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

It’s a far cry from the behavior of most ruffed grouse, whose stealth and elusiveness are why hunters call them the “king of game birds.”

From New York Times

The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented.

From Science Daily

It started when Sir Hugh Beaver, then managing director of the Guinness Brewery, was invited to go game bird hunting in Ireland.

From Seattle Times

After entering a guilty plea to transporting and receiving untagged migratory game birds, Ortiz was sentenced to a three-year hunting ban, three years of probation and a $1,000 fine in federal court.

From Los Angeles Times

The 1931 law establishing the California valley quail as our state bird noted it was a game bird, indicating it was to be hunted for sport or food, he said.

From New York Times