locust bird: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Zoological, Historical
Quick answer
What does “locust bird” mean?
A bird species that follows and feeds on swarms of locusts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bird species that follows and feeds on swarms of locusts.
A term commonly referring to several species of birds, notably the Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) or various African starlings, whose migration and breeding patterns are linked to the availability of locust swarms as a primary food source.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both variants use the term.
Connotations
Both variants carry the same zoological/ecological connotation. Slightly archaic feel in modern usage.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, found primarily in ornithological texts, historical accounts, or nature documentaries.
Grammar
How to Use “locust bird” in a Sentence
The [species name] is known as a locust bird.Locust birds [verb: follow, feast on, track] the swarms.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “locust bird” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The starlings would locust-bird across the savannah, tracking the hatchings.
- They are known to locust-bird in drought years.
American English
- The species is observed to locust-bird throughout its migratory cycle.
- It's fascinating to watch them locust-bird the swarm's edge.
adverb
British English
- The flock moved locust-bird-like ahead of the swarm.
- It fed locust-bird heavily during the infestation.
American English
- The birds travelled locust-bird-style across the plains.
- The population grew locust-bird fast after the swarm.
adjective
British English
- The locust-bird phenomenon is well-documented.
- They studied the locust-bird behaviour for decades.
American English
- They published a paper on locust-bird ecology.
- The exhibit explained the locust-bird relationship.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in ecology, zoology, and historical biology papers discussing predator-prey relationships or migration.
Everyday
Virtually unused in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in ornithology and entomology to describe birds with an obligate relationship to orthopteran swarms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “locust bird”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “locust bird”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locust bird”
- Confusing it with the 'Locust' (the insect) itself.
- Using it as a general term for any bird eating insects.
- Capitalising it as a proper name (it is a common name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a bird species that preys on locusts.
The Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) of Europe and Asia is frequently given this name.
Yes, historically they were seen as beneficial for natural pest control of locust plagues, though their impact on large swarms is limited.
No, it is a common name or vernacular term based on the bird's dietary habits, not a formal taxonomic classification.
A bird species that follows and feeds on swarms of locusts.
Locust bird is usually technical, zoological, historical in register.
Locust bird: in British English it is pronounced /ˈləʊ.kəst ˌbɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈloʊ.kəst ˌbɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bird with a LOCUST-shaped shadow, or a bird using a LOCUST as a USTensil (loc-ust).
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURE'S CLEAN-UP CREW; A FEATHERED PREDATOR OF PLAGUES.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the term 'locust bird'?