Bird superstitions have been a part of popular culture since the beginning of time. They’re the original messengers, delivering messages of hope or bad omens to unsuspecting individuals. In modern times these superstitions differ between cultures, with many undecided if birds bring good luck or bad. Below we have listed our top five bird superstitions to look out for and what each of them could mean. Let us know how many you’ve heard of, and anymore you know in the comments!
A bird pooping on your head is a sign of good luck
Perhaps the most famous of bird superstitions, if you’re unfortunate enough to get pooped on by a bird, it’s actually a sign of good luck! Having originated in Russia, it’s thought to be good luck as the chances of this happening are actually surprisingly low. So if a bird does happen to deposit onto you, ignore the bad hair day as you’ve got some good luck coming your way!
Magpies foretell the future
Following the popular nursery rhyme ‘One for Sorrow’ it’s believed that magpies are messengers of the future. ‘One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy, five for silver, six for gold, seven for a secret never to be told’. If you see a magpie alone be sure to greet it by tipping your hat or saying “Hello Mr Magpie”. This sign of respect should stop him passing on any bad fortune to you.
To learn more about the magpie: All about the Magpie
If a bird flies in the house, change is on the way
According to superstition birds are thought to be messengers, delivering both good and bad news from this world and the next. If a bird happens to fly into your house this could means change is on the way. A white bird represents good change, however a black coloured bird flying in the house could be a sign of an impending death. Some even believe any coloured bird flying into the house foreshadows a death.
Crows in a churchyard are a sign of bad luck
Crows are more often then not considered bad omens wherever you see them. Although surprisingly seeing one dead in the road is actually a sign of good luck.
This superstition has several origin stories. For example, in Ancient Greece if there was a crow at your wedding this was a sign that the marriage would go badly. Crows are also believed to be the bird of witches, explaining their association with evil. Likewise it doesn’t help their reputation that a group of crows is called a murder!
To learn more about the Crow: All about the Carrion Crow
A bird tapping the window signifies a loved one is trying to get in touch
In ancient times birds were believed to be religious messengers, connecting man with God and flying across the heavens. So make sure you’re watching out for birds persistently tapping at your windows. This could be a loved one in heaven trying to get in contact with you.
If you’d like to experience more garden birds in your life why not try one of our starter kits: Garden Bird Starter Wild Bird Feeding Bundle
Gemma Sharp is the resident writer for Garden Bird, a supplier of premium bird food and accessories. She has had a genuine love for our feathered friends from a young age, and has dedicated a lot of her time to learning all there is to know about them. If you’re struggling to pick the right bird feed for your garden, need help identifying a type of wild bird, or can’t decide where to put a nesting box, Gemma is the person to go to! She is passionate about sharing her years of learnt knowledge with the public. In her free time, she can be found feeding birds at home with her three young boys.
Let the article! My name is actually Robin. Which my mom said that she picked because when she was getting the nursery ready that a robin bird would sit on the windowsill. I like that a messenger from God. Interesting and intriguing information well written thanks for taking your time to share to this medium.
Nice
I just had a bird poop on my head. My daughter told me it was good luck. I’m waiting for something real important, will let you know if it happens soon.