Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning
People with similar characteristics, interests, or backgrounds tend to associate with each other.
Origin
The wisdom that like attracts like is as old as human observation itself, with echoes found in ancient Greek philosophy. However, the vivid imagery of "birds of a feather flock together" took flight in the English language during the mid-16th century. It appeared in printed works such as William Turner's 1545 "The Rescuing of the Romish Fox," capturing a common folk observation: you'd never see a robin associating with a crow, but rather all birds of a similar species—or "feather"—naturally congregating. This simple, universally understood natural phenomenon quickly cemented the phrase into the vernacular, offering a concise and enduring metaphor for human social patterns.
Examples
- It's no surprise that all the chess club members are also in the D&D group; birds of a feather flock together.
- Even though they come from different parts of the country, the two artists immediately connected at the exhibition, proving that birds of a feather flock together.