Birth Month Birds – Find Yours!
Throughout history, different cultures have assigned symbolic meanings to various bird species. In recent times, the concept of birth month birds has gained popularity, associating each month with a specific bird and its unique symbolism. These feathered friends offer insights into personality traits and aspirations, linked to zodiac signs and astrological influences.
Which birth month bird is yours? Tell us what you think in the comments! Psst … have you seen our new collectible Birth Month Birds Bag? For a limited time, bundle the Birds Bag together with the Almanac.
January: Owl
People born in January are thought to have a thoughtful, wise, and quiet nature, as symbolized by the owl.
Owls were once associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and prophecy.
Due to their keen senses and nocturnal nature, they are frequently seen as symbols of knowledge and intuition.
February: Chickadee
The chickadee, a charming little bird, is the perfect bird of the month for February because it thrives in winter.
These birds don’t flee to warmer places. Chickadees keep busy searching for food and holding down their home turf, reminding us that life keeps going even when the weather outside isn’t that inviting.
What makes chickadees even more fascinating is their social nature. They’re super friendly, sticking together in groups to make it through winter. Their cheerful chirps and quick movements give us a boost, making us think of spring and fresh starts even in the depths of winter.
March: Robin
Just as the daffodil announces the coming of spring, seeing a robin is a sign that warmer weather is coming. These mid-sized singing birds, with their bright red chest and yellow beak, are not only a common sight but also the bird that represents March. The color “robin’s egg blue” is well-known, and its happy song, which sounds like “cheerily, cheer-up, cheerio,” tells us that a new season is starting.
The robin, standing for fresh starts and a return to life, reflects the tough and lively character often seen in people born in March. With deep roots in old stories, the Robin is known for its strong feelings, honor, and ability to keep going, making it an everlasting sign of the beginning of spring and the chance for new opportunities.
April: Duck
Ducks hold a sacred status in both Christian and Hindu cultures, symbolizing purity and good luck. These sociable and playful birds, with their ability to adapt and persevere, align perfectly with the traits of those born in April.
Ducks are born knowing how to swim, showing a “go-getter” attitude. The mallard duck, in particular, is known for its ease of socializing and friendliness.
Ducks live in peaceful groups and fly together in formation, showing their community spirit and unity. They are calm and rarely become aggressive, unless they sense their young are in danger.
May: Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are a cherished sight in any bird lover’s yard, symbolizing hope, peace, and good fortune. These agile and graceful creatures embody joy, love, and the ability to navigate life swiftly and effortlessly, making them particularly meaningful for those born in May.
The name “hummingbird” originates from the humming sound created by their wings. Some species beat their wings as much as 80 times per second! Their unique design allows them to fly in a figure-eight pattern (forward, vertically, horizontally, and even backward)—unlike any other creature!
Related: Hummingbird Moth
June: Dove
The dove is the universal symbol of peace and harmony. As such, the dove is the ideal bird month for people born in June who are known to have a peaceful, sociable demeanor. Beyond peace, the dove’s soft and gentle presence epitomizes love. For centuries they have carried a strong historical connection with the divine realm and intuition.
Known for their distinct “coo,” doves are the smaller members of a diverse group of birds in the Columbidae family. These strong flyers have incredible navigation abilities are deemed the GPS of the bird kingdom. Like those born in June, the dove is also extremely adaptable and has found ways to acclimate to almost every environment around the globe, including urban settings, rainforest, and even swamps.
July: Eagle
The eagle, a soaring emblem of strength, courage, and freedom, perfectly embodies the spirit of those born in July. Like the eagle, they possess quiet confidence, take flight with majesty, and inspire those around them.
The Bald Eagle is one of the National symbols of the United States, an honor granted in 1782. The Bald Eagle gets its name from the old English word “balde” which does not mean hairless, but ‘shining white,’ noting it distinctive white head that makes them easy to spot from a distance. The Golden Eagle, more widely found, is also found in North America.
August: Woodpecker
The confident woodpecker lets their presence be known, epitomizing the essence of those born in August. Like the woodpecker, those born in August are open-minded and aren’t afraid to look beneath the surface to see what life has to offer.
Woodpeckers spend almost their entire lives in trees in search of insects, also dining on sap and berries. These headbangers are a welcome sight in every bird lover’s backyard and are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems, controlling pests, and creating homes for other woodland bird and animal species.
September: Hawk
The hawk, soaring high above the treetops symbolizes the powerful, majestic spirit of those born in September. Like those born in September, they “flap to the beat of their own drum,” are diligent, and dependable. Hawks represent strength, adaptability, protection, and perseverance. Like those born in September, the hawk is known to rise above obstacles.
While the hawk can appear threatening, they are a vital bird to have in the environment, helping to control populations of rodents and other animals considered to be pests to humans.
October: Vulture
The patient vulture symbolizes resourcefulness, embodying those born in October. Vultures are adaptable and use all of their senses to get what they need in life.
Vultures survive in feast or famine, being able to go long periods of time without food. Their brilliant adaptations have not only ensured their survival, but also help to clean up the environment, keeping our ecosystems healthy and preventing the spread of disease.
In many cultures, the vulture symbolizes death and rebirth, a guardian between the physical and spiritual worlds. Perfect for those born in the month of Halloween!
November: Turkey
The hardworking, adaptable, and headstrong turkey epitomizes those born in the month of November. Like those born in November, turkeys are highly adaptable and gregarious. Preferring to live in flocks and “rafter” to look after each other, they rely on each other for safety.
Due to its association with Thanksgiving, the turkey aptly symbolizes generosity, gratitude, and family, bringing people together in a spirit of thankfulness.
Associated with luck and prosperity, encountering a turkey is considered a sign of a good bounty. For land to sustain a flock of turkeys, there must be ample food and water to feed them.
In many cultures, finding a turkey feather is believed to be a positive omen, representing a connection to nature, spiritual growth, and protection.
Calling someone a “turkey,” meaning “cowardly” or “foolish,” is not an accurate quip. In fact, Benjamin Franklin celebrated turkeys as courageous, comparing them to bald eagles.
December: Cardinal
Cardinals, with their vibrant red plumage, are often associated with the winter months, making them a fitting symbolic birth month bird for December. Their bold color stands out against the winter landscape, symbolizing warmth, passion, and vitality.
Additionally, cardinals are known for their strong family bonds and monogamous nature, reflecting the values of loyalty, commitment, and love often associated with December birthdays. As a symbol of hope and resilience, the cardinal can inspire those born in December to persevere through challenges and emerge stronger.
Related: 12 Days of Christmas Birds
Join the Discussion
Which bird of the month is yours?
When was the last time you saw one of these birds?
Share your photos and thoughts with your community here in the comments below!
If you love birding, we recommend downloading Cornell University’s Merlin app, which helps you identify birds you hear in your neighborhood. It’s free and easy to use.
Melissa Mayntz
Melissa Mayntz is a writer who specializes in birds and birding, though her work spans a wide range—from folklore to healthy living. Her first book, Migration: Exploring the Remarkable Journeys of Birds was published in 2020. Mayntz also writes for National Wildlife Magazine and The Spruce. Find her at MelissaMayntz.com.
Natalie LaVolpe
Natalie LaVolpe is a freelance writer and former special education teacher. She is dedicated to healthy living through body and mind. She currently resides on Long Island, New York, with her husband, children, and dog.
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Natalie LaVolpe#molongui-disabled-link
