From the diminutive Little Blue Penguins or “Fairy Penguins” of New Zealand, to the enormous Antarctic Emperor Penguins, penguin symbolism is almost universally associated with cuteness and charm. but life as a penguin is not nearly as fun and cuddly as their huggable shape might make you think. Penguins are survivors of some of the harshest conditions on the planet. They’re fighters. Source ..read more

Pelicans are unique and fascinating birds that symbolize the beauty and majesty of the sea. Whether you’re researching the pelican spirit animal or looking for help understanding pelican symbolism in art or literature, I’ll walk you through my research so you can make the most of the wisdom that pelican’s have to share. When you think of the seaside, what images come to mind? The sand? Source ..read more

I am a California native, so I may be biased towards California’s state bird, the California Quail. But it is hard not to find these little birds endearing. Quails are undeniably cute, with round little bodies and handsome head feathers. But cuteness isn’t the only thing that quails have going for them. From their social structures to their survival instincts, quails are full of wisdom to share… Source ..read more

Here at World Birds, you’ll find resources to learn about the meaning of your spirit animal, whether you are connected to the birds that we tend to write about the most, or more terrestrial animals like the wolf spirit animal or the deer spirit animal. I’ve written a lot of material about bird and animal symbolism, but one question that I get asked a lot by commenters on the site is “What is my… Source ..read more

Lizards are a fascinating group of creatures with impressive abilities that range from changing colors to regrowing body parts. In some cultures, the lizard symbolism is associated with shining light and rebirth. Though most lizards are small and capable of going unnoticed, they are an interesting part of the natural world around us. In this article, we’ll try to learn what the lizard has to… Source ..read more

Birds are something truly special. What other group of animals has such a widespread and beloved hobby dedicated to simply looking at them? There are birds on every continent and just about every human civilization that’s ever existed has grown up in a landscape filled with birds. It is no wonder, then, that so many cultures have assigned a great deal of meaning to various types of birds. (1)… Source ..read more

The Brown Pelican is an enormous, impressive, and unmistakable seabird. With its large bill pouch, low gliding flight and huge wingspan, the Brown Pelican is a common symbol of the beautiful and fascinating animals that make their living off of the rocky coastal waters of the Americas. What you might not know is that the Brown Pelican was once almost completely lost to time. Source ..read more

The hooting of an owl is a ubiquitous symbol of the mysterious calm of nighttime. But what really gives owls their sense of mystery isn’t their hooting calls, but the sounds they don’t make. Owls are known for being silent predators. Even in the dead silence of a calm night, their attacks are almost entirely inaudible as they glide down to their prey. This stealthy style of flight has captured the… Source ..read more

The Crested Caracara is also known as the Mexican Eagle, though it is not an eagle at all. This striking bird of prey is a member of the falcon family found throughout South and Central America, with some limited distribution in the southern United States, particularly Texas, Arizona, and Florida. Crested Caracaras are fascinating birds that can be instantly recognized for their flaming… Source ..read more

You’re probably familiar with Mallards. You might even know your way around a Teal or a Scaup, but have you heard of the King Eider? Even compared with the vast and diverse duck family, the King Eider stands out as uniquely fascinating and majestic. This large sea duck is found in the frigid regions of the Northern Hemisphere and can easily be recognized by its flashy orange and red bills… Source ..read more