What is another word for starlings?

Pronunciation: [stˈɑːlɪŋz] (IPA)

Starlings are small to medium-sized birds that belong to the family of songbirds. There are a few different synonyms for the word "starlings," including murmuration, flock, and swarm. These synonyms are often used interchangeably to refer to groups of starlings or other birds gathering together in large numbers. The word "murmuration" specifically refers to a large group of starlings flying together in complex patterns, while "flock" and "swarm" can be used more generally to describe any group of birds that are flying or resting together. Other possible synonyms for starlings might include "blackbirds," "grackles," or "orioles," depending on the context and type of bird being discussed.

Usage examples for Starlings

Doves, pigeons, starlings, kites, green parrots sit or flutter overhead as we pass, all as tame as hens.
"From Edinburgh to India & Burmah"
William G. Burn Murdoch
As for the blackbirds and thrushes, they seemed to think the place belonged to them; much more so than the starlings, who kept to themselves, and apparently cared for nothing in earth or heaven.
"The Song of Songs"
Hermann Sudermann
At first sight starlings seem more numerous; but this arises from their habit of gathering together in such vast flocks, blackening the earth where they alight.
"Wild Life in a Southern County"
Richard Jefferies

Famous quotes with Starlings

  • Eagles commonly fly alone. They are crows, daws, and starlings that flock together.
    John Webster
  • As in hunting, so in hawking, the sportsmen had their peculiar impressions, and therefore the tyro in the art of falconry is recommended to learn the following arrangement of terms as they were to be applied to the different kinds of birds assembled in companies. A sege of herons, and of bitterns; an herd of swans, of cranes, and of curlews; a dopping of sheldrakes; a spring of teels; a covert of cootes; a gaggle of geese; a badelynge of ducks; a sord or sute of mallards; a muster of peacoccks; a nye of pheasants; a bevy of quails; a covey of partridges; a congregation of plovers; a flight of doves; a dule of turtles; a walk of snipes; a fall of woodcocks; a brood of hens; a building of rooks; a murmuration of starlings; an exaltation of larks; a flight of swallows; a host of sparrows; a watch of nightingales; and a charm of goldfinches.
    Joseph Strutt
  • Once I spoke the language of the flowers, Once I understand each word the caterpillar said, Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings, And shared a conversation with the housefly in my bed.
    Shel Silverstein
  • High above the lake a bomber flies. From the rowing boats Children look up, women, an old man. From a distance They appear like young starlings, their beaks Wide open for food.
    Bertolt Brecht

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