Eagles commonly fly alone. They are crows, daws, and starlings that flock together.

The line contrasts the solitary flight of an eagle with the gregariousness of lesser birds, using natural history as a moral emblem. “Eagles” suggest nobility, independence, and exceptional ability; “crows, daws, and starlings” evoke commonness, noise, and conformity. The aphorism implies that truly eminent or self-reliant people often work or stand apart, while the mediocre seek safety and validation in crowds. It can be read both as praise of principled solitude and as a warning against herd mentality—valuing judgment and integrity over popularity or faction.