Bird Lore: The Myths, Folklore and Meaning of Birds

Published in 2025
144 pages

epub



Best-selling author Sally Coulthard has written extensively about nature, craft and outdoor living. She writes a column for Country Living magazine, called ‘A Good Life in the Country’, and runs a smallholding in rural Yorkshire. Her other books include The Bee BibleThe Hedgehog HandbookThe Little Book of Snow and The Little Book of Building Fires. She has previously published three books with Quadrille including, Crafted: A Compendium of Crafts Old, New & ForgottenSuperstitions: A Book of Common Folk Beliefs and Floriography: The Myths, Magic & Language of Flowers.

What is this book about?
From bestselling author, Sally Coulthard, comes this charmingly illustrated guide to our favorite feathered friends and the myths and folklore that surround their lives.

Even today, birds are hugely symbolic. From songbirds to seagulls, nightingales to morning larks, we still use the cultural language of the avian world. Doves bring peace, storks carry newborn babies. Robins mark Christmas, hens Easter. Blackbirds and thrushes herald the dawn, owls welcome in the night. Even in our modern, rational world, magpies and peacocks still invite superstitions.

In her new book, Sally takes a fascinating flight through the myths, magic and meaning of birds. Covering 50 well-loved avian species from across the world, she glides through their folklore, legends and symbolism. From common sayings to strange superstitions, ancient beliefs to modern celebrations, this gloriously illustrated and international guide reveals that Bird Lore is as alive and vibrant as it ever was.