The document discusses Celtic animal symbols focusing on various birds. It provides descriptions of the symbolic meanings for different birds in Celtic tradition including cranes representing wisdom and parenthood, ducks symbolizing honesty and adaptability, geese representing loyalty to home, hawks symbolizing skill and nobility, herons representing patience and independence, magpies associated with prophecy, owls signifying wisdom and guidance, roosters protecting from ghosts and demons, seagulls connecting to sea gods and intelligence, sparrows embodying memory and knowledge, swans representing grace and spirituality, and wrens seen as sacred kings of birds and messengers of gods. The document concludes by recommending books to learn more about Celtic symbolism.

1. Celtic Animal Symbols: Birds
Note: The animal meanings below are based on Celtic animal symbols. Please see our article entitled Animal
Symbols: Traditional Meanings for traditional western meanings of animal symbols and our article on Chinese
animal symbolism to compare with eastern meanings.
Introduction to Celtic Bird Symbols
The Celts were originally a diverse group of tribes stretching from Ireland in the west to Scotland in the north to
modern Turkey in the east and the Iberian Peninsula in the south. The ancient Celts had a complex, polytheistic
religion emphasizing the power of nature. Eventually many of them fused their ancient beliefs with the practices
and symbolism of Christianity.
The Celts flourished from 500BC to 400AD and were later reduced in numbers and geographic spread by both
the Roman expansion and Germanic immigration. Their rich Iron Age culture continues to influence the art and
culture of the modern world. Among the most utilized Celtic symbols were those based on animal forms, including
the bird symbols delineated below:
Celtic Symbols: Crane
The crane has a remarkable position in Celtic lore. The crane is believed to be the
messenger of the gods and to have a high degree of wisdom. The crane represents
higher states of consciousness. In addition, both the male and female crane incubate
their eggs and protect their young. For this reason, they are also symbolic of
parenthood. Cranes avoid direct confrontation whenever possible, and exhibit a
complex array of threatening behaviors when necessary to prevent battles. Thus, they
are symbolic of peace-keeping.
Celtic Symbols: Duck
The duck is a migratory bird, representing adaptability and instinctual drive necessary
for survival. In Celtic art and beliefs, ducks are also symbols of honesty and simplicity.
They are also sensitive and graceful while in their natural element, which is water,
representing the emotions and indicating their comfort in the world of feelings. (Photo
by David Wilmot, Wikimedia Commons)
Celtic Symbols: Goose
Geese are also migratory birds, but return each year to the same spot in the spring.
They are symbols of home and loyalty to one's home, including nationalism and
patriotism. The goose is in the same family as swans and ducks. The word gander is
often used for a male goose. (Photo by Michael Maggs, Wikimedia Commons)
Celtic Symbols: Hawk
Like many birds, the hawk is considered to be a messenger between the physical and
spiritual worlds. The hawk is a keen hunter and symbolizes skill, boldness, strength (for

2. one's size), clarity of purpose, decisiveness and nobility. To be compared to a hawk is the highest of
complements. (Photo by Dori, Wikimedia Commons)
Celtic Symbols: Heron
The heron is noted for intelligence and solitude. As a Celtic symbol, the heron
represents patience, independence and longevity. Herons are also known as egrets
and bitterns. They are sometimes confused with storks, but fly with their necks
retracted rather than outstretched. (Photo by US Fish and Wildlife Services, Wikimedia
Commons)
Celtic Symbols: Magpie
As a Celtic symbol, the magpie is associated with prophecy and omens of life and
death. The magpie is common throughout Europe, Asia and northwest Africa. If
respect is shown to a magpie, especially through a proper greeting whenever seen,
misfortune may be avoided. (Photo by S. Shankar, Wikimedia Commons)
Celtic Symbols: Owl
The owl has long been associated with the spiritual and the magical. In Celtic
symbolism, the owl is noted for wisdom, keen sight, and patience. The owl is a guide in
the underworld and an effective hunter. The owl can help to reveal those who would
take advantage of another or deceive others. (Photo by Brian Clift, Wikimedia
Commons)
Celtic Symbols: Roosters
In Celtic lore, the rooster has the ability to chase away ghosts, demons and night
terrors. The rooster symbolizes safety and protection. A rooster is a male chicken, with
the female referred to as a hen. A rooster is highly territorial and protective. Roosters
not only crow at dawn, but also at any time during the day and have been known to
crow at the moon at night. (Photo by Andrzej Barabasz, Wikimedia Commons)
Celtic Symbols: Seagulls

3. The seagull is associated with Lir, a Sea-God in Celtic lore. Like many birds, the
seagull flies between the earth and the heavenworld, bringing messages to mortals.
Gulls are highly intelligent with a complex social structure developed partly to ward off
predators. Gulls live in colonies and sometimes utilize tools. (Photo by , Wikimedia
Commons)
Celtic Symbols: Sparrow
The sparrow is a Celtic symbol of memory, remembrance and ancestral knowledge.
Sparrows often nest in and around buildings and can be found in large numbers in
cities. Sparrows are indigenous to Europe, Africa and Asia and were imported to
America by settlers. They now live throughout the United States and in South America.
(Photo by US National Park Service, Wikimedia Commons)
Celtic Symbols: Swan
The swan is a symbol of grace, beauty, elegance, divinity and radiance. The swan is a
mystical bird with a deep connection to music. Swans aid in the interpretation of
dreams and assist in the process of spiritual development. The feather of swans are
considered to have mystical properties and have been used to decorate ceremonial
robes. (Photo by Maga-chan, Wikimedia Commons)
Celtic Symbols: Wren
The wren is a sacred bird viewed by the Celts as the king of all birds. According to
legend, the wren flew further than the eagle .. to the sun. This gave the wren a special
place in the traditional role of birds as messengers of the gods.
The wren is particularly associated with the god of thunder. Some species forage in
dark crevices, and the name comes from "cave-dweller". Most species are nonmigratory and build dome-shaped nests. Wrens often live in close association with
humans. (Photo by Mark Wagner, Wikimedia Commons)
Learn More About Celtic Symbolism
Learn more about Celtic symbolism in these recommended books from Amazon:
Celtic Symbols
Celtic Folk Soul: Art, Myth & Symbol

4. The Book of Celtic Symbols: Symbols, Stories & Blessings for Everyday Living
Symbols of the Celts
Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America
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