flights of birds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flights of birds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of birds flying, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As the sun set, the sky was filled with the beautiful sight of flights of birds returning to their nests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The migration flights of birds follow specific routes, sometimes quite well defined over long distances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And without the buffer of engine noise, you feel more attuned to the world outside: cyclists, pedestrians, small flights of birds.

The Guardian - Tech

This is the sort of play in which autumn leaves bestrew the set, and projected flights of birds (starlings, I believe) fly overhead, signaling the passage of the seasons.

The New York Times

Decorative textures may be of geometrical repeat patterns, as in much of Indian, Islamic, and medieval European painting and other art, or of representations of patterns in nature, such as scattered leaves, falling snow, and flights of birds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He began a diary called The Occult Diary, which he kept for 22 years, and in which he recorded strange coincidences, dreams, clairvoyant experiences, the flights of birds, the movement of dogs, cats and spiders, significant playing cards and the numbers on railway tickets.

The Guardian

The origin of this method comes from the observations made during computer simulations on grouped flights of birds and fish [26].

Robotics and Biomimetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He made systematic observations of the flight of birds, about which he planned a treatise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her palms were up among the hands applauding like the flight of birds rising.

The New Yorker

Hargrave began to research the problems of flight in 1882, making careful studies of the flight of birds and insects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first was an ornithopter, a flying machine using flapping wings to imitate the flight of birds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then there are other intact original notebooks, such as his volume On the Flight of Birds that survives in Turin.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flights of birds" to evoke a sense of natural beauty, freedom, or migration in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "flights of birds" when a simpler term like "flock of birds" is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly poetic or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flights of birds" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a scene or observation, aligning with its function as a descriptive element within broader sentences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flights of birds" is a grammatically sound and descriptive noun phrase, although its usage is relatively rare. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to evoke visual imagery of birds in motion, often used in nature-related or descriptive contexts. While generally neutral in register, simpler terms like "flocks of birds" may be preferred in highly formal settings. Its occurrence is mainly noted in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. The analysis confirms that the phrase is correct and usable, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, but writers should consider context and tone to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flocks of birds in motion

Emphasizes the group aspect and movement.

aerial avian formations

Highlights the structured patterns and bird types.

groups of birds flying together

Focuses on the collective flight.

soaring birds in the sky

Emphasizes the upward movement and location.

birds taking to the air

Highlights the initiation of flight.

flurries of feathered creatures

Uses a more evocative description of bird movement.

birds in aerial dance

Implies coordinated and graceful flight.

scattered avian ascents

Highlights individual birds rising.

wings against the horizon

Focuses on the visual aspect of birds flying at a distance.

avian squadrons aloft

Uses a military metaphor for bird formations.

FAQs

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

You can use "flights of birds" to describe the visual spectacle of birds flying, particularly when emphasizing their movement or formation. For example, "The sunset was made more beautiful by the silhouette of "flocks of birds" against the orange sky."

What is a synonym for "flights of birds"?

Alternatives include "flocks of birds", "groups of birds flying", or more poetic expressions like "avian ascents". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone of your writing.

Is "flights of birds" a formal or informal expression?

"Flights of birds" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it tends to lean towards the more descriptive or poetic side. Simpler terms like "flocks of birds" might be preferred in very formal or scientific writing.

What does "flights of birds" symbolize?

"Flights of birds" often symbolize freedom, migration, or the beauty of nature. The specific symbolism can vary depending on the type of bird and the context in which the phrase is used.