Birds of a Feather
This well-known proverb means that people of similar type, character, or taste tend to gather in groups. The full modern wording, “Birds of a feather flock together”, has been in use since the mid-16th century.
Birds of a feather flock together,
And so will pigs and swine;
Rats and mice will have their choice,
And so will I have mine.
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What is the Meaning of the ‘Birds of a Feather’ Nursery Rhyme?
This rhyme is built on the old English proverb “birds of a feather flock together”, meaning that people who are similar in some significant way naturally seek out one another. The rhyme uses playful parallels with animals—pigs, swine, rats, and mice—to humorously illustrate that all creatures (including humans) prefer the company of their own kind. The closing line “And so will I have mine” expresses personal agency in choosing associates, reinforcing the central message of affinity-based groups.
History and Origin of the Rhyme
The phrase originated at least as early as the early 17th century (“birds of a feather will flye together”), appearing in Shakespeare’s time. The extended rhyme version first appears in late 19th- or early 20th-century nursery collections. The original proverb has been documented in English, Latin, and several other languages as folk wisdom.
Time Period
While the concise proverb is centuries old, the commonly-cited four-line rhyme dates to the Victorian or Edwardian periods, regularly featured in children’s anthologies and etiquette books.
Historical or Cultural Notes
The saying remains common in modern English and is often used both literally (regarding animal behavior) and metaphorically (regarding human relationships and social circles). Folk and children’s versions emphasize animals, reinforcing its accessibility and charm.
Why It Became Popular
Its universal imagery and easy-to-remember phrasing helped cement its use both as a proverb and as a nursery rhyme. The message about social groupings resonates across ages and settings, giving it enduring appeal.
Notable Variants
The proverb is sometimes shortened to just the first line, and variations exist with different animals or with personalized endings.
Structure, Style, and Themes
Structure and Style
- Meter: Sing-songy, regular
- Rhyme Scheme: ABCB
- Line Count: Four lines
- Style Notes: Proverbial, didactic, using animal imagery
Themes
- Affinity and friendship
- Personal choice
- Social grouping and similarity
Language Notes
Uses metaphor and animal language; the line “birds of a feather” highlights the real-life tendency of birds of the same species to form flocks, used here as a metaphor for human behavior. The idiom is globally recognized in English and has parallels worldwide.
Moral or Lesson
Emphasizes the importance and naturalness of seeking companionship with similar people, while affirming individual choice in association.