Heraldry and Birds - the Coat of Arms
Coats of Arms have been used for hundreds of years to symbolize a family's code of honor. It's no surprise that many coats of arms involve birds.
Alerion
This is an eagle without claws or beak - symbolizing someone who was injured in war.
Bird Claw / Leg
With the bird claw being the limb that grabs up victims, this symbol indicates that the family has been taken advantage of.
Blackbird
A blackbird stands for one who has given in to temptation.
Cannet
This is a duck without legs or a beak. It represents the 'best' of a person - someone who has achieved based on their own merit.
Capon
The symbol of generosity, a capon is a rooster who was castrated in order to be more tasty.
Chough
A Chough is a type of crow. The symbol stands for one who watches over those close to him.
Cock / Rooster
The male chicken represents courage and watchfulness.
Corbie / Raven
The raven has been a powerful symbol in many cultures, and in heraldry it stands for wisdom.
Crane
The crane has represented long life and loyalty in cultures from Celtic to Chinese.
Crow / Rook
The crow stands for a quiet, long life.
Dove
The dove has represented peace and love since the days of the Egyptians and Bible.
Duck
Ducks stand for resourceful people.
Eagle
Eagles represent noble, honorable individuals.
Falcon
In Egyptian mythology, the falcon represented the god-rule. Falcons in heraldry represent a noble person.
Goose
This traditional fowl was a symbol of victory and vanity, as the bird is both beautiful and aggressive.
Heron
A heron is a graceful bird. The symbol stands for wisdom and honor.
Kingfisher
This ocean bird is a symbol of wealth and peace.
Lark
The lark symbolizes joy and happiness.
Magpie
The magpie stands for mystical power and good luck.
Nightingale
Mentioned in Shakespeare and other literature, the nightingale stands for art, beauty and love.
Owl
The owl has represented wisdom since the days of the goddess Minerva and Athena.
Partridge
One of the game birds, the partridge represents cunning and caring. Partridges would go to great lengths to draw a hunter away from his/her family.
Pigeon
Like the dove, a peaceful bird often used to send messages and convey information. A pigeon would be a symbol of knowledge and peace.
Plover
Known for its protectiveness, this symbol stands for family.
Seagull
A welcoming sound for sailors who had been out to sea for years, the seagull stands for hope.
Stork
A symbol of fertility (because of its mention in the child-bringing myths) and a symbol of Christianity, because storks killed snakes.
Swan
A noble bird worshipped by many knights, who hoped to achieve the grace, honor and strength that a swan represented.
Thrush
This melodic bird represented those who loved poetry.
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