Several bird species represent birth, fertility, and new beginnings, with different cultures having different beliefs and views on the birds around them.
In this article, we’ll discuss the birds most closely associated with childbirth as well as the birds that symbolize each birth month.
Birds that Represent Birth
There are a few different birds that can represent birth spiritually. Here are a few:
Storks
Most children have heard the tale that storks deliver babies to their new parents. It’s one of the less awkward ways of answering the question, “Where do babies come from?”
It seems that this connection between storks and childbirth most likely began in northern Europe around 600 years ago. Interestingly, there was some truth behind the myth at the time.
Storks migrated over the area around the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. This was a popular wedding date back then. The storks would fly overhead once again the following spring, which was nine months later.
As with any long-lasting story, the tale expanded from there. People began to associate storks with not only fertility and birth but also purity and good luck.
Later, Hans Christian Andersen wrote The Storks, in which storks found infants in bodies of water and delivered them to good families who they found deserving. If the children in a family misbehaved, the storks delivered a dead baby instead.
The Victorians would also latch onto the story of storks delivering babies as a way to avoid speaking about sex with their children.
Pelicans
Pelicans may also be associated with birth, especially as some people confuse them with storks. Christian mythology also associates this bird with a parent’s self-sacrifice and even with Jesus himself.
The story of the self-sacrificing pelican mother is that she raised a brood of chicks selflessly, only for them to launch vicious attacks on her as they grew older. She fights back and kills her offspring, then days later deeply regrets her actions. When the mother pelican stabs herself with her own beak, her blood brings her chicks back to life.
Swans
If you’re looking for a symbol of birth with a less violent backstory, swans are said to represent birth, rebirth, and transformation. They’re often seen on birth announcements, and they symbolize a variety of attributes that parents seek to pass down to their children. These include beauty, love, wisdom, and loyalty.
They can also represent resilience, such as in the popular tale of The Ugly Duckling, who later turned into a gorgeous swan.
Images of swans with their necks intertwined represent two loving parents coming together to care for a new little life. A swan’s graceful body appears to float on water, while its legs kick beneath the surface, symbolizing the hardships and beauty of parenthood.
Which Bird Represents Your Birth Month?
Did you know that there are also birds to represent each birth month, similar to zodiac signs or birthstones? Take a look at your own, your baby’s, or another loved one’s below.
January – Owl
Owls symbolize wisdom, protection, and mystery. Owls are nocturnal animals, preferring to be awake at night, hence the phrase “night owl.” They’re strong, curious, and sharp-witted.
January babies may be “wise beyond their years.” They may keep their distance from other people, preferring to observe the things happening around them with a serious disposition. But once you get to know them, they can be a real “hoot!”
February – Parrot
It may surprise you to learn that, despite their mimicking abilities, parrots symbolize individuality and self-expression. From their colorful plumage to their hilarious antics, parrots are bright, joyful animals. These birds are known for their intelligence and sociability.
February babies are funny and enjoy spending time around other people. They’re witty and good-natured, but they can also have sharp tongues!
March – Robin
Robins are representative of spring, new beginnings, and connections to lost love. Many believe that seeing a robin means that your deceased loved ones are watching over you.
March babies are sweet and even-tempered until you mess with the people they love. They’re cheerful, protective, and may have good singing voices.
April – Canary
Canaries are colorful finches known for intelligence, their sweet birdsong, and their shyness. Many canaries prefer to observe people rather than interact with them directly.
Spiritually, canaries symbolize independence, happiness, and musical talent. April babies are free spirits who enjoy spending time around those closest to them. They’re friendly and funny, and may talk your ear off once you get to know them!
May – Nightingale
Nightingales represent love, hope, and beauty. The birds themselves are known for their grace, enjoying time on their own, and being quite possessive of their things.
May babies feel at peace in nature and have creative spirits.
June – Dove
Doves symbolize peace, hope, and love. They can also represent fertility and new beginnings. These birds are known for being quiet, calm, and even-keeled.
June babies are free spirits who prefer to avoid conflict.
July – Eagle
Eagles represent strength, wisdom, and freedom. These birds are confident and fearless. They’ve even been known to fight wolves!
July babies have courageous hearts and strong personalities. They often make good leaders.
August – Kingfisher
These unique birds are known for shyness, beauty, and love of the water. Symbolically, kingfishers represent peace, prosperity, and good fortune.
August babies are free spirits who love adventure. They may enjoy spending time in or near water.
September – Hawk
Like eagles, these birds of prey symbolize strength, freedom, and leadership. Hawks are known for their protectiveness, confidence, and capacity to hold a grudge!
September babies are willing to forge their own paths in life and have the strength to make it through any hardship.
October – Swan
As we discussed above, swans represent hope, birth, and transformation. As animals, they appear sweet and can be docile, but are quick to anger when those they love are threatened.
October babies are loving and sweet, with a hidden temper. They’re perseverant, loyal, and love fiercely.
November – Rooster
Roosters symbolize hope, bravery, and strength. Many farmers like having a rooster in their chicken flock, as they will do anything to protect and care for their hens–even facing down much larger animals.
November babies know that the early bird gets the worm! They’re smart, observant, and fiercely protective of those they love.
December – Raven
Ravens represent wisdom, transformation, and healing. These animals are playful, witty, and social. They’re often seen playing with one another and even enjoy rolling around in the snow!
December babies are dedicated workers, but they also know how to have fun. They’re charming, funny, and smart.
