The Secret Language of Birds: Art, Nature & Symbolism

An exquisitely illustrated reference guide to the symbolism of birds in art, myth and folklore throughout the ages.

From the goldfinch in Raphael’s Madonna del Cardellino to the sacred ibis on an ancient Egyptian wall painting and the quetzal feathers of an Aztec headdress, birds have always held a special place in human culture and belief systems. For millennia, humanity has imbued them with symbolic significance and as a result they are a constant source of fascination. But where did such symbolism come from? Why do we view some birds as special, while others are seen as comical or simply as food? The Secret Language of Birds examines forty-two birds and the diverse roles they have played across civilizations.

Written by renowned ornithologist Colin Rees, each individual profile offers a fresh perspective on our feathered friends, drawing from history, art, music, literature and folklore. These entries delve into the myriad ways people have worshipped, feared, hunted and consumed birds, utilized them as medicine, or relied on them to predict the weather. From well-known birds like the majestic crane, a symbol of longevity and harmony in Southeast Asia, to lesser-known species like the fierce cassowary, a bird integral to Dreamtime narratives among Australian Aboriginal groups, birds have played important roles in cultures around the world. Rees also details instances of bird persecution, and traces the derivation of bird names across Latin, English, Native American and African traditions, as well as those introduced by colonists worldwide.

Organized by habitat and richly illustrated with ornithological paintings, artworks and a broad range of contextual material, The Secret Language of Birds reveals how certain species have been perceived and why they continue to captivate our imaginations.

About the Author

Colin Rees is a natural scientist and has devoted his career to the conservation of the natural environment. He has a PhD in zoology from the University of Wisconsin and was a faculty member of the Zoology Department, University of Maryland. He has worked in several international development agencies and continues to support conservation activities in the United Kingdom and the United States. Rees is the author of many scientific papers and co-author of Birds of the Philippines and Birds of a Feather: Seasonal Changes on Both Sides of the Atlantic.