Birds of a Feather
Meaning
“Birds of a feather” is a shortened form of the proverb “Birds of a feather flock together.” It describes people who have similar personalities, interests, values, habits, or ways of behaving. The idea is that people who are alike naturally tend to spend time together.
The comparison comes from birds. Birds of the same species often gather and fly together, so the expression uses that familiar sight as a metaphor for human relationships. If two people have a lot in common, you might say they are “birds of a feather.”
The phrase can be affectionate and positive, especially when talking about close friends who share the same interests. It can also be slightly critical if the similarities involve undesirable behavior.
Usage
“Birds of a feather” is usually used in casual conversation, especially when pointing out why certain people seem to get along so well. It can stand alone, but the longer form “birds of a feather flock together” is more common as a complete saying.
The phrase is often used to describe friendships, groups, couples, or people who naturally gravitate toward one another. It can also suggest that someone’s choice of friends says something about their own personality or character.
Depending on the context, it can be warm and approving or mildly judgmental. For example, calling two adventurous friends “birds of a feather” is complimentary, while using it to describe two people who are constantly causing trouble can carry a more negative meaning.
Example Sentences
- “Those two are definitely birds of a feather; they both love traveling and trying new things.”
- “Sarah and Mia became close almost immediately—they’re birds of a feather.”
- “You can always spot the birds of a feather at a party because they end up talking together all evening.”
- “They both have the same sense of humor, so it’s no surprise they’re birds of a feather.”
- “Birds of a feather flock together, and that’s certainly true of those two—they’re always getting into some kind of adventure.”