The Birds of Prey are a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Chuck Dixon, the team first appeared in the one-shot Black Canary/Oracle: Birds of Prey #1 (January 1996). The original concept centered on a partnership between Black Canary (Dinah Lance) and Barbara Gordon, who at the time had adopted the crime-fighting identity Oracle after being paralyzed. Over the years, the team expanded to include other heroines such as Huntress (Helena Bertinelli), Lady Blackhawk, and later Harley Quinn.
The series is known for its focus on female-led action and espionage-themed storytelling, often operating outside the direct supervision of larger teams like the Justice League. The Birds of Prey have been featured in multiple ongoing series, miniseries, and one-shots, with notable runs by writers Gail Simone and Kelly Thompson. The team's dynamic emphasizes strong character relationships, tactical skill, and the overcoming of personal trauma.
As one of DC's most prominent all-female superhero teams, the Birds of Prey have become a symbol of female empowerment in comics. The property has been adapted into other media, including a live-action television series in 2002 and a feature film in 2020, cementing its place in popular culture beyond the printed page.