Examples of birds that bring good luck include the blackbird, blue jay, chickadee, coot, and crane.
Birds are believed to bring good luck in many parts of the world. Different birds have different meanings and symbolism attached to them, but they all tend to share one common goal: happiness and good luck.
Let us take a look at some of the luckiest birds around and their associated meanings. We’ll also explore some of the myths and legends surrounding these creatures.
Examples of Birds that Bring Good Luck
1. Blackbird
| Scientific Name | Turdus merula |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Europe, North Africa, India, and southern China |
The blackbird is also regarded as a bird that brings good fortune. If you hear the first blackbird call in the morning in Great Britain, it is said that you will be rewarded with love or money. It is considered to be a symbol of spring and rebirth in Germany.
Related Article: 29 Birds that Can Swim
2. Blue Jay
| Scientific Name | Cyanocitta cristata |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | most of the eastern and central United States |
The Blue Jay is a member of the crow family and is considered a good omen in North America if you see one. Its feathers were also utilized in Native Americans’ headdresses for this reason.
Related Article: 30 Birds that Fly South for Winter
3. Chickadee
| Scientific Name | Paridae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | from New England to the West Coast |
The chickadee is a small North American bird that is known for its cheerful song. This little bird is also said to be lucky, as it is believed to bring good fortune to those who hear its song. In some Native American traditions, the chickadee is seen as a symbol of hope.
4. Coot
| Scientific Name | Fulica |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | During the summer, these birds are found centered around the freshwater lakes and ponds of the northern United States and southern Canada |
The Coot is a black bird that is often associated with bad luck. In some parts of the world, it is considered to be a sign of death. However, in other cultures, the Coot is seen as a symbol of good luck and fertility.
In Greece, the Coot is a protected species because it was once believed to bring good luck to the country. The Coot is also considered to be a symbol of good fortune in parts of Asia.
5. Crane
| Scientific Name | Gruidae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | nearly every continent except Antarctica and South America |
The Crane is perhaps the most well-known lucky bird. This might be due to the Chinese tradition of seeing a crane before an important task will bring good luck.
However, it isn’t only limited to Chinese tradition, there are many cultures that share the belief that a crane brings good luck.
6. Cuckoo
| Scientific Name | Cuculidae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia |
In England, the cuckoo is thought to be a sign of good luck during summer. In France, if you hear one on your way to work it means success and happiness will come your way soon enough.
And finally, in Austria or Germany, they say that this bird brings joy when heard by listeners because its calls sound like musical notes being played softly at an off-key piano with no intervention from anyone else around them – just nature herself playing her melody without any assistance needed whatsoever.
7. Dove
| Scientific Name | Columbidae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Some species live only in the rainforests of Brazil, while others live across meadows and grasslands of North America |
In Christianity, doves represent the Holy Spirit. In Eastern cultures, they’re known for being symbols of peace and love but also in Jewish beliefs this bird holds an important place because it was used by God when sacrificing his only son who gave up everything so others could have life everlasting through belief in Him.
8. Eagle
| Scientific Name | Accipitridae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | northern tundra to tropical rainforests and deserts |
The eagle, as the ruler of birds, represents strength and power. It was thought that seeing one would foretell victory in the battle for American Indians. When used in art or literature, it can also mean hope, courage, and vision.
Related Article: 15 Birds that Look Like Eagles
9. Falcon
| Scientific Name | Falco |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | almost everywhere on the planet |
Falcons bring victory and good luck in sports. Ancient Egyptians considered them harbingers of spring because that’s when their migrations started. Seeing one was once thought to protect the dead (and it still is in the case of falconry).
10. Flamingo
| Scientific Name | Phoenicopterus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Greater flamingos are found in parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe |
Flamingos are thought to resemble the ancient Egyptian god Anubis because they stand on one leg. So finding this bird in art or literature is thought to bring peace and tranquillity.
It was also thought to be good luck for sailors because it was thought to transport them to the Land of the Dead! It is a sign of love in some cultures because the pink color represents passion.
11. Goldcrest
| Scientific Name | Regulus regulus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Europe and Asia |
This tiny bird is regarded as bringing happiness and luck in the UK. In Germany, it is said to bring wealth, in Denmark, it guards against fire, and in Belgium, having one ensures year-round health.
It makes sense that the Goldcrest is also known as the Fire Finch because it was once believed that seeing one would start a fire.
12. Goldfinch
| Scientific Name | Spinus tristis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | throughout much of North America, except in deep forests |
In many cultures including Italian, Dutch, Austrian, German, and Swedish- the Goldfinch is a sign of good luck. It is also said that if you have one in your hand no wish will remain unfulfilled.
13. Goose
| Scientific Name | Branta canadensis canadensis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | lakes, ponds, streams, marshes, wetlands, and more |
Geese are symbols of transformation and eternal life in many cultures throughout history. Seeing one was thought to mean a continuation of time or safety during a journey.
14. Magpie
| Scientific Name | Pica Pica |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and western North America, with populations, also present in Tibet and high-elevation areas of Kashmir |
If you see a magpie on your way home from work, it will bring you good luck. It is considered “lucky” to see a white magpie rather than a black magpie in the United Kingdom. However, seeing either of them is fortunate because it means you’ll have good fortune for the next 12 months.
15. Owl
| Scientific Name | Strigiformes |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | everywhere in the world except Antarctica |
This bird of prey is associated with death and bad omens in the Western Hemisphere. Owls were either symbol of wisdom or stupidity in ancient Greece, depending on whether they appeared to be watching or sleeping.
16. Peacock
| Scientific Name | Pavo cristatus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | India and Sri Lanka |
According to Christian legend, the peacock was created when Eve took a large bite of an apple and when she spat out the seeds, it grew into the beautiful pea-feathered bird.
According to Hindu mythology, this bird transports souls to heaven after death and is also known as “the preacher” because “his one eternal cry proclaims the truth of rebirth and regeneration.”
17. Pigeon
| Scientific Name | Columbidae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | around farm yards, grain elevators, feed mills, parks, city buildings, bridges, and other structures |
The pigeon, like most birds, is associated with peace and love, but the Japanese believe that seeing one before embarking on a journey ensures that you will return home safely.
This brings us to China, where if one comes to their house, it is said to bring them good luck for the entire year.
18. Robin
| Scientific Name | Turdus migratorius |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | woodlands, suburban backyards, parks, and grasslands with shrubs |
The Robin is a symbol of good luck in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. The bird is often seen as a sign of spring and new beginnings. In folklore, the Robin is also associated with the Devil, but this is likely due to the fact that the bird’s red breast was once thought to be a sign of the Devil’s mark.
19. Robin Red Breast
| Scientific Name | Erithacus rubecula |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | woods, parks, and wooded countryside, and are found in both Europe and Asia |
In the United Kingdom, the robin is seen as a harbinger of good luck. This is likely because the bird is so cheerful and its bright red breast is a sign of good health. Robins are also associated with Christmas, as they are often featured on cards and decorations during the holiday season.
20. Seagull
| Scientific Name | Larus dominicanus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | along coastal areas all around the world, including North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, and even islands around Antarctica |
In Germany, if you see this bird it means summer is on its way, and in England, seeing one before Christmas will bring good luck for the entire year. In Hebrew tradition, his cry sounds like “chai”, which means life. So it’s no surprise that seeing one is said to bring good luck and fortune.
21. Sparrow
| Scientific Name | Passeridae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Northern Africa, Europe, the Americas, and much of Asia |
The sparrow is perhaps one of the most well-known lucky birds. This bird is seen as a symbol of hope and luck. The sparrow is also known for being a very social creature, which is likely why it’s associated with luck in friendship and love.
22. Sparrow Hawk
| Scientific Name | Accipiter nisus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | every district from Louisiana to Maine, as well as from the Atlantic shores to the western regions |
Like the sparrow, the sparrow hawk is considered to be a lucky bird all around the world. In the West, it is often seen as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. In Chinese culture, the sparrow hawk is associated with good luck and success.
23. Swallow
| Scientific Name | Hirundinidae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | any open habitat, including grasslands, open woodland, savanna, marshes, mangroves, and scrubland, from sea level to high alpine areas |
The swallow is considered to be a very lucky bird in a number of cultures. In the UK, for example, it is said that if a swallow builds its nest on your property, then your house will be blessed with good luck.
24. Swan
| Scientific Name | Cygnus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | North America throughout the Great Lakes, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific Northwest |
The swan can be found in many cultures throughout the world, each with its own interpretation of this beautiful bird. For example, seeing one on your left forewarns of betrayal by your partner, while seeing one on your right is supposed to mean betrayal by a close friend.
25. Thrush
| Scientific Name | Turdidae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Mainly deciduous woodlands |
Thrush is a small songbird with a cheery disposition. In the language of flowers, thrushes represent hope and joy. These little birds are also said to be a sign of good luck, specifically when it comes to love and relationships.
Conclusion
There are many different birds that are considered to be lucky, and each one has its own unique meaning. Whether you believe in the power of luck or not, it can’t hurt to have a little bit of extra good fortune on your side.
Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.