Outside Online

But give the valley quail cover in which to hide and it can and will out-hide any game bird except the Montezuma quail of Mexico.

From Project Gutenberg

After a few days' hunting I found them a very satisfactory game bird.

From Project Gutenberg

If there is any member of the feathered tribe entitled to the designation of royal game bird, it is the wild turkey.

From Project Gutenberg

Another favorite game bird, but one which requires skill to hunt successfully.

From Project Gutenberg

There exists but a single resident species of true game-bird—the redleg.

From Project Gutenberg