covered with birds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered with birds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is physically adorned or populated by birds, often in a literal sense. Example: "The old tree was covered with birds, their chirping creating a lively atmosphere in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This was gray-black and submerged enough that it could have been the reflection of a cloud, except that it was covered with birds.

The New York Times - Arts

As our Mooshum walked across the yard, he saw that the roof of the church was covered with birds that repeatedly — in play, it seemed — flew up and knocked one another off the holy cross that marked the cabin as a church.

The New Yorker

Department -- It is covered with birds -- Hooded Warbler -- Flycatcher -- Sapsucker -- and flowers -- Monkey Flower -- California Poppy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The participants had their bodies painted and then were covered with bird down adhered with the wearer's blood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While some cars are covered with bird droppings and others feature wood paneling, most are in great shape.

The New York Times - Travel

Another defense is to -- well, Todd Pover, a state wildlife official, will show you his cap, which is covered with bird-related stains.

The New York Times

And "A red smear in an empty house, an isle covered with bird shit".

Vice

They include two 12th-century enameled reliquaries and an ivory casket covered with flowers, birds and hunting scenes.

The New York Times - Arts

Nauru, an eight-square-mile lump of coral covered with fossilised bird droppings, was already one of the richest Pacific Islands before it turned to money-laundering.

The Guardian

So, in the parents' stead is Joe Duff, one of the project designers and the pilot of a yellow ultralight plane propelled by an engine and a propeller, which is covered with a bird guard.

The New York Times - Science

Korea figures less often in the show, but when it does, as in a set of stacked clothing chests covered with images of birds and blossoms on a goldenrod-yellow ground, you stop and look.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "covered with birds", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the birds are physically on the surface or metaphorically present in large numbers. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient descriptive detail.

Common error

Avoid using "covered with birds" in contexts where a more precise description is needed. Overusing figurative language can dilute the impact of your writing. Consider alternative descriptive phrases if the image is not literally of birds covering a surface.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered with birds" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is physically or metaphorically covered by birds. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "covered with birds" is a descriptive phrase used to paint a picture of a surface densely populated with birds. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable English phrase. It is most frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, context determines its specific impact. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overuse of figurative language. Alternatives like "populated by birds" or "teeming with birds" can offer different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

populated by birds

Replaces "covered with" with "populated by", emphasizing the birds inhabiting a space.

filled with birds

Changes "covered with" to "filled with", highlighting the abundance of birds.

adorned with birds

Substitutes "covered with" with "adorned with", suggesting a decorative aspect.

teeming with birds

Replaces "covered with" with "teeming with", indicating a lively and abundant presence of birds.

overrun with birds

Changes "covered with" to "overrun with", implying an excessive number of birds.

thick with birds

Substitutes "covered with" with "thick with", emphasizing the density of birds.

dense with birds

Replaces "covered with" with "dense with", highlighting the compactness of the birds.

carpeted with birds

Changes "covered with" to "carpeted with", creating a visual image of birds covering a surface.

encrusted with birds

Substitutes "covered with" with "encrusted with", suggesting a dense outer layer of birds.

swarming with birds

Replaces "covered with" with "swarming with", conveying a sense of active movement and large numbers of birds.

FAQs

How can I use "covered with birds" in a sentence?

You can use "covered with birds" to describe a physical surface populated by birds. For example: "The roof was "covered with birds"." You can also use it metaphorically to describe something abundant with birds.

What's a more vivid alternative to "covered with birds"?

Consider alternatives like "teeming with birds" or "populated by birds" to add more descriptive impact, depending on your desired nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "covered in birds" instead of "covered with birds"?

While "covered in birds" is sometimes used colloquially, "covered with birds" is generally considered more grammatically formal and precise.

What kind of imagery does "covered with birds" evoke?

The phrase "covered with birds" often evokes an image of a surface densely populated, adorned, or even overwhelmed by a multitude of birds. It suggests abundance and can sometimes imply a sense of wildness or natural beauty.