My sister-in-law is an avid paddler and she’s been seeing the Giant Kingfisher a lot on her paddles around the local dams and rivers. The kingfisher is a beautiful bird and has deep symbolism for many cultures. This got me thinking about other fascinating birds and what their spiritual meanings are.
Bird symbolism has been around since ancient times, steeped in magic, folklore, and mythology. Many cultures believed the bird represented many gods and goddesses. This feathered creature is often revered as a spirit creature, with a range of powers while also being the messenger for many deities.
It’s not hard to imagine these winged creatures stirring the imagination of worshippers and healers alike. Their ability to fly is closely associated with the heavens, mystical realms, and angels. Their flight also symbolizes growth, aspiration, levitation, and connection with one’s own unconscious mind.
Read on as I share the spiritual meanings of seven fascinating birds. By exploring bird symbolism, you’ll be able to understand the message of each of these birds when they fly across your path.
The Kingfisher
The kingfisher is one of the most beautiful birds found in this kingdom. With its long, sharp beak, and luminous feathers, often in blues and greens, you’ll always find this bird near water.
For many cultures, the kingfisher has always represented peace and prosperity. The color blue is often associated with abundance and warmth as well as healing, all medicines of the kingfisher.
If you see a kingfisher, be prepared to dive deep into something new that you’ve been avoiding out of fear of taking the plunge. Seeing a kingfisher also means a period of deep spiritual exploration. By taking on the powers of this brightly colored bird, you can learn how to use your intuition to guide you through life.
The Polynesians consider the kingfisher to be a sacred bird because it can calm the sea waters. In China, this bird symbolizes beauty and faithfulness while Ancient Greeks call the kingfisher the “halcyon bird” as it symbolizes calm days.
The Crow
The crow is one of my favorite bird totems. While many associate this bird with the “darkness” or the “void”, it also symbolizes the magic of creation. Both the crow and the raven are often associated with transformation and the wheels of change.
When you see a crow you’re reminded to look forward with foresight. And, tap into your inner resources to gain a deeper perspective on any situation.
The Native American culture used crow medicine to cleanse both the mind and the environment. While many other cultures associate the crow with bad luck or misfortune, the Native Americans respect the crow for its intelligence and ability to adapt to most environments.
I love the shamanic music used in this video to symbolize the Native American crow and raven medicine.
The Celts also value the crow as the bringer of good fortune. The crow is seen as the messenger for prophets who want to convey their secrets to you. In Celtic tradition, the crow is seen as the creator and the connection to the sun.
The Hummingbird
One can’t help but think of lightness, joy, and happiness when seeing a hummingbird. These tiny, dainty, and often, brightly-colored birds are revered for their healing powers, and tapping into their medicine will often bring you a sense of wonderment.
They symbolize the nectar of life and teach you to draw on life’s sweet essence to sustain you through challenging times.
Because the hummingbird is able to fly backward, it symbolizes the past as well as the present and future. When you see a hummingbird you’re being asked to tap into the joys of the past as well as of the present to carry with you into the future.
The hummingbird brings you messages from your angels and spirit guides, always encouraging you to find joy in the sweetness of life and to seek out healing when you need it. The hummingbird is a sacred bird in many cultures around the world, always symbolizing good luck, joy, vitality, and beauty.
The Eagle
A magnificent bird of prey, the eagle is often associated with its ability to see the bigger picture. When you see an eagle know that you’re getting a powerful message for this bird represents courage and great strength. They also symbolize the divine spirit as the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
The eagle’s spiritual meanings are significant if you’re seeking new beginnings, resilience, and the courage to look ahead with truthfulness and honesty. People who carry the eagle totem are often called seekers and are willing to push beyond the boundaries so they may soar to greater heights.
The eagle is revered in many ancient cultures and is often used as a national emblem. In the Bible, this powerful bird symbolized hope and strength while the Native American culture associated the bird with vision and leadership.
The Swan
A graceful bird, the swan symbolizes love and twin flames because of their commitment to one life partner. They also symbolize purity, loyalty, and grace. The Native American female shaman is often referred to as the swan, recognized as a celestial being.
In Celtic tradition, the swan represents the healing powers of the sun. It’s also often associated with the powers of shape-shifting or grokking.
Irish folklore talks about the swan being the messenger of love. Because the swan will never plunge below the water's surface, it often symbolizes the birth of one’s consciousness. The Scots see the swan as an angel.
Whenever you see a swan consider the following messages it may be bringing to you:
You could be meeting your soulmate soon and entering into a loving and caring relationship
You’re being asked to be silent as you reflect on what is currently happening in your life
You need to approach situations with grace and elegance
Seeing a black swan is often associated with negative energies and many cultures see it as a bad omen.
The Ostrich
A large, pre-historic-looking bird, the ostrich symbolizes grounding. Whenever you’re feeling disconnected and out of balance, call on the medicine of this fascinating bird. The ostrich can’t fly like its feathered cousins but it doesn’t mean it can’t connect you with the ethereal realms.
Instead, the ostrich will teach you how to stay grounded in the physical world while connecting with the spiritual world.
This bird teaches you to integrate any new knowledge while remaining connected with all that is around you. Its medicine also teaches you how to “think on your feet” by staying grounded and connected.
Other spiritual meanings of the ostrich are:
Wealth and abundance
Fertility
Purity and the truth
Justice
Protection
If the ostrich is your totem bird, then tap into its medicine to help you use your imagination while being confident and smart in both your professional and personal life.
The Sparrow
It’s very easy to overlook the sparrow and yet this bird also has significant spiritual meanings. 0ften associated with productivity and diligence, the bird is also symbolic of creativity. The sparrow symbolizes self-worth, triumph over adversity or long-suffering, and awakening.
When you see a sparrow you’re asked to recognize your inner strength and use it to bring about anything you want in your life.
The sparrow represents empowerment and asks you to always be a hard worker while being vigilant and building your own self-esteem. While not an independent bird, the sparrow also takes responsibility for its own role in the community. The sparrow symbolizes teamwork.
The Native Americans viewed the sparrow as a symbol of joyfulness, inclusion, and resourcefulness. In Celtic culture, the sparrow symbolizes honesty, hard work, and simplicity. It also represents intelligence and the ability to seek out what you want from within. In many folklore and mythology, the sparrow is seen as a spiritual deity.
Final Thoughts
Bird symbolism allows you to tap into the spiritual meaning of these winged creatures. By understanding the behavior and characters of different birds, you’ll learn about the significance of these birds coming into your life.
Read Ted Andrews’ book, “Animal Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small” if you want to discover more about bird symbolism. I refer to this book often when I want to understand the message of a creature that has crossed my path.
Another book you might enjoy is "The Hidden Meaning of Birds - A Spiritual Field Guide: Explore the Symbology and Significance of These Divine Winged Messengers" by Arin Murphy-Hiscock.
This post was updated on March 1st, 2024.