Birdstares is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /bɜrdstɛrz/. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɜr/ as in "herd," followed by the consonant blend /d͡ʒ/ as in "jump." The second syllable includes the vowel sound /ɛ/ as in "bed," followed by the consonant blend /rz/ as in "ours." Together, this word refers to the act of a bird staring, or gazing intently, often used to describe the behavior of birds of prey.