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25 Birds that Bring Good Luck (with Pictures)

Birds that Bring Good Luck

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 NameTurdus merula
Type of AnimalBird
RangeEurope, 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 NameCyanocitta cristata
Type of AnimalBird
Rangemost 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 NameParidae
Type of AnimalBird
Rangefrom 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 NameFulica
Type of AnimalBird
RangeDuring 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 NameGruidae
Type of AnimalBird
Rangenearly 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 NameCuculidae
Type of AnimalBird
Rangethe 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 NameColumbidae
Type of AnimalBird
RangeSome 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 NameAccipitridae
Type of AnimalBird
Rangenorthern 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 NameFalco
Type of AnimalBird
Rangealmost 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 NamePhoenicopterus
Type of AnimalBird
RangeGreater 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 NameRegulus regulus
Type of AnimalBird
RangeEurope 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 NameSpinus tristis
Type of AnimalBird
Rangethroughout 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 NameBranta canadensis canadensis
Type of AnimalBird
Rangelakes, 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 NamePica Pica
Type of AnimalBird
Rangetemperate 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 NameStrigiformes
Type of AnimalBird
Rangeeverywhere 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 NamePavo cristatus
Type of AnimalBird
RangeIndia 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 NameColumbidae
Type of AnimalBird
Rangearound 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 NameTurdus migratorius
Type of AnimalBird
Rangewoodlands, 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 NameErithacus rubecula
Type of AnimalBird
Rangewoods, 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 NameLarus dominicanus
Type of AnimalBird
Rangealong 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 NamePasseridae
Type of AnimalBird
RangeNorthern 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 NameAccipiter nisus
Type of AnimalBird
Rangeevery 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 NameHirundinidae
Type of AnimalBird
Rangeany 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 NameCygnus
Type of AnimalBird
RangeNorth 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 NameTurdidae
Type of AnimalBird
RangeMainly 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.

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