A survey of myths, folktales and beliefs that examine the roles birds play in human imagination, ritual and symbolism. The author collects traditions linking birds to prophecy, migration lore, religious legends, heraldry, witchcraft, weather signs, and fabulous creatures, and traces how specific species and plumage traits acquire symbolic meanings. Chapters combine ethnographic anecdotes, comparative examples and historical legends, treating topics from augury and messenger-birds to popular explanations of species origins and lightning lore. The book closes with regional tales, a bibliography and an index to guide further reading.