descriptive essays about birds

Essay on Birds

500 words essay on birds.

Birds are very special animals that have particular characteristics which are common amongst all of them. For instance, all of them have feathers, wings and two legs. Similarly, all birds lay eggs and are warm-blooded. They are very essential for our environment and exist in different breeds. Thus, an essay on birds will take us through their importance.

Importance of Birds

Birds have different sizes and can be as small as 2 inches and as big as 2.75 metres. For instance, bee hummingbird (smallest) and ostrich (largest). Bird’s existence dates back to 160 million years ago.

There are different types of birds that exist which vary in characteristics. For instance, there are penguins that cannot fly. Further, there are birds that are known for their intelligence like Parrots and Corvidae.

Moreover, we have peacocks which are beautiful and symbolize rain and good weather. Next, there are bats and vultures as well. Birds connect very closely to the environment and are quite intuitive.

They can predict the weather conditions and some are kept near coal mines for the prediction of a mine explosion. It is because they are sensitive to the release of high levels of carbon monoxide. They are quite social and enjoy singing as well. Birds enjoy the freedom of moving anywhere without boundaries.

My Favourite Bird

My favourite bird is the parrot. It is a colourful bird that is present in many parts of the world. It comes in many shapes, sizes and colours. Parrots are famous for having vivid colours.

Some have a single, bright colour while others have a rainbow of different colours. Parrots are usually small and medium in size that mostly eats seeds, nuts and fruits. The lifespan of a parrot depends on its species.

Larger ones like cockatoos and macaws live for 80 years while the smaller ones like lovebirds live for around 15 years. In fact, parrots are quite intelligent. They have the ability to imitate human speech which is why many people keep them as pets.

Consequently, they are also the most sought-after type of bird for commercial purposes. All over the world, people are taking measures to ensure parrots get nice treatment. Many cultures also consider them sacred.

Parrots are highly intelligent and thrive at their best when they are free and not captured in cages. I used to have a parrot when I was little and I never kept it in a cage. It used to sit on my shoulder wherever I went and never flew away. Parrots are my favourite bird.

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Conclusion of the Essay on Birds

Due to hunting, poaching and disruption of the ecological balance, many birds are getting extinct. As a result, birds living in water like swans, ducks and more are also falling drastically in number because of pollution. Thus, we all must take proper measures to help the birds live and save them from extinction. Birds are vital for our ecosystem and its balance, thus we must all keep them safe.

FAQ of Essay on Birds

Question 1: How can we save birds?

Answer 1: We can save birds by doing little things like providing a source of water for them to drink. Further, we can elevate bird feeders and plant native plants and trees for them. Similarly, we can put up birdhouses and garden organically so that birds can feed on insects and worms.

Question 2: Why birds are important in our life?

Answer 2 : Birds are significant for our environment as well as for human beings as they play an important role in every living thing present on earth. Birds are one of the seed dispersers for plants who deliver us food, shelter and medicines and more.

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How to Describe Birds in Writing (17 Best Tips & Examples)

Let’s spread our creative wings together and explore the art of describing birds in our writing.

Here is how to describe birds in writing:

Describe birds in writing by focusing on their feathers, songs, movements, and behaviors. Use vivid words like “iridescent” or phrases like “wings slicing the air”. Employ sensory descriptions, symbolic meanings, and cultural contexts to bring avian characters to life in your narratives.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to write about birds in your stories.

Types of Birds in Writing

Colorful parrot image for a blog post about how to describe birds in writing

Table of Contents

Birds, with their vast diversity and striking characteristics, offer a rich palette for writers to paint vibrant scenes and convey emotions.

From tiny, flitting hummingbirds to majestic eagles soaring high, each bird carries its own symbolism and narrative potential.

In this section, we’ll explore a variety of bird types, each with a brief description that captures their essence, providing a broad canvas for writers to draw inspiration from.

Sparrows – Small and unassuming, sparrows symbolize simplicity and the joy found in everyday life.
Eagles – Majestic and powerful, eagles are often used to depict freedom, strength, and a bird’s-eye perspective on life.
Hummingbirds – Tiny and energetic, hummingbirds represent joy, agility, and the incredible beauty of small things.
Owls – Mysterious and wise, owls often symbolize knowledge, the unseen, and the secrets of the night.
Robins – Cheerful and common, robins are harbingers of spring and symbols of renewal and new beginnings.
Peacocks – Vibrant and flamboyant, peacocks epitomize beauty, pride, and the splendor of nature.
Crows – Intelligent and adaptable, crows often represent transformation, adaptability, and the mysteries of life.
Pigeons – Ubiquitous and resilient, pigeons are seen as symbols of peace, love, and the persistence of life in urban landscapes.
Swans – Graceful and elegant, swans are often used to represent love, purity, and the beauty of monogamy.
Canaries – Bright and vocal, canaries symbolize happiness, the power of voice, and sometimes, a warning.
Penguins – Endearing and unique, penguins represent adaptability, survival, and the joys of companionship.
Flamingos – Striking and social, flamingos symbolize balance, community, and embracing one’s uniqueness.
Parrots – Colorful and vocal, parrots often stand for communication, mimicry, and the vibrancy of the tropics.
Vultures – Misunderstood scavengers, vultures symbolize cleansing, renewal, and the cycle of life.
Doves – Gentle and serene, doves are universally recognized as emblems of peace, hope, and spiritual messengers.
Hawks – Focused and fierce, hawks represent vision, power, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges.
Seagulls – Noisy and free-spirited, seagulls embody the spirit of the sea, freedom, and a carefree lifestyle.
Woodpeckers – Persistent and rhythmic, woodpeckers symbolize determination, opportunity, and the heartbeat of the forest.
Cardinals – Vibrant and spirited, cardinals represent vitality, faith, and the beauty of year-round color.
Blue Jays – Bold and vocal, blue jays symbolize assertiveness, intelligence, and the vibrancy of life.

17 Best Tips for Describing Birds in Writing

Describing birds in your writing can be a mesmerizing way to add depth, texture, and symbolism.

Whether it’s the delicate flutter of a sparrow or the majestic soar of an eagle, birds can bring a unique dimension to your narrative.

Here are 17 bird-themed tips to help you weave vivid avian imagery into your writing.

Each tip is explored in detail, offering you the tools to make your descriptions take flight.

1. Feathered Flourish – Focus on Feathers

Feathers define birds. When describing them, delve into their color, texture, and what they reveal about the bird’s persona.

For example, depicting a sparrow’s feathers could go beyond mere color.

You might say, “The sparrow’s feathers seemed brushed by twilight; each a small canvas capturing the soft glow of the setting sun.”

This not only paints a vivid picture but also introduces a sensory aspect.

It links the bird to the broader canvas of the natural world, allowing readers to feel the warmth, see the hues, and sense the bird’s place in the world.

This attention to detail can turn a simple description into an evocative image that stays with the reader.

2. Melodic Metaphors – Use Birdsong

Birdsong is more than a sound; it’s an emotion.

When describing it, use metaphors and similes to create an emotional connection.

Rather than saying a robin chirps, you might describe its song as “a melody rippling like a gentle brook, cutting through the quiet of dawn.”

This method transcends mere auditory description.

It paints a picture, sets a mood, and plunges the reader into a moment.

It’s about crafting a scene that’s almost palpable, using the bird’s song as a tool to transport the reader to that tranquil morning, where they can almost feel the coolness of the dawn and the serenity it brings.

3. Winged Whimsy – Capture Movement

A bird’s movement can be highly expressive.

Whether it’s an eagle’s dignified glide or a hummingbird’s frenetic dance, capturing this can add dynamism to your writing.

Consider a description like, “The hummingbird hovered in the air, its wings a blur, as if stitching the very fabric of time.”

This kind of imagery does more than describe movement.

It infuses the bird with a magical quality, making it a creature not just of feathers and flight but of wonder and fantasy.

Descriptions like this elevate the bird from a mere creature to a symbol, a bearer of meaning, and an entity that transcends the ordinary.

4. Aerial Acrobatics – Highlight Flight Patterns

Flight patterns can reveal a lot about a bird’s nature and the mood of a scene.

For instance, describing an eagle’s flight can convey majesty and power.

You might write, “The eagle ascended with a regal ease, each wingbeat a testament to its dominion over the skies.”

This goes beyond the physical act of flying. It touches on the eagle’s symbolic power, portraying it as a ruler of its realm.

It’s about capturing the grace, the strength, and the sheer majesty of its flight.

Descriptions like these can elevate your narrative, turning a simple action into a powerful metaphor that reflects broader themes or emotions in your writing.

5. Nest Narratives – Describe Bird Habitats

Bird habitats can set the scene and context for your narrative.

Describing a nest, a tree hollow, or even a cliff ledge can add authenticity.

You could say, “The sparrow’s nest, a woven tapestry of twigs and leaves, cradled the tree’s nook, a testament to nature’s ingenuity.”

This type of description does more than just portray a physical location.

It gives insight into the bird’s life and survival.

It can create a sense of intimacy, pulling the reader closer to the bird’s world, and highlighting the intricate connections between creatures and their environments.

6. Beak Banter – Focus on Vocalizations and Calls

Bird calls and vocalizations can be very expressive.

Describing these can add auditory texture to your writing. For example, instead of just stating a crow cawed, you could write, “The crow’s call was a harsh caw, echoing like a laugh across the empty fields.”

This captures the nature of the sound and its impact on the setting.

It’s not just about what the sound is, but how it resonates with the environment and the characters.

It can set a mood, be it ominous, cheerful, or soothing.

The key is to use these sounds not just as background noise, but as active elements that contribute to the atmosphere of your scene.

7. Plumage Palette – Explore Colors and Patterns

The colors and patterns of a bird’s plumage can be striking.

Describing these can add visual vibrancy to your narrative.

Take a peacock for example. Instead of simply stating its feathers are colorful, try, “The peacock’s tail unfurled like a kaleidoscopic fan, each feather a vibrant brushstroke of nature’s palette.”

This kind of description paints a vivid picture.

It turns the bird into a living work of art, inviting readers to visualize not just the colors, but the beauty and intricacy of the patterns.

It’s about capturing the awe and wonder such a sight can evoke, making the reader pause and appreciate the natural splendor.

8. Avian Antics – Capture Characterful Behavior

Birds often display unique and characterful behaviors that can enliven your writing.

Describing these antics provides insight into their personalities.

For example, a raven solving a puzzle or a bowerbird decorating its nest demonstrates intelligence and resourcefulness.

Writing such as, “The raven, with a click of its beak, nudged the puzzle piece into place, its black eyes glinting with a hint of glee,” invites readers into the bird’s world.

It’s about painting a fuller picture, showcasing birds not just as animals but as beings with their quirks, habits, and intelligence.

By bringing these behaviors to the fore, you can add another layer to your narrative and engage your readers on a deeper level.

9. Sensory Symphony – Engage All Senses

Engaging all the senses can make your bird descriptions more immersive.

Describe not just how a bird looks, but how its feathers feel, how its movement sounds, or even how its habitat smells.

For instance, “The duck’s feathers were a tapestry of textures, from the silkiness of its undercoat to the oil-slicked toughness of its outer quills.”

By involving multiple senses, you can create a richer, multi-dimensional portrayal of birds.

It’s about giving the reader a sense as if they’re experiencing the bird’s presence firsthand, making the encounter with the bird more vivid and memorable.

10. Behavioral Beacon – Signal Seasonal Changes

Bird behaviors often change with the seasons, and this can be a poignant aspect to capture.

Migratory patterns, mating dances, or nesting can signal the passage of time in your story.

Describing these seasonal behaviors, like “With the first blush of spring, the robin returned, its song a cheerful herald of warmer days,” can add layers of depth to your setting.

It aligns the life of birds with the rhythm of the natural world, providing a backdrop that can reflect changes in your story or the internal states of your characters.

11. Symbolic Soaring – Use Birds as Symbols

Birds have rich symbolic meanings across cultures.

They can symbolize freedom, hope, or even foreboding. Integrate these symbols into your writing to add a layer of meaning.

For example, an owl in a story might not only be a background creature but also a symbol of wisdom or a harbinger of change.

“The owl perched silently above, its presence a solemn reminder of the wisdom that comes with age and experience,” illustrates how you can weave symbolism into your description.

This allows the bird to embody deeper themes and resonate with the reader on a symbolic level.

12. Dynamic Duos – Contrast with Characters

Use birds to create contrast or to mirror your characters’ journeys.

A caged bird can reflect a character’s own trapped situation or desire for freedom.

For example, “As she watched the caged finch flutter against the bars, its plight echoed her own sense of confinement.”

This approach does more than depict the bird; it uses the bird as a reflection of the character’s emotions and circumstances, offering a powerful emotional connection and a mirror to human experiences.

13. Rhythmic Renderings – Mimic Bird Movement in Prose

The rhythm of your prose can reflect the movement of birds.

Long, flowing sentences can mimic the graceful soaring of a swan, while short, choppy sentences can echo the flitting of a finch.

For instance, “The heron glided over the water—a slow, seamless waltz—its reflection a ghostly dance partner below.”

By mirroring the rhythm of bird movements in your sentence structure, you provide the reader with a literary echo of the bird’s physical grace.

This creates a harmonious reading experience that’s almost like watching the bird in motion.

14. Habitat Harmony – Align Descriptions with Environment

Birds are deeply connected to their habitats, and reflecting this in your descriptions can add authenticity.

Describe how a bird interacts with its environment, like a woodpecker tapping into a tree or a seagull wheeling over the ocean.

You might write, “The woodpecker drummed against the old oak, a staccato rhythm that seemed to breathe life into the forest.”

Such descriptions root the bird in its setting, giving a sense of place and showing the interconnectedness of nature’s tapestry.

15. Perspective Play – Vary Your Viewpoint

Changing your narrative perspective can offer a fresh angle on bird descriptions.

Describe a bird from far away, then up close, or even from the bird’s perspective. For example, “From afar, the hawk was a mere speck against the vast blue. Up close, every feather was a detail in a masterpiece of evolution.”

This technique can add depth and scale to your descriptions, offering a richer visual experience and drawing readers into the scene more effectively.

16. Emotional Echo – Reflect Mood through Birds

Birds can be used to echo the emotional landscape of your story.

A joyful scene might be accompanied by the lively chatter of sparrows, while a somber moment could be underscored by the solitary call of a crow.

Writing that “The crows’ solemn cries seemed to mourn the day’s end, as shadows gathered in the silence,” can tie the atmosphere closely to the narrative, using the birds to deepen the emotional impact of your scenes.

17. Cultural Context – Weave in Folklore and Myth

Birds often have a place in folklore and myth, and tapping into these stories can add a layer of richness to your writing.

Integrate cultural stories or myths about birds to give your descriptions a deeper resonance.

“The raven, long a harbinger of fate in local lore, watched from atop the church spire, its black eyes knowing.”

This not only gives your bird descriptions a more profound significance but also ties them to the cultural and historical context of your setting.

Check out this video about how to describe birds in writing:

30 Best Words to Describe a Bird in Writing

Here are 30 of the best words to talk about birds in writing.

Plumage-rich
Resplendent

Each of these words holds the power to conjure a specific image or feeling about birds.

Use them to craft descriptions with precision and emotion.

Moving beyond single words, crafting phrases that reflect the nuanced behaviors and attributes of birds can add an evocative layer to your writing.

30 Best Phrases to Describe a Bird in Writing

The following phrases blend imagery and emotion, ideal for enhancing your narratives with finely-tuned bird descriptions:

Wings slicing the air
Beak glistening at dawn
Tail feathers fanning out like rays of the sun
Eyes gleaming with intelligence
Song piercing the morning haze
Silhouette against the twilight sky
Claws gripping the branch with silent authority
Nest cradled in the crook of a tree
Feathers ruffled by the whispering wind
Shadow flitting across the ground
Plumage blending with the autumn leaves
Beating wings stirring the calm air
Calls echoing in the forest canopy
Flight cutting through the mist
Dance of courtship, intricate and full of zeal
Reflection skimming the surface of the lake
Perched like a sentinel atop the old pine
Darting through the underbrush
A flash of color in the verdant meadow
Aloft in the updraft, effortlessly suspended
A symphony of calls at dusk
The soft cooing at day’s end
Feathers coated in the morning’s dew
A swift chase over the water’s surface
Migratory arc etched across the sky
Preening meticulously, every feather an artifact
The sudden stillness before the strike
A solitary silhouette on a weathered fence post
Inquisitive gaze from within the thicket
The serene float on a tranquil pond

3 Examples of How to Describe Birds in Writing (in three Different Genres)

Let’s look at examples of how to describe birds in writing in different kinds of stories.

Fantasy Genre: The Enchanted Eagle

In the twilight-shrouded realm of Eldoria, the Great Eagle, guardian of the Whispering Woods, unfurled its shimmering wings. Each feather shimmered with ethereal light, casting prismatic glows against the gnarled branches of the ancient trees. With eyes like molten gold piercing through the dusk, the creature let out a call that sang of ancient magic and secrets untold. Its talons, relics of a bygone era, grasped the mystical Stone of Sight, which pulsed in harmony with its heartbeat. The Eagle soared upwards, the air around it alive with whispers of enchantment, its majestic form a silhouette against the canvas of the constellations.

Mystery Genre: The Clue of the Crimson Cardinal

Detective Lila Grey stood motionless, the crunch of the autumn leaves underfoot breaking the silence of the morning. Her gaze fixed on the flash of red that flitted above the crime scene—a cardinal, its vibrant plumage a stark contrast to the somber mood. The bird’s keen eyes seemed to scrutinize the area, darting from the body to the blood-stained note left behind. As it sang a trilling melody, Lila pondered if the cardinal was an unwitting witness to the misdeed. The way it circled, almost protectively, around the oak tree, hinted at a secret only this avian bystander knew.

Romance Genre: The Dance of the Doves

Amidst the gentle hum of the garden party, two doves cooed softly, their gentle ballet a mirror to Eleanor and Thomas’s newfound love. The birds, with their silken white feathers, glided side by side, wings almost touching, embodying the tenderness shared between the two hearts below. As the pair nuzzled beak to beak, so too did Eleanor and Thomas lean in for their first, shy kiss, their audience of doves bearing witness to the silent promise of enduring affection. In the soft glow of dusk, the lovers and doves alike were wrapped in the warm embrace of a love as pure as the driven snow.

Final Thoughts: How to Describe Birds in Writing

With feathers unfurled and tales told, remember that the sky’s the limit when describing our avian friends in writing.

And if this flight of fancy has your creativity soaring, wing your way through our trove of articles for more literary inspiration.

Short Essay on My Favourite Bird [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

Birds are one of the most beautiful creatures in the world. Most of them look very beautiful and they can fly above the sky. In this lesson today, you will learn how to write a short essay on your favourite bird.

Feature image of Short Essay on My Favourite Bird

Short Essay on My Favourite Bird Peacock in 100 Words

There are tens of thousands of birds in the world but my favourite bird is the peacock. A peacock is a beautiful bird. It has a shiny, dark blue neck and a crown on its head. Its tail feathers are colourful and long. During the monsoon season, peacocks spread their feathers and dance gracefully.

Their dance is spectacular and brings joy to those watching. Peacocks are the male birds of their species. The females are called peahen and are less colourful than the males. Peacocks live on the upper branches of tall trees and prefer running to flying. They are quite agile on foot. In India, peacocks have religious and cultural significance. They are the national bird of our country.

Short Essay on My Favourite Bird Parrot in 200 Words

There are many different types of birds in the world. My favourite bird is the parrot. Parrots come in different sizes, shapes, and colours. Some are single-coloured while others have bright, multi-coloured feathers. The colour of their plumage can range from predominantly green with some red to a vibrant mix of red, orange, green, blue, yellow, pink, and black. Some smaller species of parrots can only grow up to ten centimetres while some larger varieties grow up to a hundred centimetres and weigh over a kilogram.

Parrots are omnivores and eat nuts, seeds, berries, fruits, plants, grains as well as small insects. They have a curved beak that helps them split fruits and nuts. These birds are quite intelligent and can mimic human speech. They are very playful and friendly in nature. Parrots usually build their nests in the hollow of trees and lay eggs twice a year. Baby parrots are called chicks and are very cute.

In recent times, due to habitat loss, climate change, and wildlife trade, many types of parrots are becoming endangered. Many people keep parrots as pets in cages for entertainment and do not take good care of them. This needs to be stopped. Parrots are great birds and we should do our best to protect them and take care of them.

Short Essay on My Favourite Bird Cuckoo in 400 Words

I have seen hundreds of different types of birds and observed their unique quirks and I adore them all, but my favourite is the cuckoo. Cuckoos are black in colour and have long tails. They look like crows but are smaller than them. The sound that cuckoos make is very pleasant to listen to and they are quite famous for it as well. Their melodious call fills everyone with joy. Cuckoos live on trees and in bushes. They eat fruits, insects, and worms. They especially like eating caterpillars.

Cuckoos are migratory birds and we often see them during the spring season. Hence, they are called the harbinger of spring. Cuckoos have a peculiar habit. They do not make nests and are infamous for laying eggs in the nests of other birds, usually crows. A female cuckoo can lay eggs in as many as 50 nests during the breeding season.

Cuckoos have evolved to lay eggs that mimic the eggs of crows. This prevents their eggs from being ejected from the nest. The crows mistake the eggs as their own and look after them. Cuckoo chicks hatch and grow up under the care of crows.

In the village, we wake up every day listening to the chirping of different birds and during the spring season, it is beautiful ‘kuhu kuhu’ of the cuckoos that dominate. There are at least ten pairs of cuckoos that live in our orchard and we give them grains and fruits to feed on.

Although they are usually afraid of humans and don’t come too close, I once befriended a cuckoo. It had red eyes and used to come near the windowsill of my room every morning. I fed it grains that I got from my grandmother and also caught a few hairy caterpillars for it. One day, it brought along another cuckoo. Both of them looked quite similar.

I had a great time interacting with the cuckoos in my village orchard and fell in love with them. When the vacation was over, we had to come back and I started missing the cuckoos. I read a lot of articles on these birds and filled my room with posters of these beautiful creatures. After a few months, when we went to visit my grandparents again, it was already winter and the cuckoos had migrated. I never saw my friend again but I still remember its amazing red eyes and melodious voice. Cuckoos have since been my favourite birds.

In the session above, I have written three essays on three different birds. You can choose any of those according to your requirements. I have also tried to write the essays in a very simple language that every student can easily understand. If you still have any doubts regarding this session, please let us know through the comment section below. If you want to read more such essays on several important topics, keep browsing our website.

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How to Write an Essay on Birds: 9 Interesting Areas to Focus

How to write an essay on birds? There are some interesting facts you can write about. Information about birds can be an excellent source for a creative essay. Birds are found in every part of the globe, creating a large variety of species to write about, especially when well-researched. Interesting bird facts can create wonderful topics for an essay, including unique theses that a student can explore and develop an enjoyable piece of writing.

When writing an essay about birds, it’s important to consider researching these facts, especially their biological composition. For instance, one can write an essay about birds by highlighting some distinguishing characteristics between bird species. This type of writing would be most interesting in English, particularly due to the distinctive nature of scientific descriptions. You can also include a short note about their biological differences in each section to make the essay more appealing.

Interesting Facts for Writing an Essay on Birds

Feather distinction.

One of the most interesting topics for an essay on birds is their feather diversity. Birds have distinctive appearances in structure, order, and color. Feather distinction is one of the distinguishing characteristics between species. However, some species have different colors based on various biological and environmental factors. For instance, some bird species have distinctive differences between the feathers of a male and a female. In other cases, the differences may appear disorderly but are worth investigating.

Migration marvels and global distribution

Some bird species are migratory, traveling between regions, even continents. Since the migrations coincide with seasons, they create some migration marvels worth writing about. For instance, seagulls migrate between winter and summer, running from the cold weather. During their travels, the birds create awesome displays of their traveling routines, mating habits, and hunting traditions. This topic is most suitable for nature lovers, people willing to investigate many species for their beauty and scientific facts.

Nesting prowess

You can also write an essay on birds based on their architectural techniques. Birds build their nests differently depending on their size, primary predators, and location. While the weaverbird prefers loosely hanging tree branches, the penguin can only nest on the ground near mountains and ocean shores. The structure and composition of the nest also differ significantly, creating an array of architectural designs to compare. Any person interested in birds understands the importance of a nest, especially during mating and incubation.

Egg laying facts

Birds are oviparous or egg-laying animals in English. Different species lay different egg sizes, colors, and shapes. They have distinctive characteristics based on their egg-laying habits, including location and responsibility. Some birds, such as the Cuckoo , exhibit parasitic behaviors in brooding. They lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, forcing the foster parents to incubate a foreign egg and feed an adopted chick afterward. Egg-laying habits can be quite an impressive topic for an essay on birds, especially due to the amount of scientific evidence available online.

Sociocultural rituals

Another interesting concept you can write about birds is their social lives. Like humans and any other living thing, birds socialize on different occasions. Some live in large groups, while others are loaners. However, all birds have distinctive mating rituals. Some specials engage in colorful, elaborate courtship traditions. They display marvelous moves to attract mates, using their wings and, in some cases, their avian architectural prowess to assert dominance. Birds engage in long relationships that resemble marriage in humans. The bald eagle is a good example of a bird species that marries or mates for life. The differences in sociocultural behaviors can create an amazing topic for a good essay.

Cognitive capacity

Some bird species are worth writing essays about, especially those that have shown high intelligence. Students can investigate intellectual abilities in birds to find impressive topics for their term papers and final research. You can even hire an experienced academic writer to help with the information gathering and drafting. For instance, CustomWritings professional essay writing service is a prominent helper with over ten years of experience supporting students’ journeys. While intelligent avian is attractive, finding accurate and reliable supporting evidence on such a topic can be daunting. With professional assistance, you can access scholarly articles and integrate findings from research in your essay on birds.

Vocal abilities

Birds are also known for their vocalization capabilities. While students cannot transcribe bird songs into writing, investigations into singing abilities can constitute a good essay. Most importantly, one can research birds’ ability to vocalize or mimic different sounds. Some bird species are known for their vocalization, especially when imitating humans and other birds. Others can produce relatively unique sounds, making them an attractive piece of marvel for analysis.

Scholars and researchers tend to focus on the biological differences between birds. Notably, biologists have invested significantly in understanding the genetic differences for classification and knowledge gathering. With this information, students can develop exciting topics for their essays or end-term research papers. Another interesting point of focus is the survival instincts and abilities of birds. While some species rely on camouflage for safety, others are birds of prey. The details about each bird’s genetics can help explain distribution and preferences.

Life expectancy

Similarly, the biological differences explain the differences in life expectancy. It’s difficult to ascertain the length of life in wild birds due to constant migration. However, scientific evidence suggests that some birds live longer than others. A good essay writer would consider analyzing the reasoning behind these differences and identify genetic and environmental characteristics affecting the length of life.

How Do I Write an Essay on Birds?

The best approach for writing an essay on birds involves conducting sufficient research. A good student would start by identifying an interesting fact to write about birds and research it. The information gathered from the knowledge search can then be used to create a comprehensive essay topic with a compelling thesis. The interesting facts about birds can also be a good hook for the introduction. The essay on birds should be organized professionally, adopting a basic paper structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Writing an essay on birds should also incorporate scientific and scholarly evidence. A good writer understands the need to integrate external sources with supporting and counterarguments. This approach will make your essay more interesting to read and easy to grade. Your professor may be impressed by your capacity to research a wild topic and investigate evidence found in scholarly works. Besides, supporting your arguments with reliable and verifiable arguments makes your writing believable. You can also impress the reader with ideas corroborating your knowledge of birds. For instance, you can integrate information about mating in an essay about birds’ vocal abilities to demonstrate a connection between the two issues. In the end, your essay about birds should be compelling and informative.

Essay On Birds – 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay

Key Points to Remember When Writing An Essay On Birds For Lower Primary Classes

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Birds, a beautiful part of nature , add joy to our world with their lovely colours, delightful songs, and graceful flights. This article presents a comprehensive bird essay in English designed to engage children and fuel their curiosity about these fascinating creatures. Writing essays on fascinating subjects like birds is a fantastic way to enhance a child’s cognitive abilities . It enhances their research, analysis, and writing skills , ultimately improving their academic performance .

Creating an engaging and informative essay about birds for lower primary classes requires a clear understanding of the subject. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Always start with an interesting introduction.
Keep the language simple, making it easy to understand.
Use fun facts to keep young readers engaged.
Include colourful illustrations, if possible.
Finally, end with a thought-provoking or fun conclusion.

In this section, you’ll find an essay on birds for class 1 & 2 children, consisting of 10 simple lines. This brief write-up gives children their first taste of essay writing , with a few lines on birds:

1. Birds are lovely creatures that can fly high in the sky.

2. They have two wings, two legs, and a beak.

3. Birds come in many different shapes, sizes, and colours.

4. They lay eggs, and their babies are called chicks.

5. Birds eat various foods like insects, seeds, fruits, and nectar.

6. Many birds migrate long distances when the seasons change.

7. Some birds can talk or sing beautifully.

8. The peacock is known for its vibrant, colourful feathers.

9. The owl can turn its head almost completely around.

10. Birds help in pollination and seed dispersal.

Next, let’s explore a bird paragraph tailored for young readers. This section, slightly more detailed than the last, provides an opportunity to dive deeper into the fascinating world of birds.

Birds are vital to our ecosystem, bringing it to life with their vibrant colours, charming songs, and remarkable abilities. They vary significantly in size, colour, habitat, and behaviour. Some birds, like sparrows and pigeons, live close to human settlements, while others, such as eagles and penguins, thrive in remote areas. Birds communicate through various sounds, and some can even mimic human speech. Birds are fascinating creatures; understanding them can provide valuable insights into the natural world.

Here is a short essay for students in classes 1, 2 and 3:

Birds, fascinating sky creatures, have captivated human beings for ages. Their grace, beauty, and flying ability make them unique among all living beings. From their colourful plumage to melodic songs, birds are essential to our ecosystem and hold a special place in our hearts.

Birds are delightful creatures that bring joy to our lives. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colours. Some popular ones include sparrows, pigeons, parrots, and peacocks. Birds have feathers and wings that enable them to fly high in the sky, soaring through the clouds. They build nests to lay eggs and take care of their young ones. Watching birds in nature is a delightful experience that teaches us to appreciate the world’s beauty.

Birds, the enchanting creatures of the sky, have long captured the imaginations of people, young and old. From graceful flights to vibrant plumage and melodic songs, birds have an undeniable charm that makes them fascinating subjects to study. In this essay on birds for class 3 and above, we will delve into the captivating world of birds, exploring their diverse species, unique characteristics, ecological significance, and the places they call home. As we embark on this avian adventure, we hope to instil a deeper appreciation for these feathered wonders and their crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems. So, let us spread our wings of curiosity and soar into the captivating realm of birds!

What Are Birds?

Birds are warm-blooded vertebrates characterised by their feathers, beaks, and the ability to fly. They belong to the class Aves and are found in various habitats worldwide, ranging from polar regions to tropical rainforests. With around 10,000 species, birds exhibit remarkable diversity in appearance, behaviour, and ecological roles.

Significance of Birds

Ecological Balance: Birds are crucial in maintaining environmental balance by controlling insect populations, dispersing seeds, and promoting ecosystem biodiversity.
Pollination: Some bird species act as pollinators for various plants, facilitating the process of reproduction and the production of fruits.
Indicators of Environmental Health: Birds’ presence and behaviour in an area can serve as indicators of the environment’s overall health and the impact of human activities.
Economic Importance: Birds contribute significantly to the economy through birdwatching tourism, poultry farming, and pest control services.

Characteristics Of Birds

Feathers: Feathers are a bird’s defining feature. They provide insulation, aid in flight, and display vibrant colours for courtship displays.
Hollow Bones: Birds have lightweight, hollow bones that reduce their weight, making flying easy.
Beaks: A bird’s beak size and shape are adapted to its diet, enabling it to catch, eat, and process food efficiently.
Endothermy: Birds are warm-blooded, maintaining a constant body temperature, essential for their high-energy activities like flying.
Oviparous: Birds lay eggs, which hatch into chicks, and the parents care for their young until they are independent.
Excellent Vision: Birds have well-developed eyesight, allowing them to spot prey from afar and navigate through various environments.

Type Of Food Birds Eat

Depending on their species, birds are omnivores, herbivores, carnivores, or insectivores.
Some birds, like eagles and hawks, are carnivores, hunting for small animals and fish.
Herbivorous birds, such as pigeons and doves, primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and plants.
Insectivorous birds like swallows and sparrows consume insects, helping control insect populations.

Places Where Birds Live

Forests and Woodlands
Wetlands and Marshes
Grasslands and Savannas
Coastal Areas and Seashores
Urban Areas and Gardens
Arctic and Antarctic Regions

My Favorite Bird

My favourite bird is the majestic peacock. With its stunning tail feathers, the peacock displays a mesmerising dance during courtship. It symbolises beauty, grace, and pride. The vibrant colours and intricate patterns on its feathers leave me in awe of the wonders of nature. Birds are integral to our ecosystem, providing aesthetic and ecological benefits. They teach us to appreciate the diversity and beauty of the natural world. Let us cherish and protect these beautiful creatures to ensure a harmonious coexistence on our planet.

Children love exciting trivia. Here are some amazing bird facts:

The smallest bird in the world is the Bee Hummingbird, less than 2.5 inches long ( 1 ).
The largest bird is the Ostrich , standing up to 9 feet tall ( 2 ).
Some birds, like the Arctic Tern, migrate over 25,000 miles yearly ( 3 ).
Parrots can mimic human speech ( 4 ).
Penguins are birds that cannot fly but are excellent swimmers ( 5 ).

This essay on birds helps children understand the vast diversity of birds and their vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. It also nurtures their curiosity, encourages their research abilities, and improves their writing skills.

1. Which was the first bird on the Earth?

The first bird on Earth was Archaeopteryx ( 6 ), which lived about 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period.

2. How many types of birds are there in the world?

There are about 10,000 known bird species in the world ( 2 ).

3. Why and How Should You Save Birds?

Birds play a crucial role in our ecosystem. We can save birds by conserving their habitats, avoiding harmful pesticides and single-use plastics, and supporting organisations that protect bird populations ( 7 ).

4. How long can birds live?

Bird lifespan varies widely. While some small birds live for only a few years, certain species, like parrots and albatrosses, can live up to 60-80 years.

5. What are the threats faced by birds?

Birds face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, pollution, hunting, and the introduction of invasive species. These threats often decrease bird populations and can even result in the extinction of certain species.

Birds are indeed one of nature’s most delightful creations. Their dazzling diversity, fascinating abilities, and integral role in our ecosystem make them a compelling subject of study. Writing an essay on birds encourages children to explore the intriguing world of these winged wonders and cultivates their appreciation for biodiversity and the need to preserve it. In understanding and valuing birds, we are, in essence, taking strides towards nurturing a generation that respects and protects our planet’s myriad life forms. So, the next time a bird flits across your path, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and consider its crucial role in the harmony of life on Earth.

References/Resources:

1. Hummingbirds; BirdLife International; https://www.birdlife.org/birds/hummingbird/

2. Top 15+ Biggest Birds in the World; Geeks for Geeks; https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/worlds-largest-birds/

3. Arctic Tern; Cornell Lab All About Birds; https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Arctic_Tern/overview

4. Why Do Parrots Talk; National Audubon Society; https://www.audubon.org/news/why-do-parrots-talk

5. Why can’t penguins fly?; Cornell Lab All About Birds; https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/why-cant-penguins-fly/

6. The Origin of Birds; Understanding Evolutions; https://evolution.berkeley.edu/what-are-evograms/the-origin-of-birds/

7. 7 Simple Actions to Live Bird Friendly; Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute; https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/7-simple-actions-live-bird-friendlyr

Also Read: Beautiful Bird Poems for Kids

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Essay on Birds 200+ Words

Birds are incredible creatures that grace our skies and forests, adding beauty, diversity, and significance to our world. In this essay, we will explore the marvelous world of birds, their importance in our ecosystem, and the fascinating aspects of their lives.

A World of Diversity

Birds come in an astonishing array of shapes, sizes, and colors. From the majestic bald eagle soaring high to the tiny hummingbird flitting about flowers, there’s a bird for every environment. In fact, there are over 10,000 different species of birds worldwide, each with its unique characteristics.

The Power of Flight

One of the most remarkable features of birds is their ability to fly. Their wings allow them to navigate the skies effortlessly. Birds have fascinated scientists for centuries, and their aerodynamic designs have inspired innovations in aviation. Leonardo da Vinci, a brilliant inventor, studied bird flight to create his flying machine designs.

Environmental Indicators

Birds serve as important indicators of the health of our environment. They are highly sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Ornithologists, scientists who study birds, often use bird populations as indicators of environmental changes. A decline in certain bird species can signal problems like pollution or habitat destruction.

Ecosystem Engineers

Birds play vital roles in ecosystems by acting as “ecosystem engineers.” For example, woodpeckers create holes in trees that later become homes for other animals. Birds also help control insect populations by feeding on them. In this way, they help maintain the delicate balance of nature.

Seed Dispersers

Many birds are essential for spreading seeds. When birds eat fruits and then travel to other locations, they help plants spread and grow in new areas. This process, known as seed dispersal, is crucial for the survival of various plant species.

Songbirds and Their Melodies

Songbirds are famous for their melodious tunes. They communicate, find mates, and establish territories through their songs. Ornithologists have discovered that some birds, like the nightingale, have incredibly complex songs, with each note having a specific purpose.

Migration Marvels

Birds embark on incredible journeys during migration. They fly thousands of miles to find food, avoid harsh weather, or breed in suitable areas. For example, the Arctic Tern holds the record for the longest annual migration, traveling from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back.

Birds as Inspirations

Birds have been a source of inspiration for humans throughout history. Their grace and beauty have inspired countless works of art, literature, and poetry. Famous painters like John James Audubon dedicated their lives to depicting the beauty of birds in their natural habitats.

Birds and Biodiversity

Birds are an essential part of Earth’s biodiversity. They contribute to the interconnected web of life, where every species plays a role. When we protect birds and their habitats, we also protect countless other species and the overall health of our planet.

Conclusion of Essay on Birds

In conclusion, birds are more than just creatures that fill our skies and forests. They are diverse, adaptable, and vital to the balance of nature. Birds’ ability to fly, their environmental significance, and their cultural and artistic inspiration make them truly remarkable. It is our responsibility to appreciate, protect, and conserve these feathered marvels and ensure that they continue to enrich our world for generations to come. Birds are not just a part of nature; they are a part of our shared human heritage, reminding us of the wonders of the natural world.

Also Check: List of 500+ Topics for Writing Essay

Literary Terms

Descriptive Essay

I. what is a descriptive essay.

A descriptive essay is an essay that describes something – an object or person, an event or place, an experience or emotion, or an idea. The goal of this kind of essay is to provide readers with enough detailed descriptions for them to be able to picture or imagine the chosen topic.

II. Examples of Descriptive Essays

The list of possible topics is nearly endless. The best topics are those that the author knows well and can clearly imagine. A writer should also consider what may be interesting to their audience.

The first day of spring (an experience)
Your best friend (a person)
Honesty or trust (ideas)
Courage/bravery (idea)
Nervousness/fear (emotions)
Happiness/fun of kite flying (emotion)
A museum sculpture (an object)
A ride on the subway (an event)
Your bedroom (place)
A leaf, seashell, or other small object

III. Types of Descriptive Essays with Topics

Even though there are countless topics for a descriptive essay, a writer only has to use two types of description. The first type of description is used for concrete topics, and the second is used when the essay describes an abstract topic.

a. Concrete

A topic about something concrete is something that you can see, touch or taste, hear, or smell – in other words, something concrete can be described with your senses.

Concrete topic	Descriptions using the senses
Pizza	Smell the aroma; see the toppings; feel the heat and taste the sauce; hear the crunch of the crust
A day at the park	Hear the people and the birds; smell the earth; feel the shade of a tree or the heat of the sun
A coin	See its size; feel its weight and the engraving; hear it clink on the floor

b. Abstract

Describing an abstract topic is more challenging. Ideas and emotions are abstract topics – they cannot be touched. Therefore, it is difficult to describe them with our senses. In order to write a descriptive essay of this type, writers often turn to context – experiences or situations – that point the reader towards understanding the topic.

Abstract topic	Context (experiences or situations)
Honesty	Return a lost wallet; don’t cheat on a test; saying the truth when it is difficult
Poverty	Not enough food; no jobs; emotional stress
Fun	Choosing an activity; smiling; everyone getting along; energizing
Friendship	Doing similar activities; trust; helping one another; sharing hopes and fears

IV. Parts of a descriptive essay with examples

A. clear topic.

A descriptive essay must focus clearly on the topic. The topic should be as specific as you can make it. A vague topic makes it difficult to focus on. In addition, if the description includes a time, place, or point-of-view, the writer must make that clear.

Vague Topic vs. Clearly focused topic
A tree	The willow tree that I used to play in when I was little
The subway	Riding on the subway during rush hour
Winter	The day after a big snowfall when school is cancelled

b. Sensory description or context

Depending on whether the topic is concrete or abstract, a large part of a descriptive essay will be sensory description or context. This part of the essay has enough details and information for readers to clearly imagine whatever is being described ( see part III for examples ).

c. Conclusion with purpose

A strong descriptive essay leaves the reader with a strong image or impression of the topic. A purposeful conclusion helps the reader see the value or importance of the topic. In other words, it states the purpose or point of the essay.

Topic	Purposeful conclusion
The willow tree that I used to play in when I was little	Since that time, I have always loved shady trees
Riding on the subway during rush hour	What a relief to be away from the crowd and noise!
The day after a big snowfall when school is cancelled	So next time you’re driving after a snowfall, remember to drive safely, because kids are probably out playing.

Revision:

I watched the ducks for a while. They scrambled after the bread on their awkward, webbed feet. The nostrils on their bills were shaped like question marks. When they gobbled the bread I saw a ridges of bumps, like teeth, lining their bills.

List of Terms

Alliteration
Amplification
Anachronism
Anthropomorphism
Antonomasia
APA Citation
Aposiopesis
Autobiography
Bildungsroman
Characterization
Circumlocution
Cliffhanger
Comic Relief
Connotation
Deus ex machina
Deuteragonist
Doppelganger
Double Entendre
Dramatic irony
Equivocation
Extended Metaphor
Figures of Speech
Flash-forward
Foreshadowing
Intertextuality
Juxtaposition
Literary Device
Malapropism
Onomatopoeia
Parallelism
Pathetic Fallacy
Personification
Point of View
Polysyndeton
Protagonist
Red Herring
Rhetorical Device
Rhetorical Question
Science Fiction
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Synesthesia
Turning Point
Understatement
Urban Legend
Verisimilitude
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How to write a descriptive essay | Example & tips

How to Write a Descriptive Essay | Example & Tips

Published on July 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

A descriptive essay gives a vivid, detailed description of something—generally a place or object, but possibly something more abstract like an emotion. This type of essay , like the narrative essay , is more creative than most academic writing .

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Descriptive essay topics, tips for writing descriptively, descriptive essay example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about descriptive essays.

When you are assigned a descriptive essay, you’ll normally be given a specific prompt or choice of prompts. They will often ask you to describe something from your own experience.

Describe a place you love to spend time in.
Describe an object that has sentimental value for you.

You might also be asked to describe something outside your own experience, in which case you’ll have to use your imagination.

Describe the experience of a soldier in the trenches of World War I.
Describe what it might be like to live on another planet.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to describe something more abstract, like an emotion.

If you’re not given a specific prompt, try to think of something you feel confident describing in detail. Think of objects and places you know well, that provoke specific feelings or sensations, and that you can describe in an interesting way.

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The key to writing an effective descriptive essay is to find ways of bringing your subject to life for the reader. You’re not limited to providing a literal description as you would be in more formal essay types.

Make use of figurative language, sensory details, and strong word choices to create a memorable description.

Use figurative language

Figurative language consists of devices like metaphor and simile that use words in non-literal ways to create a memorable effect. This is essential in a descriptive essay; it’s what gives your writing its creative edge and makes your description unique.

Take the following description of a park.

This tells us something about the place, but it’s a bit too literal and not likely to be memorable.

If we want to make the description more likely to stick in the reader’s mind, we can use some figurative language.

Here we have used a simile to compare the park to a face and the trees to facial hair. This is memorable because it’s not what the reader expects; it makes them look at the park from a different angle.

You don’t have to fill every sentence with figurative language, but using these devices in an original way at various points throughout your essay will keep the reader engaged and convey your unique perspective on your subject.

Use your senses

Another key aspect of descriptive writing is the use of sensory details. This means referring not only to what something looks like, but also to smell, sound, touch, and taste.

Obviously not all senses will apply to every subject, but it’s always a good idea to explore what’s interesting about your subject beyond just what it looks like.

Even when your subject is more abstract, you might find a way to incorporate the senses more metaphorically, as in this descriptive essay about fear.

Choose the right words

Writing descriptively involves choosing your words carefully. The use of effective adjectives is important, but so is your choice of adverbs , verbs , and even nouns.

It’s easy to end up using clichéd phrases—“cold as ice,” “free as a bird”—but try to reflect further and make more precise, original word choices. Clichés provide conventional ways of describing things, but they don’t tell the reader anything about your unique perspective on what you’re describing.

Try looking over your sentences to find places where a different word would convey your impression more precisely or vividly. Using a thesaurus can help you find alternative word choices.

My cat runs across the garden quickly and jumps onto the fence to watch it from above.
My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above.

However, exercise care in your choices; don’t just look for the most impressive-looking synonym you can find for every word. Overuse of a thesaurus can result in ridiculous sentences like this one:

My feline perambulates the allotment proficiently and capers atop the palisade to regard it from aloft.

An example of a short descriptive essay, written in response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” is shown below.

Hover over different parts of the text to see how a descriptive essay works.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

If you’re not given a specific prompt for your descriptive essay , think about places and objects you know well, that you can think of interesting ways to describe, or that have strong personal significance for you.

The best kind of object for a descriptive essay is one specific enough that you can describe its particular features in detail—don’t choose something too vague or general.

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3.5: Descriptive Essays

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Kathryn Crowther et al.
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Writing a Description Essay

Choosing a subject is the first step in writing a description essay. Once you have chosen the person, place, or object you want to describe, your challenge is to write an effective thesis statement to guide your essay. The remainder of your essay describes your subject in a way that best expresses your thesis. Remember, you should have a strong sense of how you will organize your essay. Choose a strategy and stick to it. Every part of your essay should use vivid sensory details. The more you can appeal to your readers’ senses, the more they will be engaged in your essay. You can read two sample essays at the end of this section.

Sample Thesis Statement

Although Minnesota may seem drab and cold to outsiders, natives of the state find it a wonderful place to live.

We can see in this thesis statement that the writer will attempt to show the aspects of Minnesota that make it a great place to live. After detailing a thesis statement, you should come up with a list of sensory words that provide vivid detail and support the thesis. You may start by thinking about the five senses. How does your particular place look, smell, feel, taste, and sound like? How can you best describe these senses so the reader feels what you feel? By organizing the elements of descriptive language into easier to handle sections, like the five senses, you are able to more specifically engage in what elements of the description are most useful.

Order of Presentation

The writer in this case could choose to present the positive aspects of Minnesota in terms of the seasons and weather changes. The details could be presented linearly, starting with spring and going through the winter, highlighting the aspects of each season that most closely support the thesis, that Minnesota is a great place to live.

Prior to starting the essay, give some thought to the audience of your piece. Who is going to read the essay, and what effect would you like it to have upon the readers? An awareness of audience is important in choosing the level of formality you take with your writing. Knowing your audience will also help you distinguish which details to include throughout your essay. Assume that your audience knows very little or nothing about your subject matter, and include details that may seem obvious to you.

Example Audience: In this particular essay, the writer wants to show an outsider to the state why Minnesota natives are so happy to live there. The essay should help break down stereotypes for those outsiders about Minnesota’s cold weather and apparent drabness. Because the essay is designed for those who do not live in Minnesota, and maybe have never been there, it is important to include details about the state that may seem obvious to a native.

With the preparatory work complete, it is time now to begin writing your essay. Use your thesis statement to begin to construct an introductory paragraph. The introduction should set up the basis for your essay, and the thesis statement should state its purpose.

Example Introduction

Many who have not traveled to the state of Minnesota only hear of its cold weather and boring reputation. They are sure missing out on the great opportunities that Minnesota affords. Each season offers different senses that native Minnesotans and tourists know and love. Although Minnesota may seem drab and cold to outsiders, natives of the state find it a wonderful place to live.

With the introduction complete, it is time to start constructing the body paragraphs of your essay. Each body paragraph should have a central theme in itself, and that theme should be represented in a topic sentence. Consequently, each sentence of the paragraph should relate to and support the topic sentence. The body paragraphs are where the majority of the details should be given. When writing the first draft of your descriptive essay, include as many details as is reasonably possible. You can always eliminate the ones that do not serve the essay as well when you are revising your draft. In the case of the Minnesota nature essay, we have decided to set up the body paragraphs in terms of season, starting with spring.

Example Body Paragraph

Spring in Minnesota brings new life to the state after the long winter season. The rain washes the landscape clean, leaving its fresh aroma for all to enjoy. The flowers soak up the golden sun’s rays and begin to show their vibrant colors. The first birds can be seen and heard throughout the woods and fields, telling their stories in beautiful songs. The lakes begin to show their glossy finish as the ice melts away slowly under the heat of the season.

With the body paragraphs complete, it is time to bring the essay to a close with the conclusion. The conclusion should draw a conclusion based on what has been presented throughout the body of the essay. It needs to return to the thesis, but not in an overt way. The conclusion should give the reader a final sense of what the essay was meant to portray. Remember that there should not be any new material introduced in the conclusion, and the way it is worded should give the reader a sense of finality.

Example Conclusion

The variety of activities and distinct seasons found in Minnesota reveal diverse beauty of this state. As one considers the benefits of each season, it becomes clearer why so many native Minnesotans are content with their home state. Minnesota is truly a wonderful place to live.

With the essay complete, it is time to reread and revise your essay (also see revision sections of this textbook). Read your first draft and pinpoint all of the descriptor words you used. If possible, go back and add more after the ones you already used in the essay. If you can, read your essay aloud to a friend and have him/her tell you what images are vivid and what images need more development. Rework any images that are cloudy with more descriptions. Also, check to see if your descriptions have made use of all of the five senses: sound, smell, texture, sight, and taste. Repeat these steps as many times as necessary until you are happy with your product.

Sample Descriptive Essays

America's Pastime

As the sun hits my face and I breathe in the fresh air, I temporarily forget that I am at a sporting event. But, when I open my eyes and look around, I am reminded of all things American. From the national anthem to the international players on the field, all the sights and sounds of a baseball game come together like a slice of Americana pie.

First, the entrance turnstiles click and clank, and then a hallway of noise bombards me. All the fans’ voices coalesce in a chorus of sound, rising to a humming clamor. The occasional, “Programs, get your programs, here!” jumps out through the hum to get my attention. I navigate my way through the crowded walkways of the stadium, moving to the right of some people, and to the left of others, I eventually find the section number where my seat is located. As I approach my seat I hear the announcer’s voice echo around the ball park, “Attention fans. In honor of our country, please remove your caps for the singing of the national anthem.” His deep voice echoes around each angle of the park, and every word is heard again and again. The crowd sings and hums “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and I feel a surprising amount of national pride through the voices. I take my seat as the umpire shouts, “Play ball!” and the game begins.

In the fifth inning of the game, I decide to find a concessions stand. Few tastes are as American as hot dogs and soda pop, and they cannot be missed at a ball game. The smell of hot dogs carries through the park, down every aisle, and inside every concourse. They are always as unhealthy as possible, dripping in grease, while the buns are soft and always too small for the dog. The best way to wash down the Ball Park Frank is with a large soda pop, so I order both. Doing my best to balance the cold pop in one hand and the wrapped-up dog in the other, I find the nearest condiments stand to load up my hot dog. A dollop of bright green relish and chopped onions, along with two squirts of the ketchup and mustard complete the dog. As I continue the balancing act between the loaded hot dog and pop back to my seat, a cheering fan bumps into my pop hand. The pop splashes out of the cup and all over my shirt, leaving me drenched. I make direct eye contact with the man who bumped into me. He looks me in the eye, looks at my shirt, and tells me how sorry he is. I just shake my head and keep walking. “It’s all just part of the experience,” I tell myself.

Before I am able to get back to my seat, I hear the crack of a bat, followed by an uproar from the crowd. Everyone is standing, clapping, and cheering. I missed a home run. I find my aisle and ask everyone to excuse me as I slip past them to my seat. “Excuse me. Excuse me. Thank you. Thank you. Sorry,” is all I can say as I inch past each fan. Halfway to my seat I can hear discarded peanut shells crunch beneath my feet, and each step is marked with a pronounced crunch.

When I finally get to my seat I realize it is the start of the seventh inning stretch. I quickly eat my hot dog and wash it down with what is left of my soda pop. The organ starts playing and everyone begins to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” While singing the song, putting my arms around friends and family with me, I watch all the players taking the field. It is wonderful to see the overwhelming number of players on one team from around the world: Japan, the Dominican Republic, the United States, Canada, and Venezuela. I cannot help but feel a bit of national pride at this realization. Seeing the international representation on the field reminds me of the ways that Americans, though from many different backgrounds and places, still come together under common ideals. For these reasons and for the whole experience in general, going to a Major League Baseball game is the perfect way to glimpse a slice of Americana.

Student Essay

In the following student essay, notice how the writer uses sensory details to describe not only the visual appearance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s tomb, but also the experience of visiting such a historically significant and emotionally moving monument. Pay particular attention to the organization of the description; how does the author move us around the monument and describe its characteristics? Is it effective?

Professor Smith

English 1101

11 June 2014

The King’s Tomb

The water is always so beautiful, a hypnotic shade of baby blue, with a few autumn colored leaves floating in the ripples made by the wind. This isn’t a natural body of water. No wildlife swim in the shallow waves, but this water is as full of life as any ocean. In the middle of what is fittingly called the Reflecting Pool lies the closest thing African Americans have ever had to royalty. Here lie the remains of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King.

Nestled between the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change and the original Ebenezer Baptist Church is a beautiful white marble monument, warmly bathed in the lights circling the tomb of our late civil rights leaders. Following Dr. King’s assassination in April 1968, he was first interred at South View Cemetery, a final resting place largely reserved for African Americans during that period. It took nearly a decade before he was exhumed and placed in the beautiful ivory stone structure that he now shares with his beloved wife Coretta. The tomb, erected in 1977, sits within the south end of the Reflecting Pool. Seemingly suspended on the bright blue water, the tomb displays scriptures that only capture a small portion of the legacy left by these great leaders. Engraved on Dr. King’s portion reads, “Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty I’m free at last!” from his pivotal “I Have a Dream” speech given during the March on Washington in 1963. I can’t help but attempt to recite the mantra in my head with the same bravado and conviction as Dr. King had when he gave the speech over fifty years ago. While the saying is a beautiful incantation, fit for a King, the cost at which that freedom was attained is still heartbreaking.

In a scene reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, who passed away in January 2006 after a prolonged illness, lies next to her slain husband. For a short period following her death Mrs. King was interred in a smaller yet equally beautiful tomb directly across from her late husband. Spectacular floral arrangements surrounded her tomb as scores of mourners came from afar to pay their respects to the First Lady of the Civil Rights Movement. In November 2006, she was laid to rest in a beautiful new tomb aside her husband. The words “And now abide Faith, Hope, Love, These Three, but the greatest of these is Love,” emblazon her final resting place. No truer instance could describe her legacy.

Auburn Avenue, shrouded in darkness, is void of people aside from the few vagrants that aimlessly roam the streets. Heat from the Eternal Flame warms my back as I stare off into space. The brilliant glow of the LED lights strategically placed around the tomb and the amber flicker of the Eternal Flame are the only lights that seem to suit this moment. Kneeling as if I’m preparing to pray, I take a moment to reflect. Through my clenched eyes I can hear the soft splashes of the water, the gas fueled roar of the Eternal Flame. The ambient noise of car horns, traffic and construction fade to nearly a whisper. I envision the March on Washington. I can feel the sting of water hoses pelting my black skin. I can hear the sharp sonics of police dogs barking. The feeling is overwhelming. My eyelashes clump together from the tears winning their battle against my eyelids. Nearby is a place of worship, a place where anyone can still feel the spirit of past congregations, a place where the walls hold almost as much history as any Smithsonian exhibit.

Just a few feet away sits the original Ebenezer Baptist Church, a beautiful, rustic old building left largely intact from the days of Atlanta’s past. Walking inside is like stepping into a time warp, instantly sending you to the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. With the exception of a few strategically placed speakers, the church is left in its pure form. Dr. King’s voice echoes through wooden pews playing his famous “Drum Major” speech, given during his final sermon at Ebenezer on February 4, 1968. With closed eyes, I have difficulty telling what era I am in. Given with almost Machiavellian prediction and passion, ten minutes engulfed with his powerful words makes me feel as though I’ve been baptized, born again.

Surrounded with reminders of our history’s darkest time, this place brings me peace. There’s an aura in this place. A powerful spirit that infiltrates my conscience with thoughts of struggle, loss and freedom. The reality of this place forces my mind to reevaluate my own mortality. Even with the knowledge of how Dr. King was vilified, degraded, and executed, his death serves as a shining beacon of light. A lone ray of sun through the seemingly endless cloud of racism and intolerance. Coretta’s grace, beauty and resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy and injustice is incomparable. Her social work and philanthropy should be an influence to women of all walks of life.

The legacy that Dr. and Mrs. King leave behind is an unfulfilled one. Equality in America has improved since Dr. King’s assassination but his dream is still unrealized. There is turmoil within the King family regarding funding and management of the King Memorial, leaving the future of this serene place uncertain. Engraved on the Stone of Hope, a newly completed Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., reads, “Out of the Mountain of Despair, a Stone of Hope.” Although we still have a mountain to climb, The King’s Tomb is surely my Stone of Hope.

External Links

Checklist of Things to Consider ( https://tinyurl.com/y7zegezs ) when writing a description.

Susan Berne visits New York and describes her impressions in " Where Nothing Says Everything " ( https://tinyurl.com/yboc9m9s ), also called "Ground Zero." Another link to the story is here ( https://tinyurl.com/y99fchlw ).

Contributors and Attributions

Adapted from Successful College Composition (Crowther et al.) . Sourced from LibreTexts , licensed under CC BY-NC-SA .

Adapted from Let's Get Writing (Browning, DeVries, Boylan, Kurtz and Burton) . Sourced from LibreTexts , licensed under CC BY-NC-SA .

The Top 20 Descriptive Paragraph Examples

Written by Dan

Last updated March 20, 2024

Are you tired of hearing your students say, “I don’t know how to write a descriptive paragraph!”? If so, you’re not alone! Writing compelling descriptions can be one of the most challenging parts for teachers and students.

But it doesn’t have to be so tricky! With suitable examples and guidance, anyone can become an expert in vividly describing people, places, things or events.

Before jumping into the deep end of resources out there, it’s a good idea for students to check out websites offering free essay samples, like StudyMoose .These platforms provide a wide range of free essays that can help students enhance their writing skills.

In this blog post, I will provide twenty stellar examples you can use as models for teaching your students how to write compelling descriptive paragraphs.

Related : For more, check out our article on Building Suspense In Writing here.

According to Grammarly , descriptive writing can enhance content, from an essay describing a historical event to a blog post narrating a personal experience.

IUP’s Writing Center further explains that effective descriptive writing evokes sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes, immersing readers in the narrative. But how does one master this craft?

Study.com provides a comprehensive lesson on the techniques and examples of descriptive writing, while LanguageTool offers insights into the illustrative writing style.

Table of Contents

Descriptive Paragraph Example 1:

The sun-kissed beach was a veritable haven. Soft, white sand stretched lazily from one end of the coastline to the other, inviting visitors to take off their shoes and dip their toes in the cool water.

Warm sunshine beat down on my skin as I walked along the smooth shoreline, enjoying the salty ocean breeze that greeted me with each step. In the distance, I could see boats anchored in the harbour, their masts swaying gracefully with the rhythm of the waves.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 2:

The older man shuffled slowly down the dirt road, a faded baseball cap pulled low over his eyes to shield them from the sun’s rays. He wore overalls and a flannel shirt, his hands calloused from years of hard work in the fields.

His face was craggy but kind- a life filled with stories hidden beneath the wrinkles that framed his eyes. I watched him as he walked, his steps light despite the weight of all he had seen.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 3:

The bustling city street was a melting pot of cultures, languages, and flavours. As eager shoppers stopped to examine their wares, merchants called out from their booths. Everywhere I looked, people were walking, talking, laughing- the occasional honk of a car horn punctuating the air.

The smells were a mix of mouthwatering cuisine from dozens of countries, the sound of different languages intermingling as the conversation drifted through the air.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 4:

The lush meadow was blanketed in soft green grass, punctuated with wildflowers in all rainbow colours. The sun shone brightly in the sky, warming everything beneath it with its gentle rays. In the distance, a stream babbled peacefully as birds chirped their songs from the trees that lined it.

The air was heavy with the sweet scent of honey, and I closed my eyes to take in all of its beauty.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 5:

The forest was alive with activity; small creatures skittered through the undergrowth while bright-coloured birds flitted from branch to branch overhead. A cool breeze caressed my skin and rustled through the leaves of nearby trees as I walked along the path, breathing deeply of the damp woodland air.

Everywhere I looked, lush greens and browns reminded me that life was flourishing here in this small corner of the world.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 6:

The ancient ruins surrounded a vast desert, their sand-covered stones looking out over miles of wind-swept dunes. I walked through the crumbling archway and into the courtyard, taking in the eerie silence that pervaded the entire site.

The sun beat down from above, its rays glinting off broken columns and walls that told stories of a forgotten time. Here was evidence of an ancient civilization that had disappeared into history.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 7:

The decrepit old mansion stood atop a hill like a silent sentinel watching over the valley below. Tall windows stared blankly from the walls, their glass panes long since shattered. The grounds were overgrown with weeds and wildflowers, a testament to the fact that no one had set foot here in many years.

I stepped through the doorway and into what felt like an entirely different world- a place filled with secrets and stories waiting to be discovered.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 8:

The silver moon shone brightly against the night sky, its reflection glittering on the lake’s still surface below. Fireflies sparkled around me like stars fallen from the heavens, their lights twinkling with those of distant galaxies.

Crickets chirped softly as they scuttled across my path while owls hooted in the distance. Everything felt peaceful and calm, like time had stopped to admire this magical moment.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 9:

The beach was a tranquil paradise, soft white sand stretching towards an endless blue horizon. The waves crashed gently against the shore, their foamy spray cooling my skin under the hot afternoon sun.

Seagulls hovered overhead, crying as they searched for food along the shoreline. Everywhere I looked, there was beauty; everything seemed perfect at that moment, from the towering palm trees to the sparkling sea below.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 10:

The snow-capped mountain peak rose majestically above me, its rocky sides glinting in the bright sunlight. I could feel the chill of the air around me and see my breath misting in front of me as I trudged up the steep path.

All was silent except for a few birds singing in the distance and the occasional avalanche tumbling down one of the nearby slopes. Everywhere I looked, there were breathtaking views and a sense of awe at being so close to such a powerful force of nature.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 11:

The sun was setting, painting the sky in vibrant shades of orange, pink and purple. The clouds were streaked with golden light, completing the brilliant spectacle that was taking place all around me.

I stopped to take it all in, feeling deep gratitude and awe at witnessing such a beautiful sight. All my worries seemed so far away at that moment; here, nothing else mattered but enjoying this fantastic view.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 12:

The dusty roads wound their way through the rolling hills of the countryside, lined by ancient trees whose roots had grown deep over centuries. Wildflowers flourished in splashes of colour against the backdrop of green fields and blue sky.

The air was sweet with the scent of fresh-cut hay and the buzzing of bees. There was a beauty that could only be found in nature, a timeless reminder of the power and magnificence of the world around us.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 13:

The city skyline glowed in all its glory against the night sky, its skyscrapers towering majestically above me. Cars whizzed by on crowded streets, neon signs flashing in their wake, while music drifted through the air from distant clubs and bars.

People bustled about their business with purpose and energy, carrying an infectious enthusiasm for life. Everywhere I looked, I saw evidence of progress and growth; it was a sight that reminded me just how vast and varied our world is.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 14:

The desert stretched out before me, a vast expanse of red sand and sun-bleached rocks. The heat was oppressive but calming, the warm breeze carrying an earthy scent. In the distance, I could see dust devils whirling across the dunes, throwing up clouds of golden sand in their wake.

It felt like a place stuck in time, where one could take refuge from the frenetic pace of modern life and find solace in nature.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 15:

The forest was alive with sound and colour; birdsong filled the air while shafts of sunlight pierced through the canopy above, dappling the ground below with splashes of gold.

The trees stood tall and proud, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. Everywhere I looked, there was evidence of life; from the scurrying squirrels to the buzzing insects, it seemed as if everything had been frozen in perfect harmony and balance. It was an enchanting sight that made me feel profoundly alive.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 16:

The lake shimmered in the afternoon light, its still waters reflecting the clouds above. The sun shone brightly in a deep blue sky, making everything around me seem alive and vibrant. I could feel the warmth of the sand beneath my feet as I walked along the beach, watching the waves lap against the shoreline.

Everywhere I looked, there was beauty; from the towering mountains on either side to the lush greenery that covered them, it was an idyllic setting that filled my heart with joy.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 17:

The stars twinkled in all their glory above me, casting an ethereal glow over everything below. I stood in awe, my eyes searching the night sky for constellations. The moon shone brightly, its pale light illuminating the darkness and giving everything an otherworldly feel.

It was a breathtaking sight that reminded me of the power and mystery of our universe. Here I could escape from my troubles and bask in the beauty of nature’s grandeur.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 18:

The thunder roared as it rolled across the horizon, creating a rumbling sound that could be felt deep beneath my feet. Lightning crackled above, illuminating the sky with flashes of brilliant white light. The rain poured down in sheets, washing away all traces of dirt and dust from everything it touched.

This violent storm was both awe-inspiring and frightening in its intensity, a reminder of the unpredictability of nature. I felt as though I was witnessing something that could never be recreated; a moment of beauty and power that would stay with me forever.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 19:

The autumn air was crisp and clean, filled with the smell of fallen leaves and freshly cut wood. The last rays of sunlight cast an orange hue over everything, creating an ethereal atmosphere that seemed almost magical.

Everywhere I looked were vibrant red, gold, and orange shades as trees shed their leaves for the winter ahead. It was a beautiful sight that reminded me how quickly time passes and how we must cherish each moment before it slips away. It was a reminder of just how vast and varied our world is.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 20:

The snow fell softly from the sky, blanketing the world in a thick layer of white. C crystalline frost covered trees, and icicles hung from rooftops, their needles glistening in the pale moonlight.

Everything was still and silent; it felt like I was the only living soul for miles. With each breath, the cold air filled my lungs, and I savoured this moment of peace, so pure and untouched by modern life. This was nature at its finest, a reminder of how fragile our existence is.

1. What is descriptive language?

Descriptive language is a literary tool used by writers to paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. It involves using adjectives, adverbs, metaphors, similes, and other figurative language to describe a scene, person, or situation in detail.

2. Why is descriptive language important in descriptive paragraphs?

The essence of a descriptive paragraph lies in its ability to create a clear and vivid image in the reader’s mind. Descriptive language is instrumental in achieving this, as it adds depth, detail, and color to your writing, making it more engaging and relatable for your audience.

3. Can you give an example of descriptive language?

Absolutely! Consider this sentence: “The sun set over the ocean.” Now, let’s add some descriptive language: “The fiery sun slowly sank beneath the horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil, azure ocean.”

4. How can I improve my use of descriptive language?

Practice makes perfect! Try to incorporate descriptive language into your everyday writing. Read widely to expose yourself to different styles of descriptive writing. Experiment with various literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and personification.

5. Does using more adjectives and adverbs make my writing more descriptive?

Not necessarily. While adjectives and adverbs play a key role in descriptive writing, it’s essential to use them judiciously. Too many can make your writing seem overwrought and confusing. The goal should be clarity and precision.

6. How does descriptive language contribute to the tone of a paragraph?

Descriptive language can significantly influence the tone of a paragraph. For instance, using words like ‘gloomy’, ‘dreary’, or ‘haunting’ can create a dark or melancholic tone, while words like ‘vibrant’, ‘lively’, or ‘sparkling’ can evoke a more upbeat and positive tone.

7. Can descriptive language be used in all types of writing?

While descriptive language is most commonly associated with creative writing, it can be effectively used in almost all types of writing, including academic, business, and online content marketing, to engage readers and make the content more memorable. Remember, mastering descriptive language is a journey. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun with your words. After all, isn’t that what writing is all about?

About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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3 Essays on Bird-watching and Writing

Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2020 by The Office of Modern Composition

In Chicago, May is the season for birds. Since our great city is on the lip of Lake Michigan, tens of thousands of migratory birds stop here on the way to their summer homes, and spending time watching them can be tremendously rewarding.

All three of us at The Office of Modern Composition are enthusiastic novice bird-watchers. In the past, we have gone on an annual writer’s walk at The Magic Hedge in Chicago in early May to count birds and be quiet together. This year, such a walk was impossible — but we all looked at birds on our own anyway, and then came together once a week to discuss our findings.

Here are three essays we’ve come up with this year that connect birding to writing. We are also interested in whatever writing you might be doing about birds or that is bird-adjacent. Send us your own bird essays (email [email protected])! We’ll publish the ones we love.

Is This Bird-watching Or Is This Writing?

by Jill Riddell

The settings where birding and writing take place are different from one another. External details are different, but inner emotions and various milestones are similar.

Stage 1. Thrilled, Enthusiastic

Whether invigorated by an inspiring idea to write about or convinced that today is a good day to bird, I begin with outrageous optimism.

Stage 2. Committed, Diligent

I follow through. I sit down somewhere to write, or I successfully wake up at five to go to my favorite spot to look for birds before I go to work. Nothing deters me. I am determined.

Stage 3. Doubt

Uncertainty creeps in.

Is this idea as special as I thought it was?

The woods are awfully quiet. I don’t see any birds.

Stage 4. Despair, Self-Pity

The word “catastrophize” perfectly encapsulates the inner monologue at stage four. Not only was the initial idea for the piece I’m writing stupid, but pretty much all my ideas are. Not only are there no birds in these particular woods at this moment, but I’m bad at observation, I’m not patient enough, not expert enough. A competent writer would be able write this piece much more easily. A good birder would be able to find birds.

Stage 4 used to linger because as much as I hated it, there was also something about it that was mesmerizing. Once the idea that I was idiotic for attempting what I was doing took hold, that idea sounded so much wiser than Stage 1 with its childish enthusiasm.

I will say, though, that one advantage of growing older is that this phase is briefer than it used to be. Its uselessness has been proven over and over again.

Yet it seems to be a step I cannot skip entirely.

Stage 5. Cautious Hope (“Maybe there IS something there”)

Something moves. From far away, I detect the shape of a distant warbler and its familiar flight pattern. In writing, the parallel for this is a decent sentence. It’s subtle, this change. A roseate spoonbill doesn’t fly into the oak in front me, and I don’t suddenly write a line like Shakespeare’s. It’s not a miracle sent down on a moonbeam. The sentence arises from who I am and the ecosystem I inhabit.

But it’s enough. Despair shifts gently to one side, off center stage, though never quite exiting. (“I’m here if you need me,” it says in a sexy whisper, handing me its card. “Just call.”)

Stage 6. Returning to Work

In birding, I raise my binoculars for a closer examination of that shape I saw. I study it, track it, and either it turns out to actually be an interesting bird or it doesn’t, but regardless, I now feel new hope. Once I’ve seen one thing moving, I detect others. There’s life here. I could’ve stopped at Stage 4 and decided this was a hopeless waste of time, but I didn’t, and now I’m discovering that secretly the trees are alive with birds. A few are species of flycatchers, which I can’t really discern the difference between, to be honest; but some of the birds are stunners with bright plumage and fancy stripes. Over a period of an hour, some I identify and some I can’t but I enjoy trying. Not in the thrilled manner of Stage 1—but in the way of quiet competence.

In writing, this is when I start going at a good clip. That first decent sentence is followed by another and the work no longer feels laborious. In my head now I’m thinking neither “I suck at this,” nor, “I’m good at this.” I’m just a writer writing. I’m like a cook cooking or a knitter knitting or a potter making a type of vessel that she’s made before. The cool thing about it, though, is that this piece of writing or this bird excursion, like all handmade things, demands some element of improvisation and its end result will vary.

Stage 7. Pause

In either writing or birding, there’s no well-marked and completely agreed-upon finish line. I stop in an arbitrary spot. Whatever was accomplished is enough for now. The experience was full enough, though, that now I know I can trust myself to continue with this quest. For both writing and birding, the pursuit is lifelong. I know I’ll go back to the page to look at those words. I’ll know I’ll go back to watch birds.

The Birder’s Dilemma

by Raghav Rao

In September 2018, I began a quest to see 100 hundred American birds. To date, T and I have seen 122.

Whenever I attack a list, or begin the act of collecting, I remember this paraphrased quote: “A collector acquiring the item that completes his collection signifies his own death.” As I’ve said countless times to anyone who will listen, there is one excellent reason for ignoring this sentiment: it was made, pompously no doubt, by a French philosopher. And let’s be honest: they never say anything useful.

Of course, having hit 100, wordlessly, our goal crept up to … what, exactly? We’re not sure. But here’s a quote from a much more practical Englishman: “Ah, but man’s reach should exceed his grasp / or what’s a heaven for.”

To those who are judging us, who may be saying, “Counting! How uncouth. Why don’t you just enjoy the present? Enjoy the sunshine, nature, air … all that stuff?” Part of me wants to say, “We are, goddamnit! No need for mutual exclusivity.”

But we live in a counting culture, a goal-centered culture. And that resides deep inside us. (Well, inside me, at least.) The shame of not living in the present engenders a new quest: abandoning all quests. And if that’s a paradox, then it’s clear what the real quest is: to live in the paradox.

You may be asking how this is analogous to writing. And I could answer something about word counts or pages per day. But I really believe that fundamentally, flow and joy are connected somehow to the idea of abandoning objectives and embracing the here and now. But even phrasing it that way converts achieving flow and joy into another kind of objective.

With birding and writing, to paraphrase the Zen monks, if you think too much, you’re effed.

Turn Around And Go The Other Way

by Sophie Lucido Johnson

The mayor of Chicago has closed the lakefront.

She’s done this because there is a global pandemic, and people can’t be trusted on beaches to stay calm or six feet apart. And in the grand scheme of things, giving up the lakefront for one summer is a small sacrifice. It is not as though we’ve been asked to give up shoes, or calling our family members on their birthdays, or ordering tacos.

But on the other hand, Chicago’s Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary (otherwise known, wonderfully, accurately, as The Magic Hedge) is maybe the number one best thing about the city — hot dogs and skyscrapers be damned. Especially in May, when the migratory songbirds hang out there on their way northward, the little plot of protected land feels dreamlike. How can there be so many rare birds in such a small space?

My husband and I both have birthdays in May, and always celebrate at the Magic Hedge. There were times early on, when we lived closer, that we went there every day. But this year, there could be no such outings. I imagined the birds coming in for their annual spring fling, flitting around all, “Where are all the people? Usually there are people here. Why have all the people disappeared? Is it something about the weather?” Because surely birds watch us, too. We can’t be so arrogant as to think that it’s a one-sided practice.

This year, The Magic Hedge, which had always been fantastical and difficult to write about, became a fiction. I spent time walking along the non-lake-adjacent sidewalks in my neighborhood making up whole stories with interwoven plot lines about what was going on at Montrose this May. Maybe the birds took advantage. Maybe they were luxuriating on the paths where binoculars-laden humans normally perched. Maybe all avian inhibitions had been abandoned, and the birds were having epic Shakespearian dramas. There was no way to know!

Over time, not knowing became delightful. I let myself daydream into the realms of the impossible. Owls befriending indigo buntings. Terns learning to sing like mourning doves. Who was going to stop me?

And meanwhile, new bird-watching spaces unfolded. They’d always been there, but they were easy to ignore when Montrose was available, perfect and total as it was. One afternoon my husband and I found four species of warbler at one time in the tree outside our house. (There were also orioles and grosbeaks, and my roommate saw a scarlet tanager.)

Every Saturday all spring we went to a new forest preserve. Once we came upon twenty gargantuan herons’ nests in the trees, each with a stalky bird standing keeping watch. Once we found a great horned owl teaching her two owlets how to fly. We’d never have seen any of this had The Magic Hedge been open.

Restraint can be a gift. There are always many paths to choose; the mistake would be to stop walking altogether. And not to be too cliche, but so it is in writing. When you hit a dead end, consider the possibility that it isn’t a dead end at all. Turn around and go the other direction. Who knows what else there might be.

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Essay on Parrot

Parrots are amazing birds found in various parts of the world, from the lively jungles of South America to the busy streets of Mumbai. Their vibrant colors and playful personalities have fascinated humans for centuries. Apart from being colorful chatterboxes, parrots are intelligent creatures with a complex social life and unique adaptations. They play a crucial role in their ecosystems.

Scientifically known as Psittacines, parrots are tropical birds that thrive in warm environments. One of their remarkable abilities is the capacity to mimic human speech with practice. This skill sets them apart and adds to their uniqueness. Coming in various colors, parrots are truly captivating.

In this essay, we'll delve into the world of parrots, exploring their biology, behavior, intelligence, and the challenges they face in a changing environment. Let's learn more about these majestic birds and their fascinating characteristics, diet, and other aspects.

Long Essay on Parrot

Parrots are a diverse group of birds found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Whether they're big scarlet macaws or small budgies, each species has its own unique physical traits. Their vibrant feathers help them blend in and communicate, and their strong beaks are useful for finding food. With two toes forward and two backward on their feet, they are great at climbing and handling things.

Parrots aren't just good at copying; they're smart birds. Their brains are larger compared to other birds, equipped with structures for learning and memory. This enables them to understand and mimic human speech, count, solve puzzles, and recognize colors and shapes. Some, like the African grey parrot, go beyond speech and mimic other sounds, showcasing a high level of thinking.

These social birds form strong bonds, communicating with each other using various sounds. They engage in complex courtship displays and playful behaviors that strengthen their sense of community. Parrots play a crucial role in ecosystems, aiding in the growth of plants by dropping seeds in their droppings. Some, like the kea of New Zealand, even help pollinate flowers while searching for nectar.

However, parrots face numerous challenges today. Deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, invasive species, and climate change threaten their homes and food sources. The demand for pet parrots also contributes to capturing them from the wild, putting their populations at risk.

Conservation is essential to protect these remarkable birds. Preserving their habitats, preventing illegal wildlife trade, and promoting responsible pet ownership are key actions. Research and education play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of parrots in our environment.

Short Essay on Parrot

Parrots are fascinating tropical birds found in various countries like Australia and New Zealand. They are known for their vibrant appearance and high intelligence, excelling in mimicking human speech. These herbivorous birds consume a diet of fruits, including grapes, berries, and mangoes, as well as leaves, grains, and even cooked rice.

Pet parrots, especially those raised from a young age, can become skilled at imitating their owners. However, it's crucial to highlight the unfortunate treatment of these majestic birds by humans. Deforestation poses a threat to parrots' natural habitats, pushing them towards endangerment. Moreover, parrots are often subjected to captivity in small cages, leading to unhappiness and depression. These practices contribute to the endangerment of parrot species.

In light of these issues, it becomes imperative for us to protect these remarkable birds from extinction by addressing habitat destruction and promoting responsible treatment of parrots in captivity.

My Favourite Pet Parrot Essay in English

Hey everyone! I want to tell you about my favorite pet – my amazing parrot! His name is Sparky, and he's the coolest bird ever.

I got Sparky on my birthday, and it was the best surprise ever. He's so colorful, with bright green and blue feathers. When he spreads his wings, it's like a mini rainbow in my room.

Sparky is super smart. He can mimic sounds, and sometimes he even copies my laughter. It's hilarious! We play together a lot, and he loves when I talk to him. I swear he understands everything I say.

Feeding Sparky is fun too. He enjoys munching on seeds and fruits. I make sure to give him a balanced diet to keep him healthy and happy. Sometimes, he even joins me at the dinner table and tries to sneak a bite of whatever I'm eating.

One of the best things about Sparky is that he's a great companion. Whenever I feel a bit lonely, he's there to cheer me up. He loves sitting on my shoulder or head, and we watch TV together. He's like a feathery friend who never gets tired of hanging out.

Taking care of Sparky is a responsibility, but it's totally worth it. I clean his cage regularly, and we go on little adventures around the house. He has this funny way of hopping around and exploring everything.

I love my pet parrot, Sparky, with all my heart. He's not just a bird – he's my buddy, my entertainer, and the most awesome pet in the world!

Interesting Points about Parrots in English

Parrots are tropical birds with unique and attractive appearances.

They come in various colors such as green, yellow, red, and rainbow-colored.

Parrots live in the bills of trees and prefer warmer climates due to their tropical nature.

Their diet includes small grains, fruits like grapes and mangoes, berries, leaves, and crops.

Parrots are among the most intelligent birds and can mimic human speech.

There are three types of parrots: Cockatoos, True parrots, and New Zealand parrots, each with distinct appearances and behaviors.

Their bodies vary in size and shape, with the Indian parrot having a particularly gorgeous appearance.

A notable feature of parrots is their beautiful green wings, long feathery tail, black circle around the neck, and a thick, slightly bent red beak.

Parrots are intelligent and friendly, making them unique birds.

Emphasizing the importance of setting parrots free and not keeping them in cages for recreational purposes is crucial in discussing these birds.

How to Prepare for Parrot Essay for Students in English

Students can log onto Vedantu and then click on Parrot essay for students in English

They must go through this entirely.

It has all the elements of a proper essay and a lot of informative material on Parrots

Reading this will prep the students of junior classes in the right way

Try writing down everything that you have memorized so that they know how much they’ve actually absorbed

Writing practice and that too within a timeframe will assist learning

Try to pay attention to the facts about parrots instead of rote learning them

Observe how the introduction, body and conclusion have been written

Emulate the same by writing it down and then comparing it with the essay that’s on Vedantu

The students will really learn the tricks used and that will benefit them in their tests.

Conclusion:

Parrots are not just beautiful; they're intelligent, social, and essential for the environment. Their mimicry and playful nature have fascinated us, but it's our responsibility to protect them from habitat loss, climate change, and illegal trade. By preserving their habitats and raising awareness, we can ensure that these vibrant birds continue to enrich our world for future generations.

FAQs on Parrot Essay

1. How long do Parrots live?

A parrot’s average lifespan ranges between fifty to ninety-five years.

2. How many species of Parrots exist?

There are approximately three hundred ninety-three recognized species of parrots in the world.

3. How do humans cause Parrots trouble?

Parrots have been exploited by humans by being kept in small cages and due to deforestation, parrots have become endangered.

4. What should the students refer to if an essay on birds comes for their tests?

They can check out Parrot essays for students in English on Vedantu. It has a lot of study material on Parrots. Everything has been explained in a systematic manner and has all the pointers needed for students to know and then write about. An essay on any kind of bird will be quite simple as it will be descriptive in nature. A descriptive manner has been used in this essay that’s available and so, students won’t face a problem when they sit for their tests and are asked to write an essay on the same.

5. How do students go about writing an essay on Parrots?

The students must know the manner in which an essay on such a topic needs to be written. This will help them in securing higher grades in your examinations. Go to Parrot essay for students in English which can be downloaded from this page. This essay is a prototype of the essay that they will need to write for their exams. The exact manner of approaching an essay has been shown here with the help of appropriate examples. They can read this and then practice on their own so that they do well in their tests. Just reading this won’t suffice, including all these pointers when they write an essay at home, would be the proper way to go about it.

6. How should the students prepare for an essay on their favourite pet?

Students can check out certain study material that’s on Vedantu to get an idea.

They can read from Parrot essays for students in English.

7. How do students prepare for essays that come for tests?

Students can prepare for all essays if they know the manner in which they need to be written down. All essays follow a structure and a form without which scoring well in an essay is a lost cause. They can look at Parrot essays for students in English on Vedantu. This essay will shed light on how they need to be written. Not just parrots, an essay on any topic needs to be written in a proper manner and that has been explained here. Students can look at these carefully and then feel reassured.

8. How do students score well in the essays that come for their school exams?

All students can score really well if they go through the Parrot essays for students in English. This is a model of how essays need to be so as to score well. A strategic manner of approaching essays ensures that the students only get the best of marks. If they go through this sample, they will learn how one needs to formulate one’s introduction, body and then conclusion. A haphazard manner of writing just anything that comes to mind is not an ideal way of writing essays and that needs to be kept in mind during tests. Vedantu offers free study material for all the students and so, one can be completely relieved before downloading them.

How do you write the sound of a bird?

Writing out the sounds that birds make in text can be a challenging task. Unlike human speech, bird vocalizations do not follow regular language and grammar rules. However, with some simple techniques, you can accurately represent bird sounds in writing. In this article, we will look at different methods for writing bird sounds and noises, when it is appropriate to write out bird calls, common bird vocalization spellings, and how to choose the right descriptive words to capture the essence of a bird’s voice.

When is it Appropriate to Write Bird Sounds?

There are several instances when writing out the sounds of birds can be useful:

In fiction writing, bird vocalizations can help set a vivid scene and create a sense of realism for readers.
In non-fiction nature writing, phonetically writing bird calls helps identify species for readers who may not be familiar with the birds.
In birding field guides and resources, written out sounds help birders accurately ID birds by call when they cannot see the birds.
In poetry and lyrics, mimicking bird vocalizations can establish mood, tone, and rhythm.
In transcriptions of bird language research and data collection.
When differentiating between the songs, calls, or alarm cries of various bird species.

Writing out bird noises is especially helpful for auditory learners who comprehend information better when it is verbalized. Overall, writing bird vocalizations allows writers to add sensory details to their work and helps readers engage with content on a deeper, more immersive level.

Common Methods for Writing Bird Sounds

There are several common methods writers use to phonetically spell out the sounds birds make:

Direct Phonetics

This method spells sounds out exactly as they are heard using letters of the English alphabet. For example:

Chickadee: “chick-a-dee-dee”
Whip-poor-will: “whip-purr-will”
Killdeer: “kill-deer”

This strategy works best for bird vocalizations that have clear, distinctive sounds easily replicated with letters. However, some subtler or more complex bird noises can be difficult to capture accurately using direct phonetics.

Descriptive Words

Writers can also use evocative descriptive words that mimic attributes of bird vocalizations:

Owl hooting: “Whoo, whoo-hoo”
Hummingbird buzzing: “zzzhh, zzzhhh”
Woodpecker drumming: “rat-a-tat-tat”

Words like buzz, hum, twitter, whistle can all communicate a vivid sense of how a bird call sounds. This method offers more flexibility but can also feel less precise than direct phonetics.

Combination Approach

Many writers opt for a combination approach that utilizes both direct phonetics and descriptive words:

Chickadee: “tse-day-day”
Red-winged blackbird: “conk-a-ree”
American crow: “caw, caw, caw”

This blended method provides the specificity of phonetic spelling while leveraging strategic descriptive words to better capture intricate bird noises.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia refers to words that phonetically imitate or resemble the sound they describe. Some examples of onomatopoeia bird calls:

Cuckoo: “cuckoo, cuckoo”
Loon: “hoo-hoo-ooo-hoo”
Sapsucker: “tuka, tuka, tuka”

When the vocalizations of a particular bird species already have an associated onomatopoeic word or phrase, this can be the simplest option. However, onomatopoeia may not work well for all bird calls.

Guidelines for Writing Bird Sounds

Here are some helpful guidelines for writing bird vocalizations:

Listen carefully and identify unique qualities of the sound like pitch, cadence, rhythm.
Start simple. Resist the urge to use complex phrasing and just capture 1-3 syllable mimics.
Read sounds aloud to test if they replicate the bird call.
Spell sounds as they are heard naturally rather than forcing them into conventional English letters.
Use hyphens and commas to indicate pauses, breaks, and stops.
Consider capital letters for increased volume and emphasis.
Give context and tips about the bird’s tone to clarify the feeling of sounds.

With practice and an attentive ear, these tips will help writers develop effective phrasing to accurately convey bird vocalizations.

Common Bird Call Spellings

Certain phonetic spellings have emerged as conventional shorthand for translating the most common bird sounds:

Bird Species	Call Description
Chickadee	“chick-a-dee-dee”
Tufted titmouse	“peto-peto”
Carolina wren	“teakettle-teakettle”
House finch	Fast, warbled notes
American goldfinch	“potato-chip”

Bird Species	Call Description
Mallard	“quack, quack”
Canada goose	Loud, honking “honk”
Wood duck	Rising squeal or whine
Ring-necked duck	Soft whistle

Birds of Prey

Bird Species	Call Description
Red-tailed hawk	Piercing, shrill scream; “keeeeer”
Bald eagle	Series of loud, staccato chirps
Barred owl	“Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”
Peregrine falcon	Fast repetitive “kak, kak, kak”

These represent some of the most identifiable vocal spellings that can help differentiate birds by sound.

Choosing Descriptive Words

Beyond just phonetic mimics, writers should also consider strategic adjectives, verbs, and adverbs to describe the tone and quality of bird vocalizations. Helpful descriptive words include:

High, melodic, low, booming, shrieking, rumbling
Rapid, frantic, sluggish, slow, sputtering, brisk
Clear, sharp, eerie, raspy, hoarse, cracking, whispery
Loud, blaring, booming, deafening, faint, muted

Pairing phonetic text with strategic descriptors creates vivid images in readers’ minds and conveys informative details about the feeling of the bird’s unique sounds.

Mimicking Difficult Bird Calls

Some species like cranes, swans, and tropical birds make more intricate vocalizations that can be challenging to capture with basic phonetics. Here are some tips for tackling tricky bird calls:

Listen to professional audio recordings to identify patterns.
Note transitions between different sound elements.
Break longer calls into shorter segments.
Use hyphens, commas, and punctuation to indicate pauses.
Use creative phonetic combinations like “reek”, “skraa”, “kleow”.
Compare to instruments; trumpet, whistle, siren, etc.

With an attentive ear and plenty of practice, even difficult bird sounds can be converted into descriptive text.

Examples of Bird Vocalizations in Writing

To illustrate effective phrasing, here are some examples of writers incorporating bird sounds into poetry, prose, and field guides:

The early bird trills its sweet-sweet, sweet-sweet dee-dah-did-it sings the little bird morning, morning brrrrings! chew-chew, chop-chop trills the robin at work

– “Bird Poem” by Kristine O’Connell George

First came the peculiar cry of a green plover, that seems to be pronouncing the word pill-will-willet; then the louder shriek of a sandpiper, uttering the syllable weet; then a faint sseep sseep , from the bosom of the fragrant ferns.

– Excerpt from Wake Robin by John Burroughs

Field Guide

Pileated Woodpecker Call: Loud, ringing, reverberating; somewhat resembles maniacal laugh; “uk-uk-uk-uk-uk”

Cedar Waxwing Call: Very high, thin, lisping; almost a hiss; “szeee” or “tszzeeeee”

As you can see, there are many creative strategies writers employ to capture the sounds of birds. With practice, you can develop your own effective style.

Writing out the calls, songs, and alarm cries of birds requires patience, an attentive ear, and a vocabulary of phonetic language, but it can be mastered with some fundamental techniques. Listen closely, start simple, use agreed-upon call descriptions when appropriate, and sprinkle in descriptive verbs and adverbs. Phonetically spelling bird vocalizations allows writers to vividly recreate birds’ sounds in text form and provide informative details that engage readers and create an immersive experience. So grab your pen and field guide, find a flock of feathered vocalists, and start translating those tweets, trills, coos, and caws into descriptive writing.

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Descriptive Essay about a red -winged black bird? HELP?

mstzizi92 2 / 6 May 21, 2011 #1 Hello, Is there anyone that can help me write a descriptive essay about a red -winged black bird? I have begun to write the body of the essay, but still need help. Would really appreciate the help. Thanks.

icy ciel - / 8 May 21, 2011 #2 What is this red-winged black bird you speak of? it's better for you to specify the bird's name, because red-winged black bird doesn't ring anything to me. You're writing a descriptive essay, so put a clear description of what the bird is like. It would be best to put a unique feature of the bird in the body. Something that's different from other birds, or you can tell about the bird's specialty hope that helps :)

OP mstzizi92 2 / 6 May 22, 2011 #4 well this is what i have so far. tell me what you think. I'm not quite done with it though>>>> Red-Winged Black Bird It was a warm breezy morning. Upon arriving to the Pond Apple Slough, a beautiful black bird that exhibited unique colors was seen. Coming from the south direction, he flew across the sky and landed on a tree. As he sat on the tree he began to sing. He was possibly singing to himself, or looking for a mate. The red winged black bird has a jet black... SEE BELOW

silverystars 14 / 105 May 22, 2011 #5 Hello Christina, Good job. This is some great descriptive writing. I was drawn in immediately to the scene you set. A few suggestions: 1. It was a warm , breezy morning. (Or, It was a warm and breezy morning.) I prefer the insertion of "and" myself. 2. The red-winged black bird has a glossy, jet-black appearance . . . His eyes possess the quality of onyx gemstones. This is how I would write those particular descriptions. This is purely editorial on my part, and not a reflection on your writing skills. 3. His shoulders begin to puff out as he sings his musical , harsh (?) pitch call. Don't change to a different term if "harsh" is the word you are going for. However, "high pitch" seems more fitting in this description. 4. His wings move d elegantly as he fl ew away into the beautiful , light - blue sky. I noticed a shifting view at this point. Is it supposed to be something that has passed, or is it presently happening? Overall, though, fantastic work. Keep going!

OP mstzizi92 2 / 6 May 23, 2011 #6 Thanks a alot for your suggestions. I am trying to form a thesis statement, which i didn't realize wasn't in the essay. i have begun to edit the essay, and need to know if my changes have made a difference or not. please let me know.... Red-Winged Black Bird One warm and breezy morning, upon arriving to the Pond Apple Slough, a beautiful black bird that exhibited unique colors captivated my eyes. Coming from the south direction, he flew across the sky and landed on a tree. As he sat on the tree he began to sing. He seemed to be singing to himself, or looking for a mate. The red winged black bird has a jet black glossy appearance. His round and flat head moves quickly as he turns his head from side to side. His eyes possess the qualities of an onyx gemstone. His beak is shaped like a dagger, known to catch his prey. In addition to that, his beak resembles the color seen in a dark rain cloud. While perched up in a tree, his broad and sturdy shoulders manifest his dominant physique. His cherry red and lemon-like colored shoulders give him a unique quality unlike any other bird. These bright and vivid colors reflected into the sunlight. His jet black glossy appearance complements his unique colored shoulders. His shoulders begin to puff out as he sings his musical high pitched song. His voice sounds like a flute, as he sings his high pitched song. An admirable voice, that lingers in ones ears. His high-pitched call softens the perfect mood, into a relaxed state of mind. A sound where one can drift away into space. A place of paradise, and happiness that comes to being. His jagged-shaped wings began to shine, as he gracefully flew into the sky. His wings moved elegantly as he flew away into the sea blue sky. He flew like a kite being lifted into the air. He glides from side to side into the cool breezy air. His wings spread out wonderfully. His fan-shaped tail is in open view trailing behind him. His glossy black colored tail resembles a satin like material. So delicate and lovely like a new born baby. His tail looks more prominent when he flies into the sky. His claw-like feet begin to curl in as he lures himself against the wind. His sharp claws help him grip onto trees, and show his agility. While on the ground he scrambles to devour his next meal. He then takes off into the magnificent sea blue sky. So when visiting the Pond Apple Slough, and a high pitched thrill sound cries out, just look up in the sky, or low on the ground, for a black glossy bird with onyx gemstone eyes, a dagger shaped beak, cherry red and lemon like colored shoulders , jagged-shaped wings, with a fan shaped tail, and claw like feet. Yes you've guessed it; it's the beautiful and magnificent red winged black bird.

silverystars 14 / 105 May 23, 2011 #8 Hello Christina, You're welcome. Honestly, this is some great writing. I would rephrase the end paragraph to something like the following, which you may retool and do with as you please: When visiting the Pond Apple Slough some warm and breezy morning, and a high-pitched trill sound cries out, be sure to look around you. Gaze up into the sky or low upon the ground. Look for a black, glossy bird with onyx gemstone eyes, dagger-shaped beak, cherry red and lemon-colored shoulders, jagged-shaped wings, fan-shaped tail, and claw-like feet. You may then for yourself see the beautiful and magnificent red-winged black bird. As you edit your essay, be sure to look for when the appropriate punctuation is needed. For example, hyphens help to delineate certain descriptions that might otherwise require a double take. (Or is it double-take? Ha ha!) Also, beginning a sentence with "So," which is perfectly fine if you choose to do so, is more often than not superfluous. The same is true for "Just," "And," "But," and so on and so on. But that's just me. And I'm not your boss. So write what feels right! Keep up the good work...

OP mstzizi92 2 / 6 May 23, 2011 #9 Thank you so much for your help. Is there anyone that can help me form a thesis statement for this essay please?

silverystars 14 / 105 May 24, 2011 #11 I was tempted to offer one, as well, but Kevin is right. As usual!

OP mstzizi92 2 / 6 May 24, 2011 #12 Well thanks again for all of your help. I thought of one, and I will be looking forward to sharing more essays with you guys. :)

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The translation marks a "significant discovery for the research field," Humboldt University said. Until now, it was believed that the earliest version of this gospel was a codex from the 11th century.

The document translated by Berkes and Macedo was dated between the 4th and 5th century. The stories in the document are not in the Bible, the news release said, but the papyrus contains anecdotes that would have been widely shared in the Antiquity and the Middle Ages. The few words on the fragment describe a "miracle" that Jesus performed as a child, according to the Gospel of Thomas, which says he brought clay figures of birds to life.

The document was written in Greek, Macedo said, confirming for researchers that the gospel was originally written in that language. The fragment contains 13 lines in Greek letters and originates from late antique Egypt, according to the news release.

The papyrus went ignored for so long because past researchers considered it "insignificant," the news release said. New technology helped Berkes and Macedo decipher the language on the fragment and compare it to other early Christian texts.

"It was thought to be part of an everyday document, such as a private letter or a shopping list, because the handwriting seems so clumsy," Berkes said in the news release. "We first noticed the word Jesus in the text. Then, by comparing it with numerous other digitised papyri, we deciphered it letter by letter and quickly realised that it could not be an everyday document."

Macedo and Berkes said in the news release that they believe the gospel was created as a writing exercise in a school or monastery. That would explain the clumsy handwriting and irregular lines, they said.

Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.

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Bird flu and biomedicine, an essay on what we might expect.

Yves here. KLG turns to what should be getting more serious attentions than it is: bird flu and what we might do now, having not made serious interventions early. His intro:

As H5N1 spreads the scientific literature will ramp up, so we need to know what to expect. This post considers a preprint on the putative origins of the current H5N1 variant of concern. While the overall hypothesis is not out of bounds, the authors cannot be considered objective, disinterested observers. This has been common in the COVID-19 literature (now up to 426,491 entries in PubMed), with less than optimum results. So with H5N1 we need to read well and with close attention to the “priors” of those who contribute to the current literature on H5N1. This is not an easy task with so many publishers and purveyors in action in the current environment, but it must be done. Whatever we do, the mistakes made with COVID-19 must not be repeated with a spreading H5N1 avian flu.

By KLG, who has held research and academic positions in three US medical schools since 1995 and is currently Professor of Biochemistry and Associate Dean. He has performed and directed research on protein structure, function, and evolution; cell adhesion and motility; the mechanism of viral fusion proteins; and assembly of the vertebrate heart. He has served on national review panels of both public and private funding agencies, and his research and that of his students has been funded by the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and National Institutes of Health

Are we facing a new pandemic, less than five years after the beginning of the current one? Maybe. The H5N1 “bird flu” is causing much consternation among the medical establishment and naturally, given the disputed origin and trajectory of COVID-19, the origins of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 are already being discussed and disputed by those who want to get ahead of the game. Unfortunately, this is the nature of the current literature of Biomedicine [1], as we have often discussed in this series for nearly the past two years. Recent updates include these from the FDA , CDC , and WHO .

Several days ago I was forwarded a copy of a preprint with the title Proximal Origin of Epidemic Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b and Spread by Migratory Waterfowl . This has been an interesting topic with ramifications that characterize the current scientific literature. As with virtually all preprints and peer-reviewed papers in the online databases, this paper looks quite “good.” A preprint server produces a professional product. This paper investigates:

(T)he possible laboratory origins of…HPAI H5N1…currently affecting various animal species and causing sporadic human infections…(and concludes that)…the proximal origins of HPAI H5N1 may be the USDA Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory (SEPRL) in Athens, Georgia, and the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam…as the result of serial passage (of the virus) in mallard ducks at SEPRL.

The ostensible purpose of this paper is to pose a question and suggest further research:

It is (sic) possible that HPAI H%N1 clade 2.3.4.4b evolved not in nature, but as a result of serial passage of other Gain-of Function (GOF) research in a laboratory? We hope the following investigative report will serve as a starting point for further investigation by specialists in the fields of virology, molecular biology, and avian flu epidemiology.

There can be no serious objection to this on the surface. The cult of the expert has led us astray regarding COVID-19 for more than four years, without much of a resolution in sight. Their figures are well presented, but the authors are not convincing in their selective review of the literature and conclusion that this variant of H5N1 if the likely product of serial passage of the virus (or intentional mutagenesis of this variant). Nor is it obvious how one variant can have two origins, one in Rotterdam and one in Georgia.

Still, it is clear that laboratory accidents do cause infections. During my early apprenticeship in the laboratory, I read of a centrifuge service technician who contracted Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever and died. Our regular service contract technician would not go near our centrifuges for routine maintenance until they were sterilized. Although we did not use any infectious agents, he was correct in his precaution. This paper does raise questions that should be answered whether it is ever published or not after peer review. [2] Similar questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 have not been answered. And therein lies much of the backstory if this very preliminary contribution to the current H5N1 literature.

But first a primer on reading the scientific literature and the use and abuse of preprints. At the beginning of my life as a scientist, a “preprint” was a paper in manuscript form that was in preparation or had already been submitted to a journal but not yet published. It was circulated confidentially among collaborators and colleagues informally so that they could be aware of where the field was going. Somewhat later preprints became the route to publication in mathematics and physics, as manuscripts were made available to the interested readers on arXiv (1991). A paper could remain in preprint form for years before appearing officially “in print.”

More recently preprint servers have become common in the biological and biomedical sciences, with bioRxiv (2013) and medRxiv (2019) as successors to arXiv. Both of these are hosted and moderated by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. CSHL Press (distributed by Oxford University Press) is a division of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island. With the lamentable exception of its detour into eugenics in from 1910 to 1939, CSHL has been one of the most productive biological laboratories in the world, with the institutional disinterestedness essential to the production of reliable science. This was considered here previously in an analysis of the work of Nancy Cartwright and colleagues.

So now we come to the preprint under discussion, which is hosted by Preprints.org , a division of MDPI , whose open-access article processing charges (as of January 2023) are listed here . The disclaimer, which is broadly applicable to all preprints, at the top of the pdf but not original link reads:

Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note : The statements, opinions, and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions, or products referred to in the content.

This is the first thing the general reader must keep in mind when reading the scientific literature, which is increasingly first publicized from preprints. The second thing is to examine the interests and motives of the authors, and that includes all of the biomedical literature, preprints and published alike.

What about the present authors, who are affiliated with the McCullough Foundation of Dallas, Texas? Nicolas Hulscher is a Fellow of the McCullough Foundation who produced this video (3:16) on the McCullough Foundation and “will be concerned with will provide insightful analysis across the four core pillars of the Foundation: Investigative Scholarship, Education, Justice, and Public Policy”. John Leake studied with the late Sir Roger Scruton [3] and wrote The Courage to Face COVID-19 with Peter A. McCullough , who is the namesake of the McCullough Foundation and a well-known COVID contrarian (not that there is anything wrong with that in principle). From the mission statement of the McCullough Foundation:

McCullough Foundation is dedicated to the proposition that a government of the people, by the people, for the people, can only exist if the people are educated about health, disease, and public health policies. As James Madison, author of the U.S. Constitution remarked: “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.” As we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, our deep-seated fear of deadly infectious disease makes us very susceptible to manipulation by public health officials (often in league with undeclared commercial interests) who invoke emergency power with the purported objective of protecting us. Thus, our fear of infectious disease can be exploited by unscrupulous public officials in the same way our fear of foreign invaders has been used by dictators and tyrants throughout history. Again, to quote James Madison: “The means of defense against foreign danger have been always the instruments of tyranny at home.”

This is standard libertarian discourse, such as it is. This also finds its echo on the liberal side of the divide, for example in a significant selection of the catalog of Chelsea Green , one of my favorite publishers. This did not arise ex nihilo . Dr. McCullough is an advocate of what can only be called libertarian medicine and has recently been the Chief Scientific Officer of The Wellness Company , which among other things offered “free medical care” to the residents of East Palestine , Ohio after the horrific Norfolk Southern derailment in February 2023.

The question for us is “Where does libertarian medicine come from?” Libertarian medicine should be a category mistake . The practice of medicine has always been as much art as science, but in our infatuation with the idea of progress ( here, for example ) we have forgotten this. Medicine has become (very) big business during my lifetime, with care of the people somewhere under the bottom line. Consequently, the clinical judgment of primary care physicians, whose life’s purpose is to care for their patients as people and not conditions defined by algorithms, has been devalued. The backlash has been severe among those who are the victims of our misguided healthcare system. This includes those who deliver healthcare and those who need the help of their doctors and nurses.

From the beginning of COVID-19 all parts of the politico-healthcare establishment – NIH, CDC, WHO, FDA – have frequently been tone deaf in their pronouncements of “Trust the science” and “I represent science (with the corollary that those advocating unconventional approaches are quacks and cranks by my definition).” Aside from immediate identification of SARS-CoV-2 as the agent of the COVID-19, very little true science informed the early responses. to the pandemic. This includes pronouncements from Dr. McCullough and his like-minded contrarians that “children are not at risk” and that “those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 have permanent immunity.” The first statement is outrageous. The second statement was known to be untrue soon after the identification of respiratory disease caused by coronaviruses in the 1950s.

The response to COVID-19 by Dr. McCullough and his coworkers is not unlike that of the American Institute for Economic Research (AEIR) in their wonderfully named Great Barrington Declaration . How could something with that name not be true? Given that the AIER is a libertarian thinktank dating to Great Depression the text of the GBD could probably have been written by ChatGPT with the proper prompts. But it is not true . [4] But neither were the primary strategies promoted by the politico-healthcare establishment, which accelerated straight to mRNA vaccines and not much further. And they had no excuse in not knowing that lasting immunity to coronaviruses is a chimera. Thus, these vaccines prevent neither infection nor transmission. But widespread and sustained use of effective masks would have worked to contain the pandemic, along with improvements in ventilation and air filtration. During this time antivirals could have been developed, such as those that made AIDS a manageable disease for the vast majority of those who can afford the drugs. That everyone who needs those drugs cannot get them is another matter altogether.

So, where do we go from here? I honestly do not know, so let the discussion begin. But while reading Everything is Predictable: How Bayesian Statistics Explain Our World by Tom Chivers, for a better understanding of the Reverend Bayes in my work, I found the kernel of an answer but not the solution in this quote:

We appear to be Bayesian machines (italics in original). That’s true at a fairly high level: humans are rubbish at working out Bayes’ theorem formally, but the decisions we make in everyday life are pretty comparable to those that an ideal Bayesian reasoner would make. Which, unfortunately doesn’t mean we all end up agreeing – if my prior beliefs are very different from yours, then the same evidence can lead us to entirely different conclusions, but sincere disagreements on apparently well-evidenced questions about the climate, or vaccines, or any number of other questions. And we’re Bayesian at a deeper level, too. Our brains, our perception, seem to work by predicting the world – prior probabilities – and updating those predictions with information from our senses: new data. Our conscious experience of the world can be best described as our priors. I predict, therefore I am.

Yes, we are Bayesian in our approach to the world around us. Our problems lie in “sincere” disagreements that are not and “well-evidenced” questions for which the evidence is not disinterested. Does the notional libertarian have a sincere disagreement with mask mandates on scientific and epidemiological grounds, or is he just irritated that his negative liberty is infringed upon when masks, which do work, are recommended? Does the expressive leftist really believe the solution to urban blight in its many forms is to defund the police or is this idea simply performative nonsense? In each of these examples the causes are much deeper than the reactions.

Regarding “well-evidenced” questions, the scientific support for the efficacy of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines was very thin from the beginning. Whether they have been effective is a matter of definition, but they have not stopped transmission or infection, which is the general expectation of a vaccine. The data showing that the current H5N1 virus is the result of laboratory “experiments” is likewise thin and the paper under discussion is tendentious in my view. But what we can and must do is keep our wits about us and remain sincere and persuadable only by good, disinterested evidence, which is the only kind of scientific evidence. SARS-CoV-2 was an unknown of sorts in November 2019, although it should not have been after the previous SARS and MERS outbreaks. That we dropped them as a pressing scientific problem is unfortunate, not to mention ridiculous. Influenza viruses are a known quantity. What we must not do is forget that which we already know about them. And remember what Maimonides said a thousand years ago, “You must accept the truth from whatever source it comes,” so long as the source does not have an axe to grind.

Even though Proximal Origin of Epidemic Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b and Spread by Migratory Waterfowl clearly has an agenda, it is not impossible that serial passage of H5N1 has selected for mutations that make this variant more virulent. A mechanism for how this variant could have origins on two continents requires “imagination,” but evolution can converge. Still, preprints are just that, preliminary, in addition to being provisional, as are all scientific hypotheses. One other tip when reading this literature: If the primary author is described as a Fellow (scroll down to lower left of page) of the organization taking responsibility for the paper but the sole contact information is his gmail address, that can be taken as a waving red flag.

Acknowledgment

Thanks to LS for suggesting this topic. I take full responsibility for any and all deficiencies in the argument.

[1] I view Biomedicine as the often-corrupt offshoot of Biomedical Science, largely purveyed by Big Pharma, Big Ag, and Big Science, plus their marketing divisions, along with their antagonists on the Right and the Left.

[2] We have covered problems with peer review here , but the goal is to improve peer review, not discard it. Sisyphus comes to mind.

[3] Some of whose work I have read. Scruton was a conservative, apparently with a lowercase “c”, which means he was a Liberal with an uppercase “L”, who wrote in an interesting voice about modern philosophy. His book on caring for the environment locally identifies where the individual should begin, even if it offers no general solution to the coming inconvenient apocalypse . Sir Roger was also on the take for Big Tobacco .

[4] Note to the indispensable Matt Taibbi from a current subscriber and a reader since before the takedown of the Vampire Squid: One of the three primary authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, Jay Bhattacharya, MD-PhD, is not a scientist and he was never a physician. His MD from Stanford means little other than adornment of his CV, because he never qualified to be a physician through residency and board certification. Instead, he went from medical school directly to his PhD in the Stanford Department of Economics. As I understand it, if he identifies himself as a physician or implies he is that kind of “doctor,” he is breaking the law in many states.

Subscribe to Post Comments 7 comments

Nice work, KLG, this introduction to libertarian science is very helpful. Re Bayesian stats, for a primer would you recommend the Chivers book you cited or something else?

I tend to think that Lord Rutherford was correct when he probably did not tell Max Planck (paraphrase), “If you have to use statistics, you should have designed a better experiment.” In my current day job I have to argue against the facile use of statistics as a predictive tool, so I am late to the game. Bayesian arguments are useful in molecular phylogenetics, which is where I got started later in the non-administrative part of my job. I am NOT a statistician, though!

I will finish Chivers later this week. It is definitely a popular and valuable exposition. Probably a good place to start.

On the history, use, and abuse of statistics: Bernoulli’s Fallacy: Statistical Illogic and the Crisis of Modern Science , Aubrey Clayton. This book was revelatory, to me.

Bayesian statistics: Bayesian Statistics for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Approach , Therese M. Donovan and Ruth M. Mickey. Textbook but accessible.

Rudiments: Statistics for People Who (Think They) Hate Statistics , Neil J. Salkind and Bruce B. Frey Includes SPSS, which I do not really need in my work.

Thanks for that. I did some stat course work in graduate school, but that was in another far away galaxy and if Bayesian stats came up I probably confused it with aspirin.

Does the expressive leftist really believe the solution to urban blight in its many forms is to defund the police or is this idea simply performative nonsense?

Hmm, there’s a whole lot of interesting discussion to be opened up in that question.

I’m curious whether there are discernible differences between nations in the extent of these problems. China has become a research “powerhouse.” Might we hope that un- or less-biased research may be done there?

IMO, the paper titled “Proximal Origin of Epidemic Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b and Spread by Migratory Waterfowl” doesn’t qualify as a scientific paper. It is an opinion thing and very speculative. It mixes data in the wildest way. It is, for instance, telling that the only reference I have checked with regards to genomic reassortments in virus populations in the wild, which are quite common and totally natural specially when a virus has spread as much as H5N1, are regarded in this “article” as possibly related with that stupidity called “gain of function research” that gained too much track with the Covid conspirational theorists. The paper has no experimental work done, no materials and methods, no nothing. At most it might be considered something like a “letter to the editor”. It shows nothing but speculations. The title starts with “proximal origin” and they show nothing that supports any proximal origin of any virus strain/variant. Not even phylogenetic analysis which would be the bare minimum.

The science and the lies purveyed by interested parties are a matter that I am not going to discuss.

What I do think is the government should help those who want to protect themselves from airborne diseases. The best way would be to provide N95 respirators for free to everyone who wants one and their families. The government has mailed out free Covid tests to everyone who asked, they should do the same with N95 masks. A 3M N95 mask lasts around 1 week. so 52 + 10 extra per person. At retail they cost $3 each, with govt bulk buying – $1 each.

This has some advantages: – Everyone who wants to protect themselves – elderly, immuno-compromised, the wise, customer interfacng workers – have no reason not to (aka cost). – More people wearing N95 masks, increases the amount of total protection available to the whole population. – Fewer Long Covid / healthcare problems for the whole population + lower healthcare costs + lower chances of new variants + higher economic activity. – Cost of N95 respirators is not a limiting factor (this is especially true for low wage customer interfacing workers making minimum wage, taxi drivers etc). – The more people wearing masks, the more it will become normalised and then it will become a habit during flu season etc.

The second thing to do is fix the air-conditioning + filtering systems in Schools, hospitals, multi-family apartments and Public places.

the first one is low hanging fruit. second one is more of a lift and can be done.

An ex-talent agent’s journey from Kashmir to Hollywood (and 32 addresses along the way)

Priyanka Mattoo, in a leather jacket and short bob, smiles at the camera.

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On the Shelf

Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones

By Priyanka Mattoo Knopf: 304 pages, $29 If you buy books linked on our site, The Times may earn a commission from Bookshop.org , whose fees support independent bookstores.

Twenty years ago Priyanka Mattoo decided to leave Michigan for California. At the time, she faced two dilemmas: She was in love with someone who didn’t reciprocate her feelings and she had just graduated from law school but no longer wished to practice law. So Mattoo decided to “tag along” with a friend to Los Angeles.

“L.A. has made me into who I am,” Mattoo said during a Zoom call from her home. “A close friends’ circle, spending every night at a different party, building a family, diving into the food scene — whatever I wanted was available to me here without the churn and expense that other cities [at the time] had.”

A former talent agent at UTA and WME, Mattoo once represented emerging comedy writers and actors while acclimating to the “culture” of walking red carpets and attending afterparties.

"Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones" by Priyanka Mattoo

The story of why Mattoo quit her job as an agent to pursue a career in writing has as many twists and turns as her literary debut, the memoir “Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones” — a Kashmiri phrase meaning something “so rare and precious that the listener should question its existence.”

“Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones,” out Tuesday, chronicles Mattoo’s journey across five countries and 32 homes. Mattoo opens with her house in her native Kashmir being destroyed. She and her family split time between India and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, due to the ongoing Kashmir insurgency. One night in Riyadh, 12-year-old Mattoo and her family received news from relatives in Kashmir that their newly built house had been burned down by militants.

They never returned to their homeland. Instead, they had “stints” in England, Saudi Arabia and New York before settling down in Ann Arbor, Mich., where Mattoo spent her adolescence as well as her college and law school years. From there, she explores less brutal parts of memory lane. Giving up the parental “collective chosen path” of a premed track at the University of Michigan to study abroad for a year in Italy and later pursue a law degree, for instance. Falling in love with Rodney Rothman, the filmmaker of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse . ” Transitioning from talent agent to producer (she was Jack Black’s partner at their production company, Electric Dynamite) to writer.

With Mindy Kaling in her corner, author Amina Akhtar sets out to shake rather than strangle stereotypes

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Jan. 30, 2024

In her memoir, Mattoo recalls a former boss telling her she looked “miserable” at work. To Mattoo, “making her clients’ dreams come true” was her favorite part of the job (and the only part that “worked” for her). Growing up in a family of ambitious women who prioritized their education, the newfound sexism she faced in Hollywood was an unwelcome surprise. The traumatizing experiences included male partners grabbing her by the shoulders to make her stand up straighter. She once was lured into a meeting with a contractor who she writes was more interested in her body than her talents. Ultimately, Mattoo called it quits. Seeking a more creative outlet, she left WME to work in production.

But as someone who feeds on resilience, she regrets none of it.

“Being in the middle of the entertainment industry helped me understand how talent was shepherded through the machine,” Mattoo said. “I learned how to preserve my clients’ voices, and this artist-adjacent creative mind-set got baked into me so I had a foundation of what my own career could become.”

Although Mattoo eventually decided she’d had enough with the agency life, she still has “a foot” in Hollywood. In 2018, she made a short film, “The Homestay,” which she is working on adapting into a feature with Likely Story, the production company behind “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Mattoo is also the founder of Earios, the first all-female podcast network, through which she and TV writer Camilla Blackett co-hosted a beauty and wellness podcast called “Foxy Browns” during the COVID-19 pandemic. And after “selling a bunch of TV pilots” in the last few years, Mattoo is currently writing “Harbinder,” a detective procedural for CBS about an Indian American woman.

Author Kiley Reid, in a black turtleneck, smiles with her head turned to the side.

Kiley Reid’s ‘Come and Get It’ isn’t just about race, it’s about money

In ‘Come and Get It,’ author Kiley Reid unpacks the unsettling dynamics of college campus capitalism.

But Mattoo’s path as a memoirist was something that took soul-searching. She was inspired by “fresh, young [South Asian] voices” who write about “more than just their cultural burdens.” Her role models included Pakistani American singer Ali Sethi, Indian American writer and organizer Sarah Thankam Mathews and L.A.-based, award-winning author Neel Patel. But only after working as an agent (and living in L.A.) did Mattoo finally see herself as a fresh voice with stories to tell. During the pandemic, she started writing essays about parenting, Hollywood and her cultural identity for outlets including the New Yorker, the New York Times and Vulture. Slowly but surely, these essays grew into a memoir.

“I talk about it with a lot of young people. My career path has been extremely unusual,” Mattoo said. “But the last thing I want people to take away from it is that it has been a series of failures; without the five or six turns I made, I doubt I’d be the writer I am today — my goal was always to continue to do something until it didn’t feel right.”

Writing — so far — feels right. And thankfully, she has another essay collection from Knopf on its way.

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Researchers argue for standardizing terminology to stop the spread of disease

by David Bradley, Inderscience

Researchers writing in the International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management explain how the U.S. is a major importer of wildlife, bringing into the states a great diversity and quantity of different species. This trade, they caution, has the potential to introduce pathogens into the region, specifically zoonotic pathogens, which cause disease in those many different species, but that might make the leap from animal to human. The potential here is that such pathogens, like bird flu, SARS, and COVID-19 pose a serious risk of a new pandemic.

Jonathan E. Kolby and Jamie K. Reaser of Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, and William C. Pitt of The American Chestnut Foundation in Asheville, North Carolina explain that current regulatory policies designed to prevent the entry of these pathogens are not in as sound a state as they ought to be. The team discusses how the effectiveness of those policies is hindered by the inconsistent use of terminology. For instance, the phrases "domesticated animals" and "wildlife" are not always used consistently nor with a solid scientific definition among various federal agencies. This, the team suggests, could undermine the integrity of the scientific data being used for zoonotic risk assessment.

Kolby and his colleagues suggest that there is an urgent need to standardize the terms being used based on scientific principles. There is also a need to update the long list of recognized domesticated animals and to then implement species-specific customs codes to improve the accuracy and reliability of data being fed into those zoonotic risk assessments.

Throughout human history, we have come into contact with wild animals carrying disease. On many occasions, those diseases have spread from animals to people. However, in the modern world of international trade and travel, there has for decades been the potential for such diseases to spread globally rather than being confined close to the site of origin. The COVID-19 pandemic is a case in point, with the likely source of the zoonotic pathogen thought to be bats in China. There are other theories about the original vector and animals that may well have acted as carriers prior to the virus making the jump to people.

The human and economic costs of pandemics are immense. Preventive measures are far more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences. Indeed, research shows that the overall costs of blocking the emergence of a pandemic are far less than the economic losses and lives lost once a disease has spread around the world. Effective prevention strategies offer ethical and equity benefits that can safeguard both human and animal lives.

As such, risk analysis is a powerful tool for governments to evaluate and prioritize measures to help tackle emerging zoonotic diseases before they become pandemics. Standardizing terminology for the sake of science could be a key part of this defense, the current paper shows.

Provided by Inderscience

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A descriptive essay is an essay that describes something - an object or person, an event or place, an experience or emotion, or an idea. The goal of this kind of essay is to provide readers with enough detailed descriptions for them to be able to picture or imagine the chosen topic. II. Examples of Descriptive Essays.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay
An example of a short descriptive essay, written in response to the prompt "Describe a place you love to spend time in," is shown below. Hover over different parts of the text to see how a descriptive essay works. On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green ...
Descriptive Essay About Birds
Descriptive Essay About Birds. ¨Hello¨ i said in a very soft voice and gentle voice, looking at the birds from their cage. It was a hot, sunny summer day in the back yard. My mom as usual watching me so nothing could go wrong cause i was a little trouble maker from time to time. I would find my ways to make trouble but for me it was called ...
3.5: Descriptive Essays
The first birds can be seen and heard throughout the woods and fields, telling their stories in beautiful songs. The lakes begin to show their glossy finish as the ice melts away slowly under the heat of the season. ... This page titled 3.5: Descriptive Essays is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by ...
The Top 20 Descriptive Paragraph Examples
According to Grammarly, descriptive writing can enhance content, from an essay describing a historical event to a blog post narrating a personal experience. ... All was silent except for a few birds singing in the distance and the occasional avalanche tumbling down one of the nearby slopes. Everywhere I looked, there were breathtaking views and ...
3 Essays on Bird-watching and Writing
The settings where birding and writing take place are different from one another. External details are different, but inner emotions and various milestones are similar. Stage 1. Thrilled, Enthusiastic. Whether invigorated by an inspiring idea to write about or convinced that today is a good day to bird, I begin with outrageous optimism.
Parrot Essay for Students in English
Parrot Essay. Parrots are amazing birds found in various parts of the world, from the lively jungles of South America to the busy streets of Mumbai. Their vibrant colors and playful personalities have fascinated humans for centuries. Apart from being colorful chatterboxes, parrots are intelligent creatures with a complex social life and unique ...
Descriptive Essay On The Bird House
Descriptive Essay On The Bird House. Satisfactory Essays. 1318 Words. 6 Pages. Open Document. Sitting outside in my back yard on our patio, I find myself watching a bird fly around my backyard. Going in and out of one of our birdhouses we made two years ago. I have never really thought about how much I enjoy watching birds fly around our house.
Descriptive Essay About Baby Bird
Descriptive Essay About Baby Bird. Baby Bird watches as his Mother is torn to pieces by Dog. In her last words, she tells Baby Bird to dream as high as the sky and farther. Baby Bird has three dreams: to fly, to be big and to be Super. After Mother dies, Worm crawls out—the Worm that Mother caught before Dog came.
Descriptive Essay On Birds
Descriptive Essay On Birds. 719 Words2 Pages. Recommended: Essay about nature and its effects on society introduction. The faint glow of dawn spreads across. Birds wake and chirp in an uncoordinated symphony. With passage of time, some more join the grand orchestra. The quietness of the humankind is a moment of triumph for all the other species ...
How do you write the sound of a bird?
Descriptive Words. Writers can also use evocative descriptive words that mimic attributes of bird vocalizations: Owl hooting: "Whoo, whoo-hoo". Hummingbird buzzing: "zzzhh, zzzhhh". Woodpecker drumming: "rat-a-tat-tat". Words like buzz, hum, twitter, whistle can all communicate a vivid sense of how a bird call sounds.
Descriptive Essay about a red -winged black bird? HELP?
Good job. This is some great descriptive writing. I was drawn in immediately to the scene you set. A few suggestions: 1. It was a warm, breezy morning. (Or, It was a warm and breezy morning.) I prefer the insertion of "and" myself. 2. The red-winged black bird has a glossy, jet-black appearance. . . His eyes possess the quality of onyx gemstones.
Newly deciphered manuscript is oldest written record of Jesus Christ's
"The Chosen" offers new twists on the story of Jesus and his disciples 08:17. A newly deciphered manuscript dating back 1,600 years has been determined to be the oldest record of Jesus Christ's ...
Descriptive Essay On My Pet Bird
Descriptive Essay On My Pet Bird. A pet that has meant significantly to me was a parakeet. Having tirelessly spent countless hours diligently studying various owner's manuals on the responsibilities of being a bird owner, I decided that I was ready to own a bird at the age of eight. Even as a young child, I always dreamed of the opportunity ...
Opinion
Guest Essay. Why the New Human Case of Bird Flu Is So Alarming. June 2, 2024. ... H5N1 has long been more than a bird problem. The virus has found its way into dairy cattle across nine states ...
Opinion
Mr. Quammen is the author of "Breathless: The Scientific Race to Defeat a Deadly Virus." A dairy worker in Texas contracts H5N1 bird flu after contact with infected cows, and suffers eye ...
Bird Flu and Biomedicine, An Essay on What We Might Expect
Maybe. The H5N1 "bird flu" is causing much consternation among the medical establishment and naturally, given the disputed origin and trajectory of COVID-19, the origins of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 are already being discussed and disputed by those who want to get ahead of the game. Unfortunately, this is the nature of ...
Book review of Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones by Priyanka Mattoo
That luxurious, gushing feeling is exactly what readers of Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones will experience while reading this memoir in essays. Stylistically, it's The Secret Garden meets Nora Ephron: Mattoo serves up memories with both fairy tale-like charm and thoroughly modern, riotously funny observations.
Descriptive Essay About Red Bird
Satisfactory Essays. 1005 Words. 5 Pages. Open Document. The Red bird. It was a Wednesday morning, on October 18th. Windi woke up, she stretched out her arms as far as they would go and let out a big yawn. She swung her legs to the side of her bed, stood up and started her day. She began her daily routine with getting dressed and doing her makeup.
An ex-talent agent's journey from Kashmir to Hollywood (and 32
The story of why Mattoo quit her job as an agent to pursue a career in writing has as many twists and turns as her literary debut, the memoir "Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones" — a Kashmiri phrase ...
Researchers argue for standardizing terminology to stop the spread of
Researchers writing in the International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management explain how the U.S. is a major importer of wildlife, bringing into the states a great diversity and quantity of ...