10 Myths and Beliefs About Birds

Quck answer

Birds have been a part of human superstitions for centuries. Here are 10 superstitions about birds:

1. Owls are associated with death and bad luck.

2. Seeing a flock of birds flying together is considered a good omen.

3. It is believed that if a bird flies into your home, it is a sign of impending death.

4. A robin tapping on a window is believed to be a sign of good luck.

5. Blackbirds are associated with magic and witchcraft.

6. It is believed that if a bird poops on you, it is a sign of good luck.

7. A bird singing at night is a sign of impending death.

8. A bird building a nest on your home is a sign of good luck and prosperity.

9. Killing a sparrow is considered bad luck.

10. It is believed that if a bird flies into a room during a wedding ceremony, it is a sign of a happy marriage.

Wild Animals

Birds have always been considered significant in human culture and beliefs.
Nikographer (Jon)/Getty Images

Early humans perceived birds as gods or their messengers due to their ability to fly high, giving birds a mystical reputation. This reputation has made birds a prominent figure in superstitions related to life, death, and fortune.

While some bird beliefs are universal, bringing good or bad luck in any language, others have a regional twist, providing a chance for certain species to redeem themselves. Certain bird myths even contradict each other, giving a species a fortunate image in one region and an evil aura in others.

Sometimes, it’s not the bird itself but its deeds that bring fortune or misfortune. Even though it may sound confusing, it also makes it easier to accept unlucky bird interactions and benefit from the ones deemed lucky. Keep on reading to learn the history behind bird myths and see which beliefs still impact our lives.

10: Ravens Predict Britain’s Demise

Ravens, particularly those at the Tower of London, have fascinated people throughout history.
Paul Windsor/Getty Images

For centuries, six ravens named the “Guardians of the Tower” have lived in the Tower of London. In the 17th century, King Charles II proclaimed that if the ravens left, the tower would collapse, and the British Empire would fall.

Many consider it an unusual choice since ravens and similar black birds are often associated with bad luck. Regardless, the ravens have lived in the tower since then, responsible for maintaining the once great empire. Today, their wings are clipped to prevent them from flying away, and extra ravens are kept to ensure that their number never falls below six.

This superstition may have saved the nation when, in 2013, a fox entered the tower and killed a pair of ravens named Jubilee and Grip. The British take this belief, and the threat of foxes, seriously, and a team of four takes care of the birds around the clock, ensuring that they live a comfortable life [source: BBC]. What more could a bird want?

9: A Positive Sign

The Los Islotes islands in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez are covered in bird droppings, but some believe it’s a sign of luck.
Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images

Getting bird droppings on your head may seem like a bad start to the day, but many superstitious people believe it’s actually a sign of good luck. Some even use bird droppings as a skin treatment. However, sailors believe that bird droppings should not be removed from the vessel until after the next rainstorm. This superstition is because the rain will clean the droppings away, and removing them before the rain could bring bad luck [source: Martinelli].

While most superstitions surrounding bird droppings are positive, some old British tales warn that if the droppings come from a rook, it is actually a punishment for not wearing new clothes on Easter. Perhaps it’s time to invest in a new Sunday suit [source: Tate].

8: Birds Spell Doom

According to superstition, having birds in or around your home can bring bad luck and even death.
Grant Faint/Getty Images

According to superstition, if a wild bird enters your home, it’s a sign of impending death for someone in the house. Similarly, having birds around your home can bring bad luck, especially if they are messengers of the dead, such as blackbirds. Even images of birds, such as bird-patterned wallpaper or artwork, can bring bad luck. Actress Lucille Ball was reportedly so afraid of birds in the home that she refused to stay in any hotel with bird-themed decor [source: Mikkelson]. It is also believed that bringing an injured or sick bird indoors is dangerous [source: The Diagram Group].

7: A Bad Omen

Some believe that bird-window impacts are a sign of bad luck or even death.
Jeffrey Smith/Getty Images

If a bird collides with your car windshield, it is believed to be a sign of bad luck or even death. This superstition is prevalent around the world, and in the United States alone, around 80 million birds die each year due to accidental window strikes [source: Webster].

Research has shown that birds are able to avoid cars fairly well, until the speed of the car exceeds that of their predators. At this point, the internal system of the birds that tells them when to move out of the way breaks down, making it difficult for them to avoid collisions with cars. While this information may not make cleaning bird feathers off your windshield any less frustrating, it can help you to not take it personally [source: Ball].

6: Predicting the Future with Bird Flight Plans

The ancient Romans used to observe the flight patterns of birds to predict the future. They believed that birds communicated with the gods while flying, and could provide helpful information to humans. This process was called auspicy, and involved the augur standing in a sacred spot facing east, and observing the direction of flight of the birds. Birds flying to the right indicated good vibes, while those flying to the left were a sign of caution. A bird flying towards the augur was a sign of good luck, while one flying away indicated that opportunities would be hard to come by. High-flying birds were considered a sign of a good future, while low-flying birds indicated trouble [source: Webster]. However, this superstition was open to misinterpretation depending on factors such as location and the observer’s ability to determine direction accurately with a glance.

5: The Superstitions Surrounding Albatrosses

According to sailors’ superstitions, seeing an albatross while at sea is a sign of good luck, while killing one is considered a bad omen. Albatrosses often fly alongside ships, hoping to scavenge for food scraps. They are known for their persistence and will follow ships for a long time. Legend has it that albatrosses feel an affinity towards ships because they contain the souls of drowned sailors. Killing one is believed to be equivalent to killing a fellow seaman, and the person responsible is said to carry a heavy burden, as depicted in Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”. Although modern technology has reduced the reliance on birds while at sea, the idiom of “hanging an albatross around one’s neck” to represent a heavy burden has become a common expression beyond the seafaring world.

4: The Significance of Birdcalls

According to superstition, birdcalls can reveal insights about the future and the world around us. Before modern technology, people learned to interpret the sounds and calls of birds as a way to gain information. Legend has it that certain birdcalls can signify good or bad luck, depending on the time of day and the direction of the call. For example, a night bird calling by day or a bird of prey screaming at any time of day can indicate poor fortune. On the other hand, calls from the east can mean good luck in romance, while calls from the west can bring all-around good luck. However, the superstitions surrounding crow calls are universally negative, with three consecutive caws indicating imminent death.

3: The Meaning Behind Window Peckings

While accidental bird collisions with windows are common and unlucky for the birds, intentional window peckings are believed to have a more ominous meaning. According to superstition, a bird pecking at a window can be a sign of impending death for someone in the home. However, ornithologists offer a more scientific explanation. Birds are territorial and may see their reflection in the window as a rival bird. This behavior is most common among birds like robins and cardinals that tend to make their homes in human-populated areas. Waiting out the pecking or covering the window with plastic can help prevent this behavior.

2: The Superstitions Surrounding Peacock Feathers

The use of peacock feathers in Western cultures is often associated with bad luck. Bringing a peacock feather indoors is believed to bring misfortune, particularly for unmarried females. The feathers are also avoided in theater due to their association with evil and bad luck. However, the meaning of peacock feathers varies across different cultures and regions. While some believe they can bring good luck and prosperity, others see them as a symbol of vanity and pride.

The peacock feathers are often associated with negativity due to the belief that the eyes on the feathers invade privacy and bring arrogance. This negativity is also linked to the evil eye and death. However, in the East, such as India, China, and Japan, peacock feathers are believed to bring luck by increasing security and protecting occupants from danger.

Crows have a bad reputation and are often viewed as omens of illness, death, and bad news. Superstitious beliefs suggest that the presence of a crow near the house signifies an unlucky future or someone in the house will die. However, some see a solitary crow as a good luck charm and associate certain numbers of crows with good or bad luck. The band Counting Crows’ name has nothing to do with luck or superstition, as it comes from a dire English proclamation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bird Superstitions

Is it considered bad luck if a bird flies into your window and dies?
According to popular belief, if a bird enters your home, it is an indication of hope and an important message is on its way. However, if the bird is dead or white, then it is seen as a sign of death.

What is the significance of a bird coming to your window?
If a bird repeatedly lands on your window sill, it can have various interpretations. Some believe that this represents an imminent change in your life. Others believe that the person will face several challenges. Some also interpret this as a sign of patience being required.

What does it mean when birds fly in front of your car while driving?
When someone is on a spiritual journey and is opening or awakening to a spiritual path, birds flying in front of their car is a sign of being closer to understanding their pathway in life.

Are birds considered to be spiritual messengers?
Many people believe that birds act as spiritual messengers, serving as a link between the physical world and the spiritual realm. They are thought to assist us on our spiritual journey.

Do birds bring good luck?
Certain birds are thought to bring good fortune or success, such as the eagle. Additionally, hawks symbolize achievement and focus, while seagulls represent happiness and peace.

Additional Information

Author’s Note: 10 Bird Superstitions

In late October 2013, the Tower of London faced a potential threat when a fox managed to enter and eat two of the royal ravens. To prevent any harm, the ravens’ caretakers had two spare birds to ensure that at least six birds were present in the tower, thus saving the United Kingdom and its lands. The deceased ravens were named Jubilee and Grip, and two new ravens were given the same names in their honor, ensuring the continued strength of Britannia.

References

Ball, Philip. “Why Birds Can’t Avoid Hitting Your Car Windscreen.” BBC. Feb. 12, 2014. Accessed Jan. 5, 2015. http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140212-why-birds-crash-into-car-screens
BBC. “Tower of London’s Jubilee Raven Released.” Dec. 26, 2012. Accessed Jan. 5, 2015. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-somerset-18611229
Darling, John. “What’s in a Name? The Book of Bands.” 2000. Accessed Apr. 1, 2015. https://books.google.com/books?id=sIUs9GwfMVIC&pg=PT17
The Diagram Group. “The Little Giant Encyclopedia of Superstitions.” Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. 1999.
Martinelli, Patricia A. and Charles A. Stansfield, Jr. “Haunted New Jersey.” Stackpole Books. 2014. Accessed Jan. 5, 2015. https://books.google.com/books?id=iEj5Sw10lI8C&pg=PT93
Mass Audubon. “Birds Attacking Windows.” Accessed Jan. 5, 2015. http://www.massaudubon.org/learn/nature-wildlife/birds/birds-attacking-windows
Mass Audubon. “Bird Window Collisions.” 2015. Accessed Jan. 5, 2015. http://www.massaudubon.org/learn/nature-wildlife/birds/bird-window-collisions
Mikkelson, Barbara. “The Messenger.” Snopes. Jan. 2, 2005. Accessed Apr. 1, 2015. http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/bird.asp
National Geographic. “Albatross.” 2015. Accessed Jan. 5, 2015. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/albatross/
Oliver, Harry. “Black Cats and Four-Leaf Clovers: The Origins of Old Wives’ Tales and Superstitions in Our Everyday Lives.” Penguin. 2010.
Roud, Steve. “The Penguin Guide to Superstitions of Britain and Ireland.” Penguin UK. 2006.
Tate, Peter. “Flights of Fancy: Birds in Myth, Legend and Superstition.” Random House. 2009.
Webster, Richard. “The Encyclopedia of Superstitions.” Llewellyn Publications. 2008.

FAQ

1. Why is it considered bad luck to kill a bird?

Killing a bird is believed to bring bad luck because birds are thought to be messengers of the gods. In many cultures, they are seen as symbols of freedom, love, and peace. In some traditions, killing a bird is believed to anger the gods and bring misfortune upon the person who committed the act. This superstition is common in many parts of the world, and it is important to respect the beliefs of others by avoiding harm to these creatures.

2. Why are owls considered to be harbingers of death?

Owls are often associated with death because they are nocturnal animals that hunt at night. They are also known for their ability to see in the dark, which makes them seem mysterious and otherworldly. In many cultures, owls are seen as symbols of wisdom, but they are also believed to be messengers of death. This superstition is common in many parts of the world, and it is important to respect the beliefs of others by avoiding harm to these creatures.

3. Why is it considered good luck to see a hummingbird?

Hummingbirds are considered to be symbols of love, joy, and beauty. They are known for their vibrant colors and their ability to fly backwards and hover in midair. In many cultures, seeing a hummingbird is believed to bring good luck and happiness. This superstition is common in many parts of the world, and it is important to appreciate the beauty of these creatures and protect their habitats.

4. Why is it believed that a bird flying into a house is a bad omen?

When a bird flies into a house, it is believed to be a sign of impending death or bad luck. This superstition is common in many parts of the world, and it is often associated with the belief that birds are messengers of the gods. In some cultures, it is believed that the bird is trying to warn the inhabitants of the house about a coming disaster. It is important to respect the beliefs of others by avoiding harm to these creatures and allowing them to fly freely in their natural habitats.

5. Why is it considered unlucky to hear an owl hooting at night?

Hearing an owl hooting at night is believed to be a bad omen because owls are often associated with death. In many cultures, they are believed to be messengers of the gods and symbols of wisdom. Hearing an owl hooting at night is thought to be a warning of impending death or disaster. This superstition is common in many parts of the world, and it is important to appreciate the beauty of these creatures and protect their habitats.

6. Why is it believed that a bird flying over a funeral is a sign of the soul leaving the body?

When a bird flies over a funeral, it is believed to be a sign that the soul of the deceased is leaving the body and ascending to the afterlife. This superstition is common in many parts of the world, and it is often associated with the belief that birds are messengers of the gods. In some cultures, it is believed that the bird is carrying the soul of the deceased to the afterlife. It is important to respect the beliefs of others by avoiding harm to these creatures and allowing them to fly freely in their natural habitats.

7. Why is it considered good luck to see a flock of geese flying overhead?

Seeing a flock of geese flying overhead is believed to be a sign of good luck and prosperity. In many cultures, geese are seen as symbols of loyalty, teamwork, and family. They are also associated with the changing of seasons and the cycles of nature. Seeing a flock of geese flying overhead is thought to bring good fortune and abundance. It is important to appreciate the beauty of these creatures and protect their habitats.

8. Why is it believed that a bird tapping on a window is a sign of impending death?

When a bird taps on a window, it is believed to be a sign of impending death or bad luck. This superstition is common in many parts of the world, and it is often associated with the belief that birds are messengers of the gods. In some cultures, it is believed that the bird is trying to warn the inhabitants of the house about a coming disaster. It is important to respect the beliefs of others by avoiding harm to these creatures and allowing them to fly freely in their natural habitats.