Birds with birds, pigs with pigs, rats and mice with rats and mice

Birds of a Feather

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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Meaning

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.

Origin

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.

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.

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.

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.

Notable Variants

The proverb is sometimes shortened to just the first line, and variations exist with different animals or with personalized endings.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Found in Victorian and Edwardian rhyme collections, folk songbooks, and as a recurring proverb in popular and children’s literature.

Suggested Activities

Discussion: Encourage children to share their own “flock” stories—how do they choose friends?
Art: Illustrate flocks, herds, or groups of animals and talk about animal friendships.
Word Study: Explore idioms and proverbs with similar meanings from other cultures.