Birds have long been associated as messengers of death and misfortune. This comes from a variety of sources, such as ancient Egyptian art, Norse myth, and Native American folklore.
Table of Contents
While it is common for people to believe in superstitions, bird symbolism is one of the beliefs commonly practiced by people across the globe. The common man sees both bad and good luck through the birds.
For example, evil and bad luck is foreseen if a person sees an owl during the day. Some people consider the kingfisher a lucky bird if they see it out of nowhere. Hence, different birds are given so much importance by believers across the globe.
Do Black Birds Bring Bad Omens
Black birds are commonly given heavy importance as they allure the individual in many ways. Most mystical and magical blackbirds are given due importance by the common man in his daily life to a greater extent.
Some black birds are considered symbols of doom by certain individuals. Also, birds’ different activities give the observers a different impression.
For example, if some birds hit the window, poop on an individual, lay a nest in the house, etc. Depending upon the different roles of the birds, good and bad luck is weighed upon.
The common man finds and sees many impressions due to a black bird’s activity. In case the black bird makes a nest in the house, then it is considered that the person can expect good luck.
Let’s swoop down into the top five birds that bring bad luck.
Crows – Mysterious yet fascinating
Many believe that if an individual sees crows, bad omen may occur. It is believed that this mysterious bird brings negativity and bad fortune. Several cultures perceive that bad luck is bestowed upon a person who sees five crows at a time. Above it, if an individual follows a crow’s flight path, death would pursue him in return.
Magpie – Masters of mimicry
Some beliefs are very specific if they see a magpie. Popular lore tells us that we need to tap our hat if we see a magpie to avoid bad luck from all of a sudden taking place. However, many people say that seeing two magpies together is a sign of good fortune.
Raven – Highly intelligent hunters
The raven is widely believed to bring bad luck to the person who sees them. These black birds are considered an ill omen by many individuals. The raven is also associated with witches by those who believe in superstitions.
Owls – Diving into its head-turning symbolism
Considered by many as some of the most fascinating and mysterious creatures in the world, the owl is a well-known symbol of wisdom, intuition, and supernatural power. Often associated with witchcraft, these raptors are seen as harbingers of bad luck and death in various traditions.
Their nocturnal habits and ability to turn their heads up to 270 degrees add to their sense of mystery. The owl urges us to embrace the things we can’t explain in life, for it enhances our sense of humility and makes us more open to new experiences and fresh perspectives.
Seagull – Natural born seafarers
While they are commonly linked to spiritual guidance and freedom, several cultures see seagulls as harbingers of death and bad luck. Sailors describe them as a warning of a coming storm. Others believe that seagulls flying over a ship indicates a tragedy at sea or a misfortune.
Much like the warning signs on the road or the ones we see near construction sites, the seagull informs us about potential danger and urges us to take the necessary precautions.
Does It Mean Bad Luck When You Find a Dead Bird?
Birds and superstitions are interlocked across the globe. Finding a dead bird is one of the beliefs many people have. However, it is understood that only birds that were found dead imply negative meaning to the individuals who stumble upon them.
You do not need to be clever to understand that a dead bird implies sorrow in many parts of the world. Sometimes, you might find a dead pigeon’s body in your parking space that tells you something either good or bad. Overall, the death of a bird does not give a positive meaning to us.
Immortality and Saved Souls
In Asian culture, the death of a bird is considered a sign of immortality. Others say that a dead bird represents the souls of the departed.
In some religions, like Christianity, the dead bird implies sacrifice. Perhaps because they were often used as offerings in the Old Testament of the Bible, a dead bird reminds us about the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Lots of Ambiguity
Some people believe that good fortune occurs to them if they see a dead bird. These people believe it is a sign of good luck and that they won’t have any problems.
Still, some people believe that the dead bird tells the meaning of the metamorphic death of someone and not the physical death. It also implies the meaning of a breakup, the end of a struggle or problem, heartache, and mental suffering.
On a positive note, the death of a bird may mean the end of the tragedy and the beginning of a favorable fortune. Many believe that their problem might come to an end soon and that they will soon feel bright and happy.
Most people feel that it is a bad sign if they see a dead bird on the road, even if it died from an accident.
I’ve also heard of people believing when you’ve found a dead bird, it may not be an omen of bad luck. However, if you come across the remains of two or more birds that have died close to each other (especially without any signs of animal predation), this is likely a sign of something worse.
Overall, the dead bird symbolizes a new beginning for the individual, lest we can forget our worries and focus fully on new happenings in life.
A Bird Hits Your Window – Bad Luck?
A bird hitting your window is a common scene for many individuals – you would have seen the incident many times in your life. What is the impression you get from birds hitting the window?
It is a simple theory that windows are invisible to birds. However, many superstitious people think differently when they see birds hitting a window. Another common reason is that the birds see their reflection in the glass.
Many people believe that a bird hitting a window portends death. This belief is very common among individuals who rely on lore and superstition. However, some people believe that it is a message warning us of future issues.
Others consider the hitting as an encouraging message, and some as symbols of death. Hence, the options vary from one person to another. On a positive note, it may be considered a sign that changes are going to happen in the near future.
A Bird Poops on You
Whether you are in your garden or in one of your travels, birds poop on you on many occasions. It is a regular incident for many individuals like you. What do you infer from that?
- Some see it as a sign of good health and vitality.
- Many individuals feel happy because the bird pooping on them is a sign of prosperity.
- Some believe that a fortunate event will happen to them very soon.
The bird symbolically tells you that someone is visiting your house soon, bearing good news and abundance. Many strongly believe that something fortunate is coming, and we must be alert to catch it.
We sometimes see people who feel happy when a bird poops on them. Why? Many believe the bad happenings are about to end and will be replaced with good ones soon.
On the other hand, if you’re out on a walk and some bird drops something foul on your head, don’t worry! If one comes up and doodles down your shirt while you’re doing nothing wrong, then chalk it up to bad luck; no sense in pondering the meaning of it.
Birds Fly Into Your House – Does That Mean Bad Luck?
Finding a bird flying in the house denotes that prosperity in your life is about to occur very soon. A massive change is going to happen in your life; hence the bird enters the house. However, some believe that a bad incident is going to happen in the coming days, and we have to be very alert and careful.
Birds in the house denote a warning about someone’s death in the house. While others believe that if you see a bird in the house, it symbolizes prosperity and luck.
What you need to do here if a bird flies into your house, or any other human dwelling for that matter, is close the window and release it outside. In this way, no bad luck can come in through the open window after being released from its cage of glass!
[Video] Hilarious: Girl Scared of Bird in the House
Other Bird Superstitions
Other bird superstitions are as follows:
- If you see a blackbird that is making a nest in your house, it tells you about good luck in your life very soon.
- If you see an owl near your house during the daytime, bad luck is near you – also, check out our post about owl superstitions.
- Some people consider kingfishers as lucky birds.
- If you or your friend see three seagulls flying overhead, some lovable ones may be nearing the end or dying soon.
- You may expect a storm if you see a swan lay its head and neck on its back.
- If you see sparrows, it denotes the meaning of an animal that carries our soul from our realm to the underworld.
- An albatross killer may get lost at sea, which is a superstitious thought.
- Some believe that whatever you do to a robin will happen to you.
See more weird bird superstitions here.
