Birds are a beautiful symbol of freedom and dreams. From small to big, black to color, these bird tattoos will inspire your next ink.
Birds are the messengers of nature. They bring joy to us with their colorful feathers and cheerful singing. Seeing birds spreading wings across the sky casts away the dullness and sadness.
While not all of us have the luxury of raising birds or going birdwatching regularly, bird tattoos become a way of connecting with these fluffy little friends. And because each species has its own symbolism, bird tattoos may carry various meanings.
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So if you are thinking about getting bird tattoos, you are in the right place. We’ve gathered a list of bird tattoo ideas with their meaning explained. They are categorized in species and styles, so you can find the perfect design for your next ink.
Don’t forget to tell us about your favorite bird at the end of the post or share your personal story. Now, onto the ideas.
Disclaimer: This collection of bird tattoos is for inspiration only. Please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow artists and show them some support.
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Birds can be tattooed as big or small as you want. You have more flexibility in their placement with a smaller tattoo. You can put it on the shoulder, the arm, or somewhere as tiny as the side of the finger.
It is also a good idea to start small if you are getting your first tattoo. To make it more personal and unique, think about adding different patterns to the body or finding a species you related to.
Want something simpler? Consider abstract bird tattoos like this. It keeps only the basic form, minimizing the cost of time. But the imagery is still recognizable.
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These mother-daughter tattoos prove that matching ink doesn’t have to be identical. In this case, the daughter gets a sparrow tattoo, representing youth and affection.The mother’s tattoo says, “today is my youngest day.”, echoing the sparrow symbolism. But they also make sense independently.
Realism is not the only style for bird tattoos. If you are a minimalist, a simple tattoo like this one will fit your aesthetics better.
There is so much you can do with bird tattoos. First are the feathers. You can go as detailed as you wish to make a tattoo stand out.
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Second, the color. Bird tattoos don’t have to be exactly like the real birds. And this gives you the room to be creative. Customize a bird tattoo with your favorite color, and now you have a one-of-a-kind design.
Bluebirds may refer to more than one species. For example, the Eastern bluebird, Bluejay, Indigo bunting, and some tree swallows all have stunning blue fur.
Across cultures, people believe that blue is a color that brings joy and calmness. Thus bluebirds are often seen as a symbol of happiness. And if you spot a bluebird in the wild, it’s a sign that something good may happen.
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Neck tattoos can cause more pain because the skin is thin in this area. But a stunning bluebird tattoo like this is worth it.
A shade of color can make a black tattoo pop. This back tattoo, for example, is painted in pure black except for the bird. The blue color not only draws attention. It also maintains the balance between visual impact and simplicity.
Just like other dragon and mermaid tattoos, bird tattoos provide different possibilities of postures to choose from. And many people opt for flying birds because of the symbolism.
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While birds of different species may have different meanings, flying birds symbolize freedom and prosperity. Birds soar as they spread their wings. And they glide through the sky freely with nothing holding them back. Thus flying bird tattoos are sometimes referred to as free bird tattoos. They represent the wearers’ pursuit of freedom and dreams.
Collarbone tattoos are not easy to pull off. The skin is pretty thin, and there’s not much flat space to be creative. And a good collarbone tattoo should go with the flow of the bone structure.
This flying bird tattoo, however, checks both boxes. And it manages to bring movements to a static ink while keeping the relatively design simple.
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Lifelines are often seen in doctor or nurse tattoos, signifying how precious life is. This meaningful tattoo combines the lifeline and a bluebird. It’s a reminder to value our life and never give up on them.
Across cultures, crows have both negative and positive symbolisms. For example, according to OnTheFeeder, crows represent death in Christianity but a messenger of God in Catholicism.
In the east, people also have contrasting ideas about these black birds. Chinese see them as a sign of bad luck. But in Buddhism, crows represent protection and wisdom.
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Despite the different meanings, crows make excellent tattoo motifs because of their black color. Not many people have pure black bird tattoos, making crow tattoos rare. And they are considered to be powerful animals for their association with mythologies, witches, and magic. Therefore, crows may be what you are looking for if you are looking for a badass tattoo.
Do you know that a hummingbird can flap up to 70 times per second? Their streamlined bodies, long wings, and sparkly eyes make them cute tattoo objects. And because they have a variety of stunning, vibrant colors, they appeal to both tattoo artists and wearers.
It’s no surprise that these little birds come with positive symbolisms. They are considered to bring joy, good luck, and healing. And because they help spread pollens of flowers, they also symbolize growth and prosperity.
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Tattooist Nonlee is known for her bold taste in colors. This shoulder blade tattoo is another successful experiment. By adding reflective metallic colors to the tattoo, both the birds and the fruits take on an unreal and stunning look.
Sometimes birds can be a canvas for your imagination. You can tattoo your favorite bird in the color of your choice and create a unique tat, just like this bird tattoo in rainbow colors.
Wildflowers represent life and energy. Despite the lack of care, wildflowers still thrive. With imagery like the hummingbirds, this tattoo would belong to a cheerful person with incredible inner strength.
Beautiful Bird Tattoo Designs With Ideas And Meanings
If you want a cute bird tattoo, a robin may be for you. It’s hard not to love these tiny, fluffy pals with round heads, watery eyes, and an orange belly with a distinctive white patch.
In terms of meaning, robins are sometimes associated with death. But as the saying goes, new beginnings are often disguised as painful endings; robins also signify a new beginning and the start of spring. If you are to embrace a new life chapter, robin tattoos may bring you the hope and strength you need.
Swallows are long-distance travelers. They spend most of their time flying in the sky. And some species of swallows are seasonal migrators.
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That’s why swallows have been a symbol of protection for travelers and sailors. They believe the birds can ward off evil energies and keep them safe while away from home.
While one swallow may represent the desire to explore the world, two swallows in a tattoo often mean a long journey. These swallows on both shoulders are a classic example. They are considered to be a lucky charm and will bring adventurers back home safely.
Crane tattoos are getting increasingly popular recently, especially in Asia. These giant birds are highly distinctive with their long necks, long legs, and large wings.
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In addition, cranes show up a lot in Asian literature as a symbol of longevity and loyalty, giving them a deeper meaning.
Because of their elongated body shape and wide wingspread, cranes make perfect tattoos for extensive placements such as the back, the rib, and the thigh. But we can also see small crane tattoos on areas like the sternum and the neck.
Most landscape tattoos stretch horizontally. This arm tattoo, however, takes a different approach. By cropping out a narrow strip, it captures a glimpse of an oriental painting, leaving room for imagination. And it also fits on the arm better.
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Birds are not always the only objects in a tattoo. Sometimes they pair with other motifs to express a different idea. Bird and cage tattoos are a good example.
The meaning of bird and cage tattoos is pretty straightforward. The cage represents strains, confinement, and oppression, while birds symbolize the pursuit of freedom.
Depending on how a tattooist depicts the two objects, bird and cage tattoos can be positive or negative. For example, if the bird is locked in the cage, it may signify the current mental struggle of the wearers. They feel trapped and don’t know how to break out. On the other hand, if the birds are out of the cage, it may be a tattoo honoring the wearers’ strength or celebrating liberty.
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Because of the precise flight pattern and the ability to travel a long distance, they had been used as messengers before modern technologies. That’s why doves are considered a bridge between different cultures, spreading peace and joy.
These fluffy white birds also symbolize love because of their monogamy. They have one partner for life and are extremely affectionate with each other. So if you want
