Are you a superstitious person? Do you think that specific birds could bring bad fortune? If so, you’re not alone. Folks have associated specific birds with bad fortune for centuries.
In this post, we’ll look into seven of the most commonly associated birds with bad luck. We’ll dive into some of the superstitions around these birds and how some of these beliefs came about. Continue reading to learn more!
Contents
1. Owl
- Scientific Name: Strigiformes
- Length: 5-28″ (13-70cm)
- Weight: 56-64oz (1590-1815g)
- Wingspan: 75” (190cm)
Owls are considered cursed since they symbolize death and a grim future. In numerous civilizations, they have been connected to ill omens, but how did these superstitions come to be? Throughout Ancient Egypt, folks believed that an owl could attack a person who was improperly buried.
In Medieval Europe, people commonly associated owls with witches. Today, some folks think that the daylight sighting of an owl foreshadows a family member’s imminent death.
On the other hand, some individuals hold that seeing an owl outside the window during the day or night is simply an indication of ill luck.
2. Crows
- Scientific Name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Length: 15.7-21″ (40-53cm)
- Weight: 11.3-21.9oz (320-620g)
- Wingspan: 33.5-39.4 (85-100cm)
Crows are thought to bring ill luck, but the belief has an interesting genesis. For example, a crow was the messenger of death in Greek mythology and was connected with ceremonies for purification from sin following death. Crows were the creatures that saw into the future or the spirits of individuals who had died at sea in Norse mythology.
Crows are associated with numerous superstitions. For instance, if a crow traverses your path, it is stated that you’ll have terrible luck for the remainder of your day.
Also, if a crow falls on your shoulders, it symbolizes that somebody dear to you is about to die. But, aside from the death that crows are often associated with, they’re also believed to bring chaos into one’s life.
3. Vulture
- Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
- Length: 22-32″ (56-81cm)
- Weight: 42.3-67oz (1200-1900g)
- Wingspan: 51-67” (130-170cm)
In numerous cultures, vultures are often viewed as emblems of death. For example, Egyptians held that the vultures represented the god Anubis, who oversaw embalming and mummification.
Additionally, various South African communities say that vultures are ill luck, notably since they are scavengers, which they think is disrespectful and unclean, and therefore identify them with death.
According to a belief among several Native American communities, somebody will soon die if a person observes a single vulture hovering overhead.
Some tribes viewed them as having the power to access the afterlife, making them an omen of doom. Their looks also add to their negative stereotype. Their bald or shaved heads are often perceived as strange or unsettling.
4. Magpie
- Scientific Name: Gymnorhina tibicen
- Length: 17.3-23.6″ (44-60cm)
- Weight: 4.6-9.5oz (130-270g)
- Wingspan: 20.5-24.4 (52-62cm)
In numerous traditions, magpies are associated with bad luck. They are frequently regarded as evil or birds that lead to death and ruin. This superstition started under the Roman Empire, where the Magpies were typically regarded as ‘birds of dread.’
It is thought that seeing a Magpie would result in one’s death soon afterward. They were also affiliated with ghosts.
Another popular superstition holds that the noise of a magpie’s cry feels like ‘numerous sorrows’ and represents death. Other cultures, on the other hand, consider these birds to be a symbol of good fortune since they signify three very vital things: love, happiness, and life.
5. Common Raven
- Scientific Name: Corvus corax
- Length: 22-30.7″ (56-78cm)
- Weight: 24-70.5oz (690-2000g)
- Wingspan: 39.4-59” (100-150cm)
Ravens are believed to bring catastrophe and bad luck. Ever since, different cultures have had differing perspectives on ravens, but all felt they represented something unpleasant.
Several Native American communities held that ravens’ black color signified that they conveyed sadness and death. In other places, such as Japan, it is assumed that if a raven gets into contact with something or somebody, that individual will be doomed for seven years.
Dark-colored ravens are also believed to represent Satanism due to their ‘not-so-pleasant’ appearance.
6. Buzzard
- Scientific Name: Buteo buteo
- Length: 15.7-22.8″ (40-58cm)
- Weight: 15-50oz (430-1400g)
- Wingspan: 43-55” (110-140cm)
Buzzards are classified as raptors that feed on dead animals and are common worldwide. In several cultures, buzzards symbolize ill fortune for various reasons.
Egyptians believed that they were divine messengers. Aborigines fear that something awful will occur soon if a Buzzard flies over a person’s head. Native Americans thought they were flying witches attempting to cast charms on victims, while the Yoruba community in Nigeria viewed Buzzards as harbingers of death.
Moreover, buzzards make a peculiar call that resembles a person lamenting or screaming. This could contribute to their negative reputation and give the impression of being heralds of impending doom.
7. Whip-Poor Will
- Scientific Name: Antrostomus vociferus
- Length: 8.7-10.2″ (22-26cm)
- Weight: 1.5-2.3oz (43-64g)
- Wingspan: 17.7-18.9” (45-48)
Numerous superstitions and tales surround the folkloric night animals. One such bird is the Whip-poor-will, which, for ages, was regarded as a warning of misfortune. It’s believed that hearing a whip-poor-will during the day signifies that somebody will die shortly.
If you spot a Whip-poor-will at night, and then it calls out. It means misfortune or impending disaster is coming your way.
Other folks believe that hearing this bird’s call at night when most other birds are quiet signals impending death. Some people even fear sighting this bird because they think it can also result in their demise.
FAQs
Check out some of the frequently asked questions below on birds that bring bad lack.
What bird is a symbol of bad luck?
For superstitious persons, owls are historically regarded as heralds of deceased persons and could bring hostility and death to your house merely by hovering nearby. Other birds, such as blackbirds, crows, vultures, buzzards, and more, could also signal death or ill fortune if they encircle your premises.
Are birds unlucky in the house?
Any wild bird entering your home via a door, chimney, or window will bring you bad fortune. According to certain legends, a bird entering the house also predicts the death of loved ones. Avoid death and ill fortunes by excluding all types of birds from your home.
Are birds good or bad omens?
Some birds are believed to be a harbinger of misfortune, whereas others represent great fortune and joy. Without empirical evidence, both positive and negative interpretations are myths. Nevertheless, these legends might serve as a warning to get your life back in order.
What bird is a symbol of good luck?
Some birds, like the eagle, are believed to bring wealth or prosperity to one who sights them.
Moreover, a hawk represents accomplishments and concentration, whereas seagulls promise enjoyment and tranquility. One popular legend is that good tidings are coming your way if these birds poop on your shoulders or head.
Wrap Up
Often, animals, plants, and colors are viewed as symbols for unexpected revelations. Whereas the symbolism is taken from the element’s looks or the associated events, there’s no assurance that it will occur. These are all beliefs created by humans that have been passed down from one generation to another.
Although some birds are said to bring ill fortune, others are deemed good luck. Various cultures have varying beliefs regarding which birds are bad or bad luck. Learning what the birds symbolize is great, but you shouldn’t rely on this information. Instead, allow them to serve as symbols to help you assume control.