Figurative Language Term/Explanation and text evidence of the figurative language term?

At the beginning of the novel, Salva and his schoolmates endure the terrifying attack on their village and have to rush out into the bush. Out there Salva notes, "Overhead, a jet plane veered away like a sleek evil bird" (6). It is a stunningly simple and effective simile. The reader can envision the plane swooping above the frightened people, reminding them that danger can from below and above. The plane is like an animal in its power and predatory nature.