host of birds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "host of birds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number or group of birds, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As the sun began to rise, a host of birds took flight, filling the sky with their vibrant colors and songs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The team also found fossilised remains of a host of birds, reptiles and mammals including hippopotamuses.

The Guardian

* Encountering close up a host of birds and animals that many people never see.

Independent

The artist, a nephew of the master Lu Ji, used a vivid blue and a host of birds and flowers to conjure Taoist fairylands of eternal happiness.

The New York Times - Arts

Without a host of birds, toads, newts and frogs to prey on the gastropods, the home gardener is engaged in a more personal battle.

Independent

A host of birds, including black grouse, orioles, hazel grouse, woodpeckers, owls, blue tits, and ducks, inhabit the forests and marshlands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most examples from this period survive only as beautiful fragments, such as one in a museum at Hamburg, Germany, which has a border filled with a graceful host of birds and bright summer blooms.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Only a few years later, he was the host of Bird Cage, a library fund-raiser (patrons drop donations through the bars of a decorative bird cage) first held in the 1950's.

The New York Times

Apart from the three main host types of birds, pigs and humans, a small number of influenza viruses have also been isolated from other species.

Plosone

As a result, a host of mammals, birds, and insects are most active during these times.

Harvard Business Review

It has everything a small tree should: flowers in spring, colour in autumn, and fruit that attracts a host of small birds to flit around its branches.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Though I did not see quail, I saw a host of other birds, including Mexican blue-rumped parrotlets (Forpus cyanopygius), a brilliant vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus), and amazing black-throated magpie jays (Calocitta colliei).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "host of birds" to create a vivid image of numerous birds gathered in one place. It's more evocative than simply saying "many birds".

Common error

While "host of birds" is acceptable, avoid overuse in overly formal or scientific writing where more precise quantitative language might be preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "host of birds" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting a collective entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English and describes a large number or group of birds.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "host of birds" is a grammatically correct and evocative phrase used to describe a large gathering of birds. While confirmed as acceptable by Ludwig, its usage is relatively uncommon. It appears in various contexts, including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. Related phrases include "flock of birds" and "group of birds". When using this phrase, remember that it is best employed when aiming for a vivid and descriptive tone. Avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific contexts where greater precision might be necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flock of birds

Refers specifically to a group of birds that are flying or feeding together.

group of birds

A general term for a collection of birds, without implying any specific behavior.

multitude of birds

Emphasizes the large number of birds present.

myriad of birds

Similar to 'multitude', but suggests a seemingly countless number.

swarm of birds

Implies a large, dense, and potentially moving group of birds.

assembly of birds

Suggests a gathering of birds, possibly for a specific purpose.

collection of birds

A more neutral and less evocative term for a number of birds.

abundance of birds

Focuses on the plentiful nature of birds in a certain location.

throng of birds

Suggests a densely packed and possibly noisy group of birds.

cloud of birds

Descriptive of birds flying and forming a large mass in the sky.

FAQs

What does "host of birds" mean?

The phrase "host of birds" means a large number or gathering of birds. It's often used to create a vivid or poetic image.

What are some synonyms for "host of birds"?

Synonyms for "host of birds" include "flock of birds", "group of birds", or "multitude of birds", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "host of birds"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "host of birds". The phrase follows standard English grammar rules.

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

You can use "host of birds" in a sentence like this: "In the spring, a "host of birds" returns to the lake to nest."