Everyday language includes numerous creative and colorful bird sayings. These idioms demonstrate just how much birds are a part of languages and cultures around the world.
What are idioms? Idioms are figurative expressions that describe a situation in a creative or colorful way, rather than with literal, factual descriptions.
Simply put, idioms are usually catchy phrases that are easily remembered and commonly understood. There are extensive bird-related idioms in different languages and for birders, studying these bird references can help them learn even more about the birds in each expression.
See how many of these 20 birds or bird references you know from their description (idiom). The first one is an example to get you started.
Idiom: Natural and easy, not needing instruction
Answer: Like a duck to water
Click here for the answers. Then let us know how you did and send us bird puzzlers, quizzes, or bird lore you’d like to see here in Bird Watch and Wonder at [email protected]
Adapted from The Spruce. “Bird Idioms Explained”
Ross A. Feldner, RCC Board Member
Ross Feldner is the lead, with Bob Musil, of the RCC Bird Watch and Wonder Program. Ross is a life-long birder and photographer who is the editor of the Friends of Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge newsletter. Ross also serves as a guide at the Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge, a frequent birding spot for Rachel Carson who first learned about the health effects of DDT at the laboratory there. He is also the owner/art director of New Age Graphics, a full-service graphic design firm in Wheaton, MD.
The Rachel Carson Council depends on tax-deductible gifts from concerned individuals like you. Please help if you can.
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