Meet The Birds of the “Twelve Days of Christmas”

There are various versions of the beloved Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” but they all share a common theme – the inclusion of numerous different types of birds. From the partridge in a pear tree to turtle doves, French hens, swans, geese, and more, the carol mentions a diverse array of birds. However, have you ever wondered why this Christmas carol specifically emphasizes birds as gifts, and which actual wild birds served as the inspiration?

About the “Twelve Days of Christmas”

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” was first published in England in 1780, though it was likely spoken or chanted as a lyrical poem much earlier. While the actual origins of the song have long since been lost in festive lore, it is likely to have had French or Scottish inspiration. The musical score was added to the song in 1909. Over the decades different cultures have made slight variations to the lyrics and tempo of the song we know today.

The Purpose of the Gifts

Ultimately “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is about romance, and the gifts “my true love gave to me” throughout the holiday season, one present for every day leading up to Twelfth Night. To emphasize love and caring, the gifts are typically oriented around food and bounty to provide a luxurious lifestyle.

Later in the song’s lyrics, the gifts extend into entertainment, keeping in tune with the festive nature of the season.

All the Birds in the Song

A Partridge (In A Pear Tree)

The most recognizable line of the carol is the first gift, which is the “partridge in a pear tree.” There are 45 species of partridges worldwide, and there are also many quail, ptarmigan, and pheasants that could be considered partridges. The bird that most likely inspired the first lyric of the song is the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa). This bird is native to western Europe and can be found in the region throughout the year, including during the holiday season.

The accompanying pear tree is another gift of food. While many partridges perch and roost in trees, they typically do not eat the fruit as they primarily consume grain and seeds. Pears, on the other hand, are commonly harvested in the fall and can be stored well into winter if done properly.

Together, the bird and the tree are truly generous gifts.

Two Turtle Doves

Two turtle doves are given as the second day’s holiday gift. The common name “dove” can refer to over 350 species of pigeons and doves in the Columbidae family. However, it is widely believed that the song refers specifically to the European Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia turtur).

At the time when the song was written, European Turtle-Doves were abundant and prevalent in western Europe. Currently, their population is declining, and they are classified as vulnerable. Despite this, giving a pair of doves as a gift is a wise choice because they can breed throughout the year if there is enough food. A breeding pair of doves can be a considerate gift for many meals to come.

Three French Hens

The term “hens” generally refers to female domestic poultry. The fact that these particular hens are French could be a nod to the possible French inspiration of the twelve days of Chrstmas song. There are approximately 40 chicken breeds that originated in France and could have been easily imported to England. Unfortunately, the song does not provide any further clues to narrow down the exact breed of these gifted hens.

Any domestic chicken can be a generous gift, especially a trio of productive hens. Depending on the species, these three birds could lay up to 900 eggs per year! While it may not be possible to consume all of the eggs, they could also be sold or allowed to hatch, resulting in young chickens that could be used for meat or for further egg production.

Four Calling Birds

The fourth day of Christmas still relates directly to birds with “four calling birds.” Some lyrics, however, use an older term, “colly” birds. While “calling” can refer to a variety of songbirds, “colly” is an Old English word for black or coal. Fortunately, both “calling” and “colly” can refer to the same bird—the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula). A black thrush with a lovely voice (take a listen here), this bird perfectly suits the song and is a melodious gift to share.

Six Geese A-Laying

The gift of “six geese a-laying” represents another animal-related food gift. While there are 30 species of wild geese in the world, the most likely bird to be associated with this gift is the graylag goose (Anser anser). In addition to wild geese, there are also over 125 breeds of domestic geese that have been selectively bred for their egg-laying abilities. Although domestic geese are not as prolific as three French hens, each one can still lay up to 20 eggs per year. It is worth noting that this gift could also refer to the meat of the geese, or even the feathers of the resulting flock. Goose down, in particular, is highly valued for its insulation properties, making it an ideal choice for winter wear. Therefore, the gift of “six geese a-laying” is quite fitting for the coldest season of the year..

Seven Swans A-Swimming

Seven is an interesting choice for this gift, as there are seven species of wild swans in the world. The most likely candidate is the mute swan (Cygnus olor) which is widespread in the region of the song’s origin and is a year-round resident, even in winter. Because these birds aren’t specifically noted as laying, this is most likely a gift of luxury, as swans are a symbol of romance and elegance.

While no other lyrical lines in the carol directly mention birds, there are ways to connect other lyrics in a bird-themed way. Five golden rings? Consider bird banding – also called bird ringing – or golden birds like the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa), or even the ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris).

Could “11 Pipers Piping” Be About Birds?

Quite possibly, every birder who hears the lyrics “eleven pipers piping” could easily assume that the song is referring to the shorebirds, pipers, and peeps. There are more than 25 sandpiper species in the world, and they can often be found on sandy shores even in winter. Another contender could be the piping plover (Charadrius melodus), particularly since this bird is considered endangered.

The more you know about the birds featured in “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the better you’ll be able to appreciate the richness and symbolism of the carol, as well as the significant role that birds play in our lives.

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