apostlebird: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Zoological
Quick answer
What does “apostlebird” mean?
A medium-sized, grey Australian bird known for living and breeding in large, noisy family groups.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized, grey Australian bird known for living and breeding in large, noisy family groups.
A specific species of corvid-like passerine bird (Struthidea cinerea) native to inland eastern Australia, characterized by its strong social structure and ground-foraging habits. It is often used metaphorically to describe communal living or teamwork.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively encountered in contexts related to Australian fauna. In both British and American English, it is a highly specialized term with no region-specific variations in meaning or form.
Connotations
Neutral ornithological term; may evoke imagery of Australia, social behaviour, or community when used metaphorically.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage in both dialects. Slightly more likely to be encountered by British audiences due to closer cultural and historical ties to Australia.
Grammar
How to Use “apostlebird” in a Sentence
The [adj] apostlebird [verb] [prep] the ground.We saw a flock of apostlebirds [verb-ing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apostlebird” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The apostlebird colony was a fascinating study in social hierarchy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in zoology, ornithology, and ecology papers discussing Australian avifauna or social bird behaviour.
Everyday
Very rare. May be used by Australian birdwatchers, farmers, or in nature documentaries.
Technical
Standard term in field guides and scientific literature on Australian birds.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apostlebird”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apostlebird”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apostlebird”
- Misspelling as 'apostle bird' (two words) – standard is one word. Confusing it with the similar-looking 'white-winged chough'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a true corvid (crow/raven). It belongs to the family Corcoracidae, which is endemic to Australia and only includes two species: the apostlebird and the white-winged chough.
No. They are wild, native Australian birds and are protected by law. They also have complex social needs that cannot be met in captivity.
They are found in the inland eastern regions of Australia, typically in open dry woodlands and farmlands. They are ground foragers, often seen in noisy flocks.
They are omnivorous, feeding mainly on seeds and insects they find on the ground, often by scratching in the soil and leaf litter.
A medium-sized, grey Australian bird known for living and breeding in large, noisy family groups.
Apostlebird is usually technical/zoological in register.
Apostlebird: in British English it is pronounced /əˈpɒs(ə)lbɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈpɑːs(ə)lbɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like apostlebirds (used to describe a tightly-knit, cooperative group).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 12 APOSTLES travelling together. The APOSTLEBIRD is a bird that lives in groups of about 12.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNITY IS A FLOCK OF APOSTLEBIRDS (representing close-knit, cooperative social structures).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason for the apostlebird's name?