a gathering of birds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gathering of birds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of birds that have come together in one place, often for feeding, resting, or socializing. Example: "As I walked through the park, I noticed a gathering of birds perched on the branches, chirping happily."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Talk story about a gathering of bird-watchers at the Central Park Boathouse to honor the return of Officer Dennis Foley to patrol in Central Park.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, May 9, 1977 P. 33 Talk story about a gathering of bird-watchers at the Central Park Boathouse to honor the return of Officer Dennis Foley to patrol in Central Park.

The New Yorker

Although my apartment is on Frederiksberg Avenue I willingly walk the extra distance to Damhus Pond to escape the gathering of birds, and as for dismembered bodies I've walked around the pond most of my life without ever finding one myself.

The New Yorker

Sunspots, bubbles, a gathering of enigmatic scintillae, something that might almost be a bird taking flight that becomes, in turn, an uplifting shadow on the wall: there is a filigree finesse to Calder's late works.

The Guardian - Arts

Griffon vultures are large birds with light-colored faces and dark bodies, and the group in the tree resembled a gathering of harpies.

The New Yorker

Imagine a gathering of people.

Independent

It's a gathering of the tribes".

The New York Times - Arts

This was essentially a gathering of racists.

The Guardian

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPH of a gathering of India's leading novelists.

The New Yorker

I felt like a pigeon at a gathering of peacocks.

Forbes

A gathering of some sort?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing bird behavior, consider using more specific terms like "flock", "colony", or "flight" to provide a clearer picture of the gathering and their activities.

Common error

Avoid exclusively using the phrase "a gathering of birds" in situations where a more descriptive term could enhance the imagery and provide a better understanding of the context, like "a flock of geese" or "a roost of starlings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gathering of birds" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and clear in meaning.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gathering of birds" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a group of birds in one location. While Ludwig confirms its validity, the phrase has a neutral register and, due to the absence of examples, its frequency is rated as missing. Related phrases like "a flock of birds" or "a group of birds" may offer more descriptive or specific alternatives depending on the context. When writing, consider if a more specific term is appropriate to enhance the imagery and understanding of the gathering of birds.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flock of birds

Focuses on birds moving or acting as a cohesive unit.

a group of birds

A more general term, simply indicating multiple birds in proximity.

an assemblage of birds

Emphasizes a formal or organized gathering, potentially for a specific purpose.

a colony of birds

Highlights birds living and nesting together, usually of the same species.

a flight of birds

Describes birds in the act of flying together.

a convocation of birds

Suggests a formal or ceremonial gathering, often used poetically.

a collection of bird species

Highlights the diversity of birds present in a specific area.

birds congregating

Emphasizes the act of birds coming together in one location.

an aviary

Focuses on the enclosure where birds are kept.

a bird community

Emphasizes the interaction between birds in a specific ecosystem.

FAQs

How can I use "a gathering of birds" in a sentence?

"A gathering of birds" can describe a group of birds in one place. For example: "As I walked through the park, I noticed "a gathering of birds" perched on the branches, chirping happily."

What can I say instead of "a gathering of birds"?

You can use alternatives like "a flock of birds", "a group of birds", or "an assemblage of birds" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a gathering of birds" or "a gathering of bird"?

"A gathering of birds" is correct. The plural form "birds" indicates multiple birds are present in the gathering, while "a gathering of bird" would imply a gathering involving only one bird, which is grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "a gathering of birds" and "a flock of birds"?

"A gathering of birds" is a general term describing multiple birds in one place. "A flock of birds" typically refers to birds of the same species flying or feeding together as a cohesive unit.