birdman

birdman

A birdman carefully feeds a flock of colorful parrots in an aviary.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A person who keeps or studies birds: "birdman" refers to an individual who breeds, cares for, or scientifically observes birds.
    • A pilot (informal): In colloquial usage, "birdman" can mean a pilot, especially one who flies aircraft (where "bird" is slang for an airplane).
    • A person who flies like a bird: Occasionally used to describe someone who uses wingsuits, hang gliders, or other devices to mimic bird flight.
Usage Examples
  • (A person who keeps or cares for birds.)
  • (A pilot, informal.)
  • (A person who flies like a bird.)
Advanced Usage
  • "birdman of Alcatraz": A historical reference to Robert Stroud, a prisoner who became a renowned ornithologist while incarcerated.
    • The film 'Birdman of Alcatraz' tells the story of a convict who became a birdman. (A person who studies birds in an unusual setting.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Birdwoman (n): a female equivalent of birdman (less common).
    • The birdwoman released the rescued hawk back into the wild. (A woman who keeps or studies birds.)
  • Birdlike (adj): resembling a bird in form or movement.
    • His birdlike gestures made him seem nervous. (Similar to a bird's actions.)
Synonyms
  • Ornithologist: a scientist who studies birds (formal, scholarly).
  • Aviculturist: a person who breeds and raises birds (specialized).
  • Pilot: a person who operates an aircraft (for the informal meaning).
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly associated with "birdman" as a noun. However, related actions include:
    • Fly like a bird: to move through the air with grace.
      • He learned to fly like a bird using a hang glider. (To imitate bird flight.)
Related Idioms
  • A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush: a proverb about valuing what you have over uncertain gains (not directly related to "birdman" but uses "bird").
    • Don't risk your savings; remember, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. (A cautionary saying.)
  • Birds of a feather flock together: people with similar interests associate (again, not specific to "birdman" but relevant to bird-related language).
    • The birdmen at the convention all shared tips on falconry. (Bird enthusiasts.)