What Do Birds Symbolize? 45+ Species & Their Spiritual Meanings

Due to their incredible ability to fly, birds are often seen as symbols of freedom, hope, and new beginnings. Many people believe birds act as messengers from the divine, but different bird species can have different roles, depending on the culture and religion. In this article, we’ll uncover all the different meanings of birds, including what they symbolize in the Bible, mythology, and dreams.

This article is based on an interview with our psychic medium and animal communicator, Mari Cartagenova. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

Birds symbolize freedom, hope, new beginnings, strength, love, and joy.
Seeing a bird could be guidance from above or a message from passed loved ones.
The hummingbird represents joy and spirituality, the phoenix represents rebirth and renewal, the dove represents peace and love, and the raven represents intelligence.

Section 1 of 8:

What do birds symbolize?

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Birds represent freedom, hope, and new beginnings Due to their ability to soar into the skies, birds are believed to be a link between the spiritual and material world. Birds may deliver messages from the divine or passed loved ones, serving as a spiritual guide when it comes to making decisions in waking life. ^{[1]
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Research source} While bird symbolism varies depending on your culture and religion, birds usually bring positive omens like:
- Strength
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Prosperity
- Intelligence
- Courage

Section 2 of 8:

Bird Symbolism by Species

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- Albatross: Grace, good luck, emotional intelligence ^{[2]
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- Blackbird: Psychic powers, healing, creativity
- Bluebird: Happiness, joy, good luck ^{[3]
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- Blue jay: Intelligence, observation, self-awareness
- Canary: Freedom, joy, happiness ^{[4]
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- Cardinal: Luck, hope, passed loved ones
- Condor: Strength, self-reflection
- Crane: Longevity, happiness, good fortune ^{[5]
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- Crow: Intelligence, curiosity
- Cuckoo: Alertness, infidelity ^{[6]
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- Dove: Peace, hope, love, innocence
- Duck: Resilience, strength, playfulness ^{[7]
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- Eagle: Strength, courage, freedom
- Egret: Purity, grace, good fortune
- Falcon: New opportunities, strategic thinking, victory
- Finch: Energy, new experiences, connection to family
- Flamingo: Community, beauty, balance
- Goose: Bravery, confidence, self-discovery
- Hawk: Intuition, spiritual awakening
- Heron: Balance, new opportunities, self-reliance
- Hummingbird: Joy, playfulness, good luck, spirituality
- Lark: Hope, light, joy
- Lovebird: Strength, loyalty, companionship
- Magpie: Joy, curiosity, determination
- Mockingbird: Individuality, self-reflection
- Nightingale: Virtue, creativity, spiritual knowledge
- Oriole: Friendship, joy, positivity
- Osprey: Healing, guidance, emotional balance
- Ostrich: Groundedness, knowledge, strength ^{[8]
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- Owl: Wisdom, mystery, intelligence, protection
- Parakeet: Integrity, commitment, good luck
- Parrot: New opportunities, personal transformation
- Peacock: Healing, confidence, gratitude
- Pelican: Sacrifice, nourishment, generosity
- Phoenix: Life, rebirth, renewal, immortality
- Pigeon: Peace, love, devotion
- Puffin: Community, loyalty, long life
- Quail: Courage, protection, self-awareness
- Raven: Intelligence, creativity, problem-solving
- Robin: Optimism, hope, resilience, new beginnings
- Seagull: Freedom, versatility, adaptability
- Sparrow: Hope, freedom, courage
- Swan: Love, fidelity, transformation
- Stork: Life, fertility, resurrection, good fortune ^{[9]
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- Swallow: Hope, love, good luck
- Vulture: Death, rebirth, patience, protection
- Woodpecker: Hard work, perseverance, protection

Section 3 of 8:

Native American Symbolism

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Weather phenomena In Native American mythology, the thunderbird was considered a powerful spirit in bird form. Many tribes believed the bird could control the weather by shooting lightning from its eyes and causing high winds and thunder when it flapped its wings. ^{[10]
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- The thunderbird was a dominant icon in traditions and artworks, including totem poles, pottery, jewelry, petroglyphs, masks, and carvings.
- Many legends warn humans not to anger the thunderbird because it could enforce harsh punishments. In fact, one story claims an entire village was turned to stone for their wrongdoings.
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Bravery Many Native Americans believe that the feather of a bald eagle is a symbol of honor and a connection between humans and the Creator. When a feather falls to the earth, it’s said to be a gift from the sky, the sea, and the trees, and when it’s held over someone’s head, it’s considered a blessing of happiness, peace, and prosperity. ^{[11]
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- If a warrior was especially brave in battle, he was awarded with a feather, which was considered the highest honor.
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Spiritual messenger In Cherokee culture, the cardinal is considered a messenger from the ancestors. If the bird is found singing near the home, it suggests that guests will visit soon. However, if a cardinal actually enters the home, it could be a sign of death—they’re believed to carry the souls of the dead to the Creator. ^{[12]
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- In many southeastern tribes, the cardinal is seen as a positive omen, tied to life, energy, and the sun.
- For instance, the Akimel O’odham associate the bird with lighting and believe it can predict rain, while Pueblo tribes consider it a directional guide, associated with the south. ^{[13]
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According to Native American legend, the Great Spirit ran out of dye when he was giving all the birds their colors, so he painted the bunting with dabs of his remaining colors. Because the bunting was painted last, it is highly esteemed for its selfless behavior, making it the most bold and beautiful bird of all. ^{[14]
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Section 4 of 8:

What do birds symbolize in the Bible?

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God’s care and protection Many Christians believe birds signify His hand in all of creation, serving as a reminder to have faith during the darkest times. While different bird species carry different meanings throughout the Bible, birds often represent the all-seeing eye of God:
- Ravens symbolize God’s grace and protection. In Job 38:41, young ravens cry to God when they have no food and He provides. ^{[15]
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- Eagles symbolize God’s strength and power. In Exodus 19:4, God refers to Himself as an eagle who swept in and carried Israel to safety. ^{[16]
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- Hawks symbolize the will of the Holy Spirit. In Job 39:26, a hawk is used as a spiritual message from God, showcasing His power, guidance, and wisdom. ^{[17]
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- Doves symbolize peace and hope for humanity. In Genesis 8:11, a dove retrieves the olive branch that signifies that Noah and his animals can leave the ark safely. ^{[18]
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