Bird Lore: The Myths, Folklore and Meaning of Birds

by Sally Coulthard

From bestselling author, Sally Coulthard, comes this charmingly illustrated guide to our favourite feathered friends 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

144 pages, Hardcover

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

After studying Archaeology & Anthropology at Oxford University, best-selling author and designer Sally Coulthard has spent the last twenty years designing, making and writing about homes, craft and outdoor spaces. She sees no boundary between the rules that govern good interior design and those which are needed to craft a spectacular studio or glorious garden.

Keen to make good design accessible, she’s written over twenty books about restoring houses, designing interiors and outdoor living. From garden styles to craftsmanship, creating workspaces to building sheds, Sally’s books inspire, encourage and equip readers to take on projects of their own.

Sally is a passionate advocate of rural living and regularly writes about nature and her experiences of smallholding deep in North Yorkshire countryside, including her ‘Good Life in Country’ column for Country Living magazine.

Reviews

[MKF · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't read this book cover to cover because the text is really small so it was extremely difficult. The art is very cartoon like which worked well with some birds but the majority just looked odd.

[C.E.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars
Could've added some more birds, but the writing was solid and the illustrations were adorable!

[Audrey Guinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading the historical lore related to each bird. The artistic renderings of the birds after each section were equally good. I would definitely recommend to others!

I do wish the author had put the birds in alphabetical order. And I wish the picture of the birds after each was at the beginning of each section so that I could keep the image in mind while reading about them.