Table of Contents
Birds are beautiful creatures typically associated with freedom and good news. When seen in dreams, they can symbolize hopes, goals, and aspirations of the dreamer. Bird dreams interpretations depend on the details of the dream – how many birds you see, your feelings in the dream, and also the type of bird.
An eagle, for example, could represent pride, freedom, courage, and nobility, while seeing a dove may mean affection, innocence, peace, and tranquility. Some dreams can tell you a lot about your personality while others can give you a sign that something isn’t right in your waking life and should be corrected.
Why Do We Dream of Birds?
Since ancient times, birds have captivated humans with their ability to fly and move with ease. They have become the ultimate symbol of freedom and movement.
Dreams about birds are surprisingly common. In fact, in her 1924 book Human Psychology as Seen Through the Dream, Julia Turner mentions that bird-related dreams are “very common and extremely various”.
According to Sigmund Freud, dreams about birds was connected to coarse sensuality (in the case of men) and longing (in the case of women). Carl Jung saw birds in dreams as going beyond merely the sexual, and instead symbolizing transcendence and spiritual release.
Common Meanings and Interpretations of Dreams about Birds
Your dream about birds may have included one or more of the following scenarios:
- A caged bird
- Being a bird
- Flying away as a bird
- Bird perched on your hand
- Bird flies away from your hand
- Bird returns to your hand
- Flying bird
- Flock of birds
- Colorful birds
- Chirping birds
- Setting a bird free
- Dying bird
- Dead bird
- Talking to a bird
- Bird’s egg
- Catching a bird in your hand
1- Problems and Difficulties
As mentioned, dreams about birds don’t always have positive interpretations. Some bird dreams may signify that you’re currently facing or about to face certain problems in your waking life.
This meaning is especially true if the bird is trapped in a cage. In general, to dream about a bird in a cage indicates that an unpleasant situation is or will be arising soon. It can be related to your work or relationships.
On the other hand, if you dream about being a bird, it may mean that you’re trying to run away from your problems without facing them directly. This meaning is applicable if you’re flying away in your dream. If this is the case, your dream could be letting you know that you need to confront your problems in order to move forward in your life.
2- New Opportunities
One of the most common interpretations of dreams about birds is new opportunities, especially if the bird is perched on your hand. This could mean that several opportunities are coming your way, but you will need to handle them with care to avoid losing them by making unwise decisions.
If the bird on your hand flies away, it could be a sign that although you will be given opportunities, you won’t be able to use them. Instead, you may be about to lose something important in your life.
This dream may also indicate that you’re about to hurt someone in your life because of certain mistakes you’ve made. If the bird returns to your hand, it could signify that good fortune is coming your way.
3- Freedom and Happiness
Birds in dreams can also signify freedom. Dreaming about a flying bird could symbolize your desire to be free. It’s likely you may be feeling trapped in your waking life and you need to take a break from everything that’s going on.
Aside from freedom, a dream about flying birds can also mean that you’ll have a happy and harmonious life. It could signify moments of emotional balance, joy, and harmony.
4- Good Fortune
To dream about a flock of birds is generally considered a good omen and could indicate that you’ll soon receive good fortune.
If you see colorful birds, it could mean that you’ll be fortunate in your career or business, but this will only come your way if you’re able to recognize the right opportunities. If you’re able to, you’ll most likely be able to enjoy financial success.
Another common meaning of this dream could be your desire to connect and build a deeper relationship with someone you like in your waking life.
5- Peace, Love, and Harmony
If you hear birds chirping in your dream, it could mean that you are or will soon experience love, peace, and harmony. It could also indicate that you will be free of your burdens, which means you have will have a happy, harmonious life.
Sometimes, chirping birds can be a sign that you’re about to experience something extraordinary. It could be work-related or something in your personal life.
6- Desires and Aspirations
To dream about setting a bird free resembles your desires and aspirations in life. It could be a sign that you’re an optimistic person and could mean that you have the freedom to choose how to live your life. It may also suggest that you have to follow your heart in order to have a happy life.
If you see a dead bird in your dream, it could have a negative interpretation. This dream could be a sign that your goals are no longer achievable or that you have lost something you have recently achieved. It may also signify a closing or the end of something important but on the other hand, it could also signify that you can now begin a new chapter of your life.
7- Time of Transformation
As mentioned earlier, the interpretation of your bird dream could change depending on the type of bird you saw. For example, if you dream about a black crow, it could mean that you’re going through a time of transformation, and you may be stressed because of the challenges you’re facing in your waking life.
However, these are good challenges because they will make you a better and stronger person. This dream may also signify that you’re changing something in your life.
Another example is a dream about a hummingbird which signifies speed, energy, agility, happiness, and diversity. Hummingbirds are a symbol of good luck and success in dreams and seeing one could mean that good news is coming your way.
8- Maturity
If you’re talking to a bird in your dream, it indicates that you’re a mature person. You may be the type of person who has a humble attitude and is good at getting through unpleasant situations. Because of your maturity, you are likely able to handle conflicts properly.
Aside from this, talking to a bird in your dream is also a sign of good news. To be precise, this dream could be a message that you will soon be happy, peaceful, and content with your life.
9- Sorrow and Distress
To dream about a dying bird is generally not considered a good sign since death is often associated with negativity. This kind of dream can represent your distress and sorrow. Probably, the challenges you’re facing in life are causing you to experience negative feelings.
This dream could also symbolize the hardships you’re facing in life. You may be going through some problems that you find difficult to overcome. It could also indicate that you’re about to experience some financial problems in your waking life.
10- Moral Support
Dreams about dead or dying birds can often be a sign that someone in your life may be needing moral support. This person could be a friend, family member, or you, yourself. If it’s someone else, you may not notice it because that person may not be showing it.
In this case, the dream could be telling you to be more observant and careful with your relationships. It may be time to show the people in your life that you care about them and that you’re there for them in times of need.
11- Success and Good Fortune
Some dreams about birds can symbolize success or failure in your waking life. For instance, catching a bird in your dream could be a sign that you will be successful in your career. It may also signify that you’ll soon be able to achieve your goals in life.
If your dream involves a bird’s egg, it could mean that success is on the horizon. However, it won’t be easy to achieve and you would have to wait for the right moment. Your dream could be telling you that perseverance is necessary for you to accomplish your goals.
Seeing a flock of birds in your dream is often regarded as a sign that good fortune is coming your way.
Wrapping Up
Dreams about birds typically have more positive than negative interpretations, but these depend on the context of the dream as well as the dreamer’s. The meaning of a dream cannot be deciphered just by looking at one specific detail. It’s important to look at the big picture, taking all the minute details into account, as these will help you interpret it most accurately.
Check out also the other interpretations of dreams about frogs, spiders, and peacocks.