English Reference
Idiom idiom

strange bird


An unusual person, especially one with an idiosyncratic personality or peculiar behavioral characteristics.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He is a strange bird who talks to his plants.

CONTEXTUAL

The new neighbor is a bit of a strange bird, as he only goes outside to walk his cat at midnight.

COMPLEX

While the villagers initially dismissed the recluse as a strange bird, they eventually grew to admire his eccentric devotion to local history.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little bird told me

    I received the information from a source which I am not prepared to disclose.

  2. 02

    bird in the bosom

    A secret pledge that one makes for another.

  3. 03

    bird of ill omen

    A person who brings bad news.

  4. 04

    bird of one's own brain

    One's own idea or conception.

  5. 05

    birds and bees

    Informal education about sex.

  6. 06

    birds of a feather

    People having similar characters, backgrounds, interests, or beliefs.

  7. 07

    birds of a feather flock together

    People of similar character, background or taste tend to congregate or associate with one another; it is easier to establish friendships with people that one has a lot in common with.

  8. 08

    charm the birds from the trees

    To behave in a very charming manner.

Last updated August 10, 2026