In places and cultures all around the globe, birds are truly revered animals. Bringing beauty, music, and positive impacts on the environment, these avian creatures are always a delight to come across. There are thousands of bird species all over the world, and many of them can be seen in your garden today. From bluebirds to hawks to hummingbirds, you can see birds of all kinds right in your own backyard.

Because of their incredible abilities and beautiful hues, birds have become symbols with a variety of meanings in many cultures and folklores. While many people know about the redbird representing a loved one coming to visit, there are plenty of other meanings behind bird sightings that have been around for centuries. Keep reading to find out more meanings behind the birds that you’ll find in your backyard.

Redbirds

• About the Redbird: Often simply called a “redbird,” Northern Cardinals live in the South and are known for their eye-catching red hues. These stunning birds are popular during the holidays, as their bright plumage contrasts beautifully with a wintery atmosphere.
• Their Meaning: For many cultures, Northern Cardinals are symbols of loved ones who have passed. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, “it is common folklore that a visit from a cardinal represents a sign from a loved one who has passed. While this belief cannot be traced to a single origin, birds have often symbolized heavenly visitors, messengers to the gods, or even the gods themselves in feathered form.”

Bluebirds

• About the Bluebird: Usually shortened to “bluebird,” Eastern Bluebirds are in the South year-round and bring a welcoming pop of blue into backyards across the region. These gentle songbirds are a delight to hear and see in any garden.
• Their Meaning: Bluebirds have a wide variety of associations and meanings across the world, all of which have positive connotations. The color blue represents peace and health, so many cultures believe that a bluebird sighting means good luck is sure to come soon.

Woodpeckers

• About the Woodpecker: There are a variety of woodpecker species that are common in the South; from Downy Woodpeckers to Pileated Woodpeckers, these amazing birds can be heard from far and wide when they’re hammering away at trees.
• Their Meaning: In some cultures, woodpeckers symbolize hard work and perseverance. Many people also believe that a woodpecker sighting can symbolize new opportunities knocking at your door.

Robins

• About the Robin: Always the first sighting you’ll see in the morning, American Robins are the true “early bird.” These songbirds are known for their orange belly and upright stance when popping around a lawn or garden.
• Their Meaning: Because of their peppy nature and posture, some say that spotting a robin means bring a sense of optimism and inspiration to be resilient in times of hardship.

Hummingbirds

• About the Hummingbird: Blink and you’ll miss them, hummingbirds are some of the most impressive creatures we see in our backyards. These beautiful little birds can flap their wings at 70 beats per second and get their food from nectar.
• Their Meaning: Not only do hummingbirds bring a delightful presence into our gardens, they have meaning in a variety of cultures. In many Native American cultures, the hummingbird is known as a messenger between the spirit world and the physical world. It is a symbol of love, joy, and beauty, often associated with the sun and its life-giving energy.

Mockingbirds

• About the Mockingbird: Known for their unique ability to mimic other bird calls, Northern Mockingbirds are as talkative as they are beautiful. These birds are a gorgeous shade of gray and have become a cultural and literary symbol in recent years.
• Their Meaning: From Harper Lee’s famed novel To Kill a Mockingbird, mockingbirds symbolize innocence, as “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” since they only seek to add beauty and song into the world. Spotting a mockingbird is a reminder of the goodness present in our lives.

Owls

• About the Owl: There are few creatures as iconic as the owl. From their nocturnal nature to their distinctive sounds, owls of all kinds are magnificent creatures and used in pop culture to represent wisdom and intelligence.
• Their Meaning: Owls may be the most divisive when it comes to their meaning. In some cultures, owls bring bad luck when seen during the day and are an omen of a tragedy coming soon. On the other hand, many believe that seeing an owl will bring change and transformation.

Finches

• About the Finch: Tiny birds with lots of energy, finches are a common sighting in backyards all across the South. From House Finches to American Goldfinches, these birds come in a variety of bright colors and can be heard through their cheery songs.
• Their Meaning: Because of their energetic nature and beautiful songs, seeing a finch is said to bring tidings of joy and happiness in many Native American cultures. Celebration is sure to come when finches are in your backyard.