Of course, we all know that cliches should be avoided like voice messages. Still, they keep cropping up – and some are specific to the world of birds and birding. Here are ten that I find particularly annoying.
“Feathered Friends”
Just because it is an alliteration does not make it a good phrase. When describing humans, I bet you do not talk about your “Clothed Companions” either.
“Avian Wonders”
Don’t pretend you are a child who has just discovered an ice cream shop and is now full of wonder. It does not suit you.
“A Feast For The Eyes”
Somehow, a phrase that could be applied to a fancy meal in an overpriced restaurant should not do a second shift describing a bird.
“Winged Jewel”/”Jewel Of The Forest”/”Nature’s Flying Gems”
Yes, three stupid phrases for the price of one. If you like color (I do), why not say so without resorting to a cliche?
“A Ballet of Grace”
A phrase specifically reserved for cranes and their most unimaginative admirers.
“Elusive Denizen Of The Forest”
If you like to keep the word denizen from extinction – and don’t mind being considered a bit of a jerk – keep using this phrase. Otherwise, do not.
“On Silent Wings”
An owl-specific cliche that suffers from being completely illogical, as one never hears about the noisy wings of all the other bird species.
“Dancing In The Treetops”
I bet the birds you are describing are foraging, not dancing.
“Nature’s Symphony”
Have you ever listened to birdsong at all? Most of it is pretty dull – not very melodic and highly repetitive. Give me Beethoven, Schumann, or (at a pinch) Mahler any day …
“Winged Visitors”
This tries to make migratory birds sound like polite houseguests dropping by for tea, when in reality, they’re more like exhausted long-haul travelers who barge in unannounced, eat everything in sight, and then vanish without so much as a thank-you.
Please share birds/birding cliches that annoy you in the comments!
Bonus points for readers who spot the Morrissey reference in the title.
Essentially, any anthropomorphic statement. And words like “dainty”.
Birders flock to see… [insert rare bird here]
Give me a moment, while I edit all my posts from the past several years…
Don’t be too harsh on yourself 🙂
Paul, that is a good one, thanks!
I agree…
As a professional writer on birds, I’ve always tried to avoid these clichés. However, one is always subject to sub-editors imposing headlines of their own choosing. My least favourite is “On a Wing and Prayer”. I’ve had several articles with that title inflicted on them.