Meaning of ‘Birds of a Feather Flock Together’
The phrase ‘birds of a feather flock together’ means that people tend to associate with others who share similar interests, hobbies, or values. Basically, it suggests that people who are alike group up and stick together.
Example: At the event, it was clear that the musicians were birds of a feather, all chatting and laughing in their own group.
Similar Phrases: great minds think alike, like attracts like, two peas in a pod, you are the company you keep
Related Idioms:
There are tons more common phrases that start with B. Visit our Famous Idioms: Phrases Starting With B page for a list of them.
Origin of ‘Birds of a Feather Flock Together’
The origin of the phrase ‘birds of a feather flock together’ is at least over 470 years old. It was in use going as far back as the mid-16th century, as William Turner is said to have used a version of this expression in the Rescuing of Romish Fox, from the year 1545:
“Byrdes of on kynde and color flok and flye allwayes together.”
This popular idiom must have originated from the flocking behavior of birds, where they fly together in groups of a similar kind, and was later applied metaphorically to people who acted in a similar way.
Why Do Birds of a Feather Flock Together?
One reason literal birds fly in groups is to conserve energy. In the the ‘V formation,’ birds follow in the wake of the one in front, which helps to reduce wind resistance for those behind. As a result, the birds in the back use less energy, while the ones in the front work the hardest. Don’t feel too bad for the birds at the front though, because they take turns being the front flyer.
How Big Can Bird Flocks Get?
Some birds might travel together with only a dozen or so of its kind, while others, like the Red-billed Quelea, can form flocks that number into the thousands!
Example Sentences
Let’s look at usage cases on how to use the phrase ‘birds of a feather flock together.’
Example Sentences:
1. The athletes formed a close-knit group at school, proving once again that birds of a feather flock together.
2. It’s no surprise that the gym-goers who love lifting weights are birds of a feather, always training with each other.
Examples That Use Similar Idioms:
1. The runners in town often meet at the park, as like attracts like, and they all enjoy motivating each other.
2. After we both ordered the same dish at the restaurant, we laughed and said, “Great minds think alike!“
3. If you spend time with positive people, it’s true that you are the company you keep.
Related Phrase:
Kill Two Birds With One Stone
Speaking of bird phrases, here’s another one! What does it mean for someone to ‘kill two birds with one stone’? Find out!