Flock of birds Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/flɒk əv bɜːdz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A group of birds that gather or travel together, often in a coordinated manner, and can be found in various environments, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

Examples

• A flock of birds flew overhead, their songs filling the air.
• The farmer watched as a flock of birds descended upon his fields, searching for seeds to eat.

Synonyms

• Group
• Collection
• Flight

Antonyms

• Single
• Individual
• Lonely

Additional Information

Flocks of birds can be found in various environments, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. These groups can range in size from a few birds to hundreds or even thousands of individuals. Flocks often form for protection, foraging, and migration purposes.

Some bird species are known to form large flocks, such as starlings, sandpipers, and geese. These flocks can be an impressive sight, with birds flying in synchronized patterns and creating complex formations.

Flocks of birds can also play an important role in ecosystems, helping to disperse seeds, pollinate plants, and control insect populations.

Etymology

The word “flock” comes from the Old English word “flocc,” which referred to a group of sheep or other animals. Over time, the term came to be used to describe groups of birds as well.

Usage Notes

The term “flock of birds” can be used in a variety of contexts, including scientific, literary, and everyday conversation. When referring to a specific type of bird, it is common to use the species name followed by “flock,” such as “a flock of starlings.”

Cultural References

Flocks of birds have been featured in various forms of media, including literature, film, and art. For example, the novel “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier features a flock of birds as a central plot element.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “A murder of crows” (a group of crows)
• “A gaggle of geese” (a group of geese)
• “A flock of sheep” (a group of sheep)

Related Words or Phrases

• Herding
• Migration
• Colony

Collocations

• “a flock of birds flew overhead”
• “the farmer watched as a flock of birds descended upon his fields”

Frequency of Use

The term “flock of birds” is commonly used in everyday conversation and is a relatively frequent term in scientific and literary contexts.

Common Misspellings

• “flock of bird”
• “flocks of birds”
• “a flock of bird”