2500 stunning birds tattoos design & their symbolic meanings

Birds have always been a popular element of tattoos – they never go out of style. Meaningful and elegant, suiting any aesthetic from traditional to contemporary, bird designs remain one of the top choices for tattoos. Whether you’re considering having a specific bird tattooed, like a hummingbird or a raven, or just considering a bird tattoo in general, check out the gallery below for some gorgeous designs. In the meantime, keep reading for some detailed info on the symbolic and cultural meaning of birds in tattoo art.

2500 birds tattoos design

Bullfinch
Hummingbird & Flowers
Heron Tattoo
Robin Shoulder Tattoo
Stained Glass Humming Bird
Flamingo Watercolor Leg
Abstract Flower Face & Hummingbird
Owl & Mandala on woman's Hip
Swallow, Poppies & Wildflowers
Owl & Skull
Sparrow Tattoo
Stag & Pheasant
Realistic Cardinal Bird
Peacock tattoo
Owl & Church Window
Phoenix Back Tattoo
Peacock Thigh
Owl & flowers hip
Abstract Full Back Tattoo
Kingfisher Tattoo
Owl tattoo on shoulder and chest
Owl & Blue Jay Full Leg Tattoo
Swan Chest Tattoo
Space Owl
Swan tattoo
Bluejay & Goldfinch Sleeve
Hummingbird & Lilies
Robin Red Breast & Flowers
We're All Mad Here
Owl Eyes
Vivid Peacock hip
Eagle Head & Broken Clock Face
Owl King & Vegvisir
Toucan Chest Tattoo
Vibrant Kingfisher
Hummingbird & Eye
Blue Jay Amongst Flowers
Three Spiritual Animals
Eagle & Lion
Prometheus Bound and the Oceanids
Harry Potter stag patronus tattoo
Sparrow & Cherry Blossom
Blue Bird, Snake & Flowers
Hummingbird & Hibiscus
Peacock realism, girl's upper arm
Birds Underboob
Blue & Stellar's Jays
Flamingo merged with pink rose
The Real Imagined
Flamingo Ankle
Abstract Robin
Owl & Forest
Stork & Peonies hip tattoo
Viking warrior
New Zealand Sleeve
Hummingbird Ankle Tattoo
Owl realism tattoo
Kingfisher realism tattoo
Swan & filigree back tattoo
Eagle portrait
Owl & Forest
Flying Owl, men's chest tattoo
Hummingbird & Lilies
Crimson Rosella & Cherry Blossom
Heron
Portrait nature scene
Gentlebird
Sketchy bird & rose side tattoo
Peacock head tattoo
Macaw Chest Tattoo
Peacock Hand Tattoo
Owl & skull back tattoo
Penguin family thigh tattoo
Pelican & Mermaid Tattoo
Ravens arty chest piece
Bird's nest with eggs
Robin Redbreast
Morph Sleeve with owl, girl & rose
Flamingo Tattoo
Bird Set Free
Owl, wings spread on mens chest
Heron Bird, Girls Full Back Tattoo
Shadow Realm
Macaws Back Tattoo
Owl & Human Eyes Tattoo
Owl Ankle Tattoo
Lilac Breasted Roller Tattoo
Bright owl neck tattoo
Wing Shoulder & Arm Tattoo
Magpies tattoo
Robin Tattoo, Realistic
Harpy Eagle Chest Tattoo
Rooster on Hip & Thigh
Owl, raccoon colorful sleeve
Space Cloud Kingfisher
Haunting Sleeve
Raven Forearms & Hands
Tui bird tattoo
Mens floral chest piece
Horus The Falcon God Tattoo
Peacock & Flowers Watercolor Back Tattoo
Hummingbird & Space Back Tattoo
Gray-chinned Minivet Tattoo
Eagle Chest Tattoo
Disconnected from Nature
Skull, Clock & Owls, Mens Chest Tattoo
Lilac Breasted Roller Birds
Toucan Guinness Tattoo
Golden eagle & peonies side tattoo
Shoulder Blade Wing
Owl Portrait Mens Chest Tattoo
Owl & Forest Tattoo
Hummingbird tattoo
Eagle tattoo on girl's chest
Flamingo Tattoo
Blue Tits Tattoo
Ravens & Portrait Chest Tattoo
Owl Chest Tattoo
Nature Sleeve
Forest tattoo with pink lily
Kingfisher tattoo
Eagle Portrait
Mens Full Back Piece
Phoenix Side Tattoo
Owl Watercolor Girls Arm Tattoo
Guys Neck Owl
Girls Phoenix Back Tattoo
Peacock Moth Hip Tattoo
Owl face on girls hand
Owl & Sailing Ship Tattoo
Swans & Skulls Back Tattoo
Cute Flamingo
Owl & Lady Tattoo
Hyacinth Macaw
Owl twisting it's head
Roseate Spoonbill Guys Side Tattoo
Peacock Side Tattoo
Watercolor Phoenix Tattoo
Raven & Candle
Norse Mythology Hand
Eagle Arm Tattoo
Baby Owl Ankle Tattoo
Owl Tattoo Portrait on Chest
Swallow Side Tattoo
Geisha & Crane Leg Tattoo
Little Red Riding Hood
Owl On Hip
Stairs to Paradise Sleeve
Watercolor Hummingbird
Kingfisher tattoo
Vivid Flamingo
Realistic Owl Bicep Tattoo
Locket & Timepiece Sleeve
Owl Starry Eyes
Let It Burn
Owl Neck Tattoo
Black Ravens & Trees
Pheonix arm tattoo
Colorful Tucan & Hibiscus
Portrait, Skull & Eagle
Realistic Owl Cover Up
Owls & Snowflakes Tattoo
Darwin's Finches Illustration
Parrot Hip Tattoo
Owl & Heart Chest tattoo
Wing Sleeve
Bird In The Hand
Owl Forearm
Blue Bird & Heart Tattoo
Bullfinch tattoo
Abstract Parrot on arm
Blue Tit & Robin Tattoo
Owl tattoo
Indian Raven & Moon
colorful hummingbird tattoo
Origami bird tattoo
Abstract Eye
Bald Eagle tattoo
Bird & Flower
Fox Half Sketch
Owl cover up tattoo on chest
Minimalistic Crow Neck Tattoo
Penguins
Ornamental Hummingbird
Ducks Back Tattoo
3D Bird Tattoo
Birds & Flowers Back Tattoo
Kookaburra Tattoo
Colorful Flamingo
Swans Love Heart
Robin Tattoo
Deer, Bird Butterflies Tattoo
Skull & Compass Engraving
Owl Front Tattoo
Nature Scene Half Sleeve
Darwin Tattoo
Colorful Parrot
Freestyle Wing
Owl tattoo
Swan & Flowers Hip Tattoo
Abstract Bird
Hawk Tattoo
Hip Flamingo
Tucan tattoo
Owl & Compass Tattoo
Peacock Tattoo
Colorful Bird Tattoo
Fancy Raven Tattoo
Hawk Chest tattoo
finger crow
Impaled tattoo
Gypsy Thigh Tattoo
Abstract Bird Chest Tattoo
Pretty Nature Scene
Dead Crow
Cross & Birds
Watercolor Hummingbird
Kea Bird Over Milford Sound
Pride Bird Tattoo
Owl & Deer Tattoo
Swan Tattoo
Galaxy Owl Side Tattoo
Bald Eagle Chest Tattoo
Geometric Bird Tattoo
Hummingbird Tattoo
Amon-Ra
Owl Realism Tattoo
Cedar Waxwing
Tree & Ravens
Eagle & Mountains
Owl & Skull
Raven Skull Tattoo
Crane & Flowers
Owl Back Piece
Odin & Raven Tattoo
Realistic Owl
Flamingo
Hummingbirds Watercolor
Trees & Birds Tattoo
Troupial Bird
Crow Tattoo
Time Flies Tattoo
Awakening of the Crow
Owl Chest Tattoo
Cover-Up-Chest-Peice
Doctor of Death Neck Tattoo
Eagle Tattoo
Watercolour Birds by Yanina Viland
Swallow Forearm Tattoo
Bird Side Tattoo
Bird Silhouette Tattoo by SammyInks
Colourful Hummingbirds
Black Swan Tattoo
Beautiful Bird Tat
Tit Tat
Flamingo Head Tattoo
Alter Bridge Tattoo
Watercolor Hummingbird Tattoo
Peacock And Octopus Tattoos
Cute Birds Tattoo On Wrist
What's Inside?
Swallow Arm Tattoo By Diana Katsko
Flamingo Tattoo On RIBS
Cat And Bird Leg Tattoos
Stylized Bird Tattoo On Inner Arm
Eagle Tattoo
Pigeon Back Tattoo
Tattoo by Gregorio Marangoni
Swallow Feet Tattoo
Birdie And Flowers
Done By Mitch Allenden
Bat & Pigeon Tattoo
Owl Skull
Phoenix Tattoo On Back
Pheonix
Dream Catcher Wrist Tattoo
Two Swallows On Back
Owl On Feet
Rise Free From
Watercolor Colibri Tattoo
Owl And Fox Sleeve
Tattooed Girl's Arms
Tit Tattoo
Life Love
4 Mothers Love
Owl On Compass
Sailor Tat Details
Bird Sleeve
Beautiful Palms Tattoo Idea
Crow Side Tattoo
Cute Owl Tat
Magpies

.

Small Bird Tattoo on Shoulder
Small Bird Tattoo on Lower Abdomen
Cute Small Bird Foot Tattoo
Sexy Bird Tattoos
Robin Bird Tattoo
Quote Bird Tattoos
Pretty Bird Tattoos on Shoulder
Let it be Small Bird on Foot Tattoo
Pink Flamingo Bird Tattoos with Stars
Perfect Small Bird Tattoo on Shoulder
Paradise Bird Tattoo Inspiration
Five Little Black Flying Birds Tattoo
Owl Bird Tattoo on Foot
Moving Birds Tattoos
Most Beautiful Black Bird Tattoos
Lower Arm Bird Tattoos
Lovely Back Bird Tattoos
Lovebird Tattoos on Back
Lovebirds Tattoos on Wrist
Lovebirds Tattoo on Wrist
Lovebirds Flying Towards a Heart Tattoo
Little Bird Tattoo on Wrist
Free Bird Tattoos
Foot Bird Tattoos
Flying Inside the Cage Bird Tattoo
Flying Bird Tattoos on Neck
Flying Bird Tattoos on Hand
Flying Bird Tattoos on Arm
Flying Bird Tattoos for Ladies
Flying Bird Tattoo on Upper Back
Fly Bird Tattoos on Arm
Finger Small Black Bird Tattoo
Family Birds Tattoo Meanings
Fading Bird Tattoos on Back
Extra Tiny Bird Tattoos on Wrist
Delicate Lines on Bird Tattoos
Dandelion Bird Tattoos
Dandelion and Bird Tattoos
Cute Bird Tattoo Carrying a Heart
Crescent Moon with Little Bird Tattoo
Colorful Owl Bird Tattoo Ideas
Colorful Feathers and Bird Tattoos
Colorful Feather Made of Bird Tattoo
Colorful Bird Tattoos on Arm
Colorful Birds Tattoos on Back Ideas
Colorful Birds Tattoos on Arm
Caged Heart with Bird Tattoo
Blue Bird Tattoo Ideas
Black Love Birds on Upper Back Tattoo
Black Bird Tattoo Design
Bird Tattoo with Quote to be your Better Self
Bird Tattoos with Tree and Orange Flowers
Bird Tattoos on Right Upper Back for Women
Three Bird Tattoos on Chest
Bird Tattoos on a Tree Branch
Bird Tattoos on Ankle
Bird Tattoo Sitting on a Branch Ideas
Bird Tattoos Behind Ear
Bird Tattoos Around the Arm for Men
Bird Tattoo on Thumb
Bird Tattoo on Chest
Bird Tattoo Designs
Bird Tattoo Design
Birds Tattoo on Upper Chest for Women
Birds Tattoo Ideas
Bird Flying Off a Branch Tattoos
Bird Cage Tattoo
Bestfriend Wrist Bird Tattoos
Bestfriend Bird Tattoo Ideas
Two Small Birds Finger Tattoo
Beautiful Bird Wings Tattoos
Beautiful Birds with Cursive Love
Beach Bird Tattoo
Always Infinity Birds Tattoo
Back Bird Tattoo with Tree and Quotes

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Cultural significance

The cultural significance of birds is complex and varies wildly depending on the culture and specific type of bird in question. One thing is for sure: birds have been an important mythological and sometimes spiritual element in most, if not all, cultures across the world.

The winged creatures have been considered everything from messengers of the gods to harbingers of death. If you have a specific bird in mind for your tattoo design and identify strongly with a particular culture or religion, be sure to look further into the relevant symbolism and meanings. In general, though, birds tend to be seen as a positive symbol, most often representing freedom, peace, and liberation.

Bird tattoo meanings

Though the symbolism of birds is complicated, there are some values that are universally associated with at least certain species of birds. For instance:

  • Freedom – You’re bound to have heard the phrase ‘free as a bird’. The bird’s ability to fly has always fascinated humanity, and carries obvious associations to freedom of body and spirit. For Americans, the eagle is one of the most prominent symbols of freedom.
  • Wisdom – Owls, in particular, are often used as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Perhaps this notion of birds as wise stems from the fact that they literally have a bird’s-eye view of the world, which makes us think they see and therefore know everything. Interestingly, though, not all cultures view owls as related to wisdom – for most Native American tribes, for instance, owls are feared and associated with death.
  • Goodness – In some cultures and religions, birds symbolize goodness – righteousness, empathy, virtue, and morality. In Christianity, for example, thanks to their possession of wings, birds are seen as akin to angels.
  • Beauty – This one is fairly obvious – many people consider birds to be beautiful and graceful creatures. The elusiveness of birds adds further appeal – birds are flighty creatures, and being able to observe one up-close makes for a special moment.
  • Love – Some species of birds are widely associated with love – just think of the word ‘lovebirds’, or ‘love-nest’. White doves in particular are seen as a symbol of love and purity – so much so that wedding ceremonies sometimes involve the releasing of doves. Swans, too, are related to the notion of love – particularly faithfulness. This is because they are meant to mate for life, meaning that once they’ve found a partner, they stay together until death.
  • Peace – In addition to representing love, doves are also seen as symbolic of peace and pacifism in general. This is true both of political contexts and religious symbolism.

Bird tattoo design ideas

The possibilities for including a bird in a tattoo design are endless, and depend on both personal preference and the meaning you want your tattoo to convey. If you’re stuck for ideas, consider these:

  • Birds on the wrist – A charming and highly popular option is a small bird tattoo on the inside of the wrist. Since bird tattoos can be scaled down to a truly minute size, you could even have several birds within one very small design. A flock of birds in flight is a popular choice, as are several birds perched on a wire or tree branch.
  • Dove – As we’ve already discovered, doves are symbolic of peace and love. They are also associated with innocence and purity of spirit. If these values are something you identify with, a dove tattoo design could be perfect for you.
  • Tweety bird – The popular Looney Tunes character graces the skin of millions around the world in tattoo form. For a playful, colorful design that shows off the less serious side of you, Tweety could be an option.
  • Phoenix – The phoenix is a mythical bird which, according to legends of many cultures across the world, would burst into flame and be born again from its own ashes. A symbol of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, the fire bird makes for a gorgeous and meaningful tattoo design.
  • Swallow – Swallows have extensive symbolic meaning, generally seen as associated with love and happiness. It’s no surprise, then, that matching swallow tattoos for couples are quite popular. Historically, though, swallow tattoos were the design of choice for sailors, indicative of their sailing experience. Legend has it that for a sailor, each swallow tattoo signified 5,000 nautical miles sailed.
  • Hummingbird – there are so many different meanings associated with this particular species of bird, that hummingbirds basically have their very own mythology. In general, it’s universally viewed as a positive symbol, often related to healing, good luck, and good news. Have a read through this article to find out more about specific hummingbird symbolism and meanings.
  • Peacock – Peacock tattoos can be nothing short of spectacular – thanks to the coloring of the bird’s feathers and its unique looks. Symbolic of integrity, rejuvenation, and even immortality, the peacock is a great choice for a larger design in particular.
  • Crow or Raven – Mysterious and enigmatic, crow and raven imagery has always been popular in tattoo art. Ravens commonly appear both in traditional styles and contemporary ones, and the finished tattoos often have a dark, gothic feel.

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2500 stunning birds tattoos design & their symbolic meanings

Birds have always been a popular element of tattoos – they never go out of style. Meaningful and elegant, suiting any aesthetic from traditional to contemporary, bird designs remain one of the top choices for tattoos. Whether you’re considering having a specific bird tattooed, like a hummingbird or a raven, or just considering a bird tattoo in general, check out the gallery below for some gorgeous designs. In the meantime, keep reading for some detailed info on the symbolic and cultural meaning of birds in tattoo art.

2500 birds tattoos design

Bullfinch
Hummingbird & Flowers
Heron Tattoo
Robin Shoulder Tattoo
Stained Glass Humming Bird
Flamingo Watercolor Leg
Abstract Flower Face & Hummingbird
Owl & Mandala on woman's Hip
Swallow, Poppies & Wildflowers
Owl & Skull
Sparrow Tattoo
Stag & Pheasant
Realistic Cardinal Bird
Peacock tattoo
Owl & Church Window
Phoenix Back Tattoo
Peacock Thigh
Owl & flowers hip
Abstract Full Back Tattoo
Kingfisher Tattoo
Owl tattoo on shoulder and chest
Owl & Blue Jay Full Leg Tattoo
Swan Chest Tattoo
Space Owl
Swan tattoo
Bluejay & Goldfinch Sleeve
Hummingbird & Lilies
Robin Red Breast & Flowers
We're All Mad Here
Owl Eyes
Vivid Peacock hip
Eagle Head & Broken Clock Face
Owl King & Vegvisir
Toucan Chest Tattoo
Vibrant Kingfisher
Hummingbird & Eye
Blue Jay Amongst Flowers
Three Spiritual Animals
Eagle & Lion
Prometheus Bound and the Oceanids
Harry Potter stag patronus tattoo
Sparrow & Cherry Blossom
Blue Bird, Snake & Flowers
Hummingbird & Hibiscus
Peacock realism, girl's upper arm
Birds Underboob
Blue & Stellar's Jays
Flamingo merged with pink rose
The Real Imagined
Flamingo Ankle
Abstract Robin
Owl & Forest
Stork & Peonies hip tattoo
Viking warrior
New Zealand Sleeve
Hummingbird Ankle Tattoo
Owl realism tattoo
Kingfisher realism tattoo
Swan & filigree back tattoo
Eagle portrait
Owl & Forest
Flying Owl, men's chest tattoo
Hummingbird & Lilies
Crimson Rosella & Cherry Blossom
Heron
Portrait nature scene
Gentlebird
Sketchy bird & rose side tattoo
Peacock head tattoo
Macaw Chest Tattoo
Peacock Hand Tattoo
Owl & skull back tattoo
Penguin family thigh tattoo
Pelican & Mermaid Tattoo
Ravens arty chest piece
Bird's nest with eggs
Robin Redbreast
Morph Sleeve with owl, girl & rose
Flamingo Tattoo
Bird Set Free
Owl, wings spread on mens chest
Heron Bird, Girls Full Back Tattoo
Shadow Realm
Macaws Back Tattoo
Owl & Human Eyes Tattoo
Owl Ankle Tattoo
Lilac Breasted Roller Tattoo
Bright owl neck tattoo
Wing Shoulder & Arm Tattoo
Magpies tattoo
Robin Tattoo, Realistic
Harpy Eagle Chest Tattoo
Rooster on Hip & Thigh
Owl, raccoon colorful sleeve
Space Cloud Kingfisher
Haunting Sleeve
Raven Forearms & Hands
Tui bird tattoo
Mens floral chest piece
Horus The Falcon God Tattoo
Peacock & Flowers Watercolor Back Tattoo
Hummingbird & Space Back Tattoo
Gray-chinned Minivet Tattoo
Eagle Chest Tattoo
Disconnected from Nature
Skull, Clock & Owls, Mens Chest Tattoo
Lilac Breasted Roller Birds
Toucan Guinness Tattoo
Golden eagle & peonies side tattoo
Shoulder Blade Wing
Owl Portrait Mens Chest Tattoo
Owl & Forest Tattoo
Hummingbird tattoo
Eagle tattoo on girl's chest
Flamingo Tattoo
Blue Tits Tattoo
Ravens & Portrait Chest Tattoo
Owl Chest Tattoo
Nature Sleeve
Forest tattoo with pink lily
Kingfisher tattoo
Eagle Portrait
Mens Full Back Piece
Phoenix Side Tattoo
Owl Watercolor Girls Arm Tattoo
Guys Neck Owl
Girls Phoenix Back Tattoo
Peacock Moth Hip Tattoo
Owl face on girls hand
Owl & Sailing Ship Tattoo
Swans & Skulls Back Tattoo
Cute Flamingo
Owl & Lady Tattoo
Hyacinth Macaw
Owl twisting it's head
Roseate Spoonbill Guys Side Tattoo
Peacock Side Tattoo
Watercolor Phoenix Tattoo
Raven & Candle
Norse Mythology Hand
Eagle Arm Tattoo
Baby Owl Ankle Tattoo
Owl Tattoo Portrait on Chest
Swallow Side Tattoo
Geisha & Crane Leg Tattoo
Little Red Riding Hood
Owl On Hip
Stairs to Paradise Sleeve
Watercolor Hummingbird
Kingfisher tattoo
Vivid Flamingo
Realistic Owl Bicep Tattoo
Locket & Timepiece Sleeve
Owl Starry Eyes
Let It Burn
Owl Neck Tattoo
Black Ravens & Trees
Pheonix arm tattoo
Colorful Tucan & Hibiscus
Portrait, Skull & Eagle
Realistic Owl Cover Up
Owls & Snowflakes Tattoo
Darwin's Finches Illustration
Parrot Hip Tattoo
Owl & Heart Chest tattoo
Wing Sleeve
Bird In The Hand
Owl Forearm
Blue Bird & Heart Tattoo
Bullfinch tattoo
Abstract Parrot on arm
Blue Tit & Robin Tattoo
Owl tattoo
Indian Raven & Moon
colorful hummingbird tattoo
Origami bird tattoo
Abstract Eye
Bald Eagle tattoo
Bird & Flower
Fox Half Sketch
Owl cover up tattoo on chest
Minimalistic Crow Neck Tattoo
Penguins
Ornamental Hummingbird
Ducks Back Tattoo
3D Bird Tattoo
Birds & Flowers Back Tattoo
Kookaburra Tattoo
Colorful Flamingo
Swans Love Heart
Robin Tattoo
Deer, Bird Butterflies Tattoo
Skull & Compass Engraving
Owl Front Tattoo
Nature Scene Half Sleeve
Darwin Tattoo
Colorful Parrot
Freestyle Wing
Owl tattoo
Swan & Flowers Hip Tattoo
Abstract Bird
Hawk Tattoo
Hip Flamingo
Tucan tattoo
Owl & Compass Tattoo
Peacock Tattoo
Colorful Bird Tattoo
Fancy Raven Tattoo
Hawk Chest tattoo
finger crow
Impaled tattoo
Gypsy Thigh Tattoo
Abstract Bird Chest Tattoo
Pretty Nature Scene
Dead Crow
Cross & Birds
Watercolor Hummingbird
Kea Bird Over Milford Sound
Pride Bird Tattoo
Owl & Deer Tattoo
Swan Tattoo
Galaxy Owl Side Tattoo
Bald Eagle Chest Tattoo
Geometric Bird Tattoo
Hummingbird Tattoo
Amon-Ra
Owl Realism Tattoo
Cedar Waxwing
Tree & Ravens
Eagle & Mountains
Owl & Skull
Raven Skull Tattoo
Crane & Flowers
Owl Back Piece
Odin & Raven Tattoo
Realistic Owl
Flamingo
Hummingbirds Watercolor
Trees & Birds Tattoo
Troupial Bird
Crow Tattoo
Time Flies Tattoo
Awakening of the Crow
Owl Chest Tattoo
Cover-Up-Chest-Peice
Doctor of Death Neck Tattoo
Eagle Tattoo
Watercolour Birds by Yanina Viland
Swallow Forearm Tattoo
Bird Side Tattoo
Bird Silhouette Tattoo by SammyInks
Colourful Hummingbirds
Black Swan Tattoo
Beautiful Bird Tat
Tit Tat
Flamingo Head Tattoo
Alter Bridge Tattoo
Watercolor Hummingbird Tattoo
Peacock And Octopus Tattoos
Cute Birds Tattoo On Wrist
What's Inside?
Swallow Arm Tattoo By Diana Katsko
Flamingo Tattoo On RIBS
Cat And Bird Leg Tattoos
Stylized Bird Tattoo On Inner Arm
Eagle Tattoo
Pigeon Back Tattoo
Tattoo by Gregorio Marangoni
Swallow Feet Tattoo
Birdie And Flowers
Done By Mitch Allenden
Bat & Pigeon Tattoo
Owl Skull
Phoenix Tattoo On Back
Pheonix
Dream Catcher Wrist Tattoo
Two Swallows On Back
Owl On Feet
Rise Free From
Watercolor Colibri Tattoo
Owl And Fox Sleeve
Tattooed Girl's Arms
Tit Tattoo
Life Love
4 Mothers Love
Owl On Compass
Sailor Tat Details
Bird Sleeve
Beautiful Palms Tattoo Idea
Crow Side Tattoo
Cute Owl Tat
Magpies

.

Small Bird Tattoo on Shoulder
Small Bird Tattoo on Lower Abdomen
Cute Small Bird Foot Tattoo
Sexy Bird Tattoos
Robin Bird Tattoo
Quote Bird Tattoos
Pretty Bird Tattoos on Shoulder
Let it be Small Bird on Foot Tattoo
Pink Flamingo Bird Tattoos with Stars
Perfect Small Bird Tattoo on Shoulder
Paradise Bird Tattoo Inspiration
Five Little Black Flying Birds Tattoo
Owl Bird Tattoo on Foot
Moving Birds Tattoos
Most Beautiful Black Bird Tattoos
Lower Arm Bird Tattoos
Lovely Back Bird Tattoos
Lovebird Tattoos on Back
Lovebirds Tattoos on Wrist
Lovebirds Tattoo on Wrist
Lovebirds Flying Towards a Heart Tattoo
Little Bird Tattoo on Wrist
Free Bird Tattoos
Foot Bird Tattoos
Flying Inside the Cage Bird Tattoo
Flying Bird Tattoos on Neck
Flying Bird Tattoos on Hand
Flying Bird Tattoos on Arm
Flying Bird Tattoos for Ladies
Flying Bird Tattoo on Upper Back
Fly Bird Tattoos on Arm
Finger Small Black Bird Tattoo
Family Birds Tattoo Meanings
Fading Bird Tattoos on Back
Extra Tiny Bird Tattoos on Wrist
Delicate Lines on Bird Tattoos
Dandelion Bird Tattoos
Dandelion and Bird Tattoos
Cute Bird Tattoo Carrying a Heart
Crescent Moon with Little Bird Tattoo
Colorful Owl Bird Tattoo Ideas
Colorful Feathers and Bird Tattoos
Colorful Feather Made of Bird Tattoo
Colorful Bird Tattoos on Arm
Colorful Birds Tattoos on Back Ideas
Colorful Birds Tattoos on Arm
Caged Heart with Bird Tattoo
Blue Bird Tattoo Ideas
Black Love Birds on Upper Back Tattoo
Black Bird Tattoo Design
Bird Tattoo with Quote to be your Better Self
Bird Tattoos with Tree and Orange Flowers
Bird Tattoos on Right Upper Back for Women
Three Bird Tattoos on Chest
Bird Tattoos on a Tree Branch
Bird Tattoos on Ankle
Bird Tattoo Sitting on a Branch Ideas
Bird Tattoos Behind Ear
Bird Tattoos Around the Arm for Men
Bird Tattoo on Thumb
Bird Tattoo on Chest
Bird Tattoo Designs
Bird Tattoo Design
Birds Tattoo on Upper Chest for Women
Birds Tattoo Ideas
Bird Flying Off a Branch Tattoos
Bird Cage Tattoo
Bestfriend Wrist Bird Tattoos
Bestfriend Bird Tattoo Ideas
Two Small Birds Finger Tattoo
Beautiful Bird Wings Tattoos
Beautiful Birds with Cursive Love
Beach Bird Tattoo
Always Infinity Birds Tattoo
Back Bird Tattoo with Tree and Quotes

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Cultural significance

The cultural significance of birds is complex and varies wildly depending on the culture and specific type of bird in question. One thing is for sure: birds have been an important mythological and sometimes spiritual element in most, if not all, cultures across the world.

The winged creatures have been considered everything from messengers of the gods to harbingers of death. If you have a specific bird in mind for your tattoo design and identify strongly with a particular culture or religion, be sure to look further into the relevant symbolism and meanings. In general, though, birds tend to be seen as a positive symbol, most often representing freedom, peace, and liberation.

Bird tattoo meanings

Though the symbolism of birds is complicated, there are some values that are universally associated with at least certain species of birds. For instance:

  • Freedom – You’re bound to have heard the phrase ‘free as a bird’. The bird’s ability to fly has always fascinated humanity, and carries obvious associations to freedom of body and spirit. For Americans, the eagle is one of the most prominent symbols of freedom.
  • Wisdom – Owls, in particular, are often used as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Perhaps this notion of birds as wise stems from the fact that they literally have a bird’s-eye view of the world, which makes us think they see and therefore know everything. Interestingly, though, not all cultures view owls as related to wisdom – for most Native American tribes, for instance, owls are feared and associated with death.
  • Goodness – In some cultures and religions, birds symbolize goodness – righteousness, empathy, virtue, and morality. In Christianity, for example, thanks to their possession of wings, birds are seen as akin to angels.
  • Beauty – This one is fairly obvious – many people consider birds to be beautiful and graceful creatures. The elusiveness of birds adds further appeal – birds are flighty creatures, and being able to observe one up-close makes for a special moment.
  • Love – Some species of birds are widely associated with love – just think of the word ‘lovebirds’, or ‘love-nest’. White doves in particular are seen as a symbol of love and purity – so much so that wedding ceremonies sometimes involve the releasing of doves. Swans, too, are related to the notion of love – particularly faithfulness. This is because they are meant to mate for life, meaning that once they’ve found a partner, they stay together until death.
  • Peace – In addition to representing love, doves are also seen as symbolic of peace and pacifism in general. This is true both of political contexts and religious symbolism.

Bird tattoo design ideas

The possibilities for including a bird in a tattoo design are endless, and depend on both personal preference and the meaning you want your tattoo to convey. If you’re stuck for ideas, consider these:

  • Birds on the wrist – A charming and highly popular option is a small bird tattoo on the inside of the wrist. Since bird tattoos can be scaled down to a truly minute size, you could even have several birds within one very small design. A flock of birds in flight is a popular choice, as are several birds perched on a wire or tree branch.
  • Dove – As we’ve already discovered, doves are symbolic of peace and love. They are also associated with innocence and purity of spirit. If these values are something you identify with, a dove tattoo design could be perfect for you.
  • Tweety bird – The popular Looney Tunes character graces the skin of millions around the world in tattoo form. For a playful, colorful design that shows off the less serious side of you, Tweety could be an option.
  • Phoenix – The phoenix is a mythical bird which, according to legends of many cultures across the world, would burst into flame and be born again from its own ashes. A symbol of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, the fire bird makes for a gorgeous and meaningful tattoo design.
  • Swallow – Swallows have extensive symbolic meaning, generally seen as associated with love and happiness. It’s no surprise, then, that matching swallow tattoos for couples are quite popular. Historically, though, swallow tattoos were the design of choice for sailors, indicative of their sailing experience. Legend has it that for a sailor, each swallow tattoo signified 5,000 nautical miles sailed.
  • Hummingbird – there are so many different meanings associated with this particular species of bird, that hummingbirds basically have their very own mythology. In general, it’s universally viewed as a positive symbol, often related to healing, good luck, and good news. Have a read through this article to find out more about specific hummingbird symbolism and meanings.
  • Peacock – Peacock tattoos can be nothing short of spectacular – thanks to the coloring of the bird’s feathers and its unique looks. Symbolic of integrity, rejuvenation, and even immortality, the peacock is a great choice for a larger design in particular.
  • Crow or Raven – Mysterious and enigmatic, crow and raven imagery has always been popular in tattoo art. Ravens commonly appear both in traditional styles and contemporary ones, and the finished tattoos often have a dark, gothic feel.

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