A bird tattoo most often means freedom and flight. There are an amazing amount of birds you can use in tattoo art, with meanings ranging from death and the macabre, to joy and happiness, but any flying bird tattoo, avian hunter, or cute profile is a piece meant to convey the flight of ideas and freedom of expression. With so many possibilities for deeper exploration, your bird tattoo can have a broad meaning and be aesthetically inclined, or be specific to the application technique and traditional concept that you have created. The article below explains how your bird tattoo meaning can create brilliant body art details 10 of the most popular bird choices. You will also find links throughout to some of our other articles on these subjects as well. Wider Bird Symbolism in Tattoo Art Source: @colinwhitfieldtattoos via Instagram The many types and styles of bird tattoo designs all communicate freedom and a yearning to fly. When it comes to birds that soar across the open skies, it’s easy to look up and admire their free-spirited nature, and the chance to gaze down at everything while moving along with the wind. There are countless bird and feather tattoo design options that can appeal to all types of collectors, with each symbolizing unique concepts from different cultures and religions across the world. A wider bird tattoo idea is truly versatile, with people choosing specific types, sizes, and styles of bird to create deeper symbolism in the design message.
What Does a Silhouetted Flock of Birds Tattoo Mean? Source: @gunescaglier via Instagram Often, a simple yet effective way to express this traditional freedom in tattoo is to show a flock of birds in flight, escaping a cage, or at rest (such as on a wire). Silhouettes are utilized as an application feature by the tattoo artist to fully realize the idea of freedom and movement without having to display heavy details in an otherwise small bird design. This works from both a cost control and style standpoint, with a simple black bird often being the cheapest method yet smartly maintaining the initial message of the body art. Source: @helen_tinc_etherington via Instagram Feather Tattoo Meanings
Many tattoo lovers connect the feather to travel, and freedom, while in Native American culture it signifies trust, honor, strength, freedom, and wisdom. Some people attach supernatural connotations, historical meaning, and even aspects of luck and superstition in the depiction of their feather tattoo idea. The feather is one of the simplest but most poignant symbols used in almost every application style, its meaningful origins appealing to every type of body art collector to give extra symbolic or aesthetic significance to your idea.
See more about - Feather Tattoo Meaning
Ten Popular Symbolic Bird Tattoo Meanings
- Crane Tattoo and Origami Bird Symbolism
The crane tattoo design is used to express hope and optimism for a bright and peaceful future. It also represents strength, reliability, and hopeful optimism. To sport a crane tattoo is to take pride in one’s efforts to improve themselves. In Greek mythology, the crane represents the God of the Sun, symboling new opportunity and growth. Cranes are treasured creatures to the Japanese, who see them as symbols of longevity, monogamy, and good fortune. The crane is popular in traditional tattooing but is also a part of the contemporary origami style. The beautiful art of folding paper is a huge cultural export from Japan that has garnered appreciation in more avant-garde bird tattoo art. Paper cranes are a favored incarnation of the origami bird due to their old-school aesthetic and cultural cachet.
- Eagle Tattoo Meanings
The eagle tattoo has long represented America’s official mascot, a winged version of all the USA stands for, freedom, courage, and a keen eye on the horizon. American Eagle tattoo designs create the most powerfully patriotic symbol of freedom and ferocity, however, the eagle tattoo’s rich symbolism dates back thousands of years, spanning multiple countries and cultures. The eagle is a ferocious and elegant bird of prey that has long been seen as a tattoo idea communicating nobility, strength, and bravery. The traditional eagle motif often shows the bird – in profile, hunting, or as a flying bird – as a symbol of masculinity, power, dominance, focus, and strength. The eagle feather is also a tattoo idea with great connection to nobility and bravery within Native American culture.
- Peacock Tattoo Meanings
Peacocks are native to the sub-continent and in Hinduism (and Indian feather tattoo meaning) are associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, beauty, and fertility. In Ancient Greece, the peacock pulled the chariots of the Goddess Hera and was said to carry the eyes of the stars in their plumage. The “thousand eyes” contained in the peacock’s tail feathers reinforce the mystical nature, inspiring deeper significance and many peacock feather tattoo designs. In Christian-themed peacock tattoo designs, there is more complex and multifarious significance. The “eye” in a peacock feather tattoo may represent the all-seeing nature of the church, while the way male birds shed their feathers to regrow them each year is associated with Jesus’ resurrection.
- Owl Tattoo Meanings
Many believe owls are symbols of wisdom and truth, making the glorious nocturnal bird a popular design choice with strong symbolic meaning. In Native American culture, as well as other prominent societies such as Ancient Egypt and Rome, owl tattoo designs are linked with death and can be considered a bad omen that signifies the oncoming loss of life. Others consider a beautiful owl piece or feather tattoo design to be related to change, exemplified by the owl making its hoot heard to announce its presence or a flying bird on the hunt representing focus.
See more about - Owl Tattoo Meaning
- Sparrow Tattoo Designs
A sparrow is a sentimental small bird tattoo choice linked with feelings of happiness, joy, and peace that can be displayed in a wide range of application styles. The sparrow has a long history of symbolic cultural and tattoo interpretation, with their small size and bright nature providing a good luck element to body art concepts, especially flying birds tattoo. The sparrow tattoo is also linked to the idea of freedom and protection, making it a popular prison tattoo choice for those inmates who have achieved or still dream of being out of the system.
See more about - Sparrow Tattoo Meaning
- Dove Tattoo Meanings
A dove tattoo displays peace and positivity. Since the time of Genesis, these beautiful birds have represented romance and security. In fact, it was a dove that notified Noah about nearby land after the flood had ended. Because of this, they have become known as harbingers of peaceful times, so a dove can be chosen as a flying bird tattoo during times when harmony is needed, or a resolution had been achieved. Doves are also used in angel and other religious tattoos as a symbol of Christianity and are popular thematically for celebrating marriage.
Hummingbird Tattoo Source: @mohammed_unoose via Instagram A hummingbird tattoo offers a bounty of positivity. Their speedy movements are an inspirational sight, and by moving their wings in a sideways figure-eight, hummingbirds are often thought to be associated with infinity. These quaint little friends are extremely fond of nectar, so a hummingbird tattoo will constantly remind you to focus on the sweet things in life. They also do not fare well in captivity, so the birds are regularly attached to the importance of freedom. The hummingbird is also popular with lovers of rich, colorful tattoo ideas such as watercolor ink or neo-contemporary design, because of their hues of yellow, green, and ruby plumage.
Raven Tattoo Symbolism
Ravens are a deeply symbolic bird known for their great intelligence, with links to positive (wisdom, strength, curiosity) and negative (death, dark superstition, bad luck) themed tattoo ideas. A blackbird can represent death and ill luck in many ancient cultures (as does a crow tattoo or those with a skull component), however, their intelligence, curiosity, and foresight made them symbols of great power and omen in Norse Mythology and Native American tribal society. Raven tattoo meaning in modern body art reflects numerous personality traits and behaviors, making them a popular tattoo idea for collectors looking for eye-catching body art with deep symbolism.
See more about - Raven Tattoo Meaning
- Swallow Tattoo Designs
An old-school swallow tattoo done in American traditional style has long been an incredibly meaningful choice for sailors and tattoo enthusiasts alike. Though a far more commonplace sight today, a swallow still stands for loyalty, protection, seeking home, and ultimately, it symbolizes love. Back in the day, a sailor had to cross 5,000 miles of ocean to earn a swallow tattooed on their hands or forearm. Now, a barn swallow tattoo is as accessible as the nearest tattoo artist with a stencil pad and equipment. While any style can be applied, there is something timeless and beautiful about a boldly outlined, simple bird tattoo inked in solid colors or shaded in black and gray. Source: @maddiemorrill_art via Instagram 10. Phoenix Tattoo Meanings
The only completely fantastic bird in this collection, a phoenix may be the most symbolic bird tattoo design of the group. The phoenix tattoo traditionally represents regeneration, rebirth, and new beginnings, and is also heavily linked to renewal by fire. A phoenix rising tattoo symbolizes that an individual has braved the fire of difficult times but has survived and regenerated to start again in a better frame. They transition through different applications and techniques, across a range of styles, colors, sizes, and patterns, and can be found in everything from minimalist tattoos to fully realized colorfully epic back tattoos.
See more about - Phoenix Tattoo Meaning
Source: @kosta2 via Instagram Conclusion While ostensibly a tattoo choice for those seeking an emblem of freedom, there is an amazing range of options in symbolic bird tattoo design that you can incorporate into your favorite design. While any bird, its feathers, and wings can be incorporated into the idea of a free spirit, by choosing a specific type of bird tattoo idea you can sharpen the symbolic meaning, or attach yourself to personality and behaviors that you find compelling.
See more about - Tiger Tattoo Meanings
A bird tattoo most often means freedom and flight. There are an amazing amount of birds you can use in tattoo art, with meanings ranging from death and the macabre, to joy and happiness, but any flying bird tattoo, avian hunter, or cute profile is a piece meant to convey the flight of ideas and freedom of expression. With so many possibilities for deeper exploration, your bird tattoo can have a broad meaning and be aesthetically inclined, or be specific to the application technique and traditional concept that you have created. The article below explains how your bird tattoo meaning can create brilliant body art details 10 of the most popular bird choices. You will also find links throughout to some of our other articles on these subjects as well. Wider Bird Symbolism in Tattoo Art Source: @colinwhitfieldtattoos via Instagram The many types and styles of bird tattoo designs all communicate freedom and a yearning to fly. When it comes to birds that soar across the open skies, it’s easy to look up and admire their free-spirited nature, and the chance to gaze down at everything while moving along with the wind. There are countless bird and feather tattoo design options that can appeal to all types of collectors, with each symbolizing unique concepts from different cultures and religions across the world. A wider bird tattoo idea is truly versatile, with people choosing specific types, sizes, and styles of bird to create deeper symbolism in the design message.
What Does a Silhouetted Flock of Birds Tattoo Mean? Source: @gunescaglier via Instagram Often, a simple yet effective way to express this traditional freedom in tattoo is to show a flock of birds in flight, escaping a cage, or at rest (such as on a wire). Silhouettes are utilized as an application feature by the tattoo artist to fully realize the idea of freedom and movement without having to display heavy details in an otherwise small bird design. This works from both a cost control and style standpoint, with a simple black bird often being the cheapest method yet smartly maintaining the initial message of the body art. Source: @helen_tinc_etherington via Instagram Feather Tattoo Meanings
Many tattoo lovers connect the feather to travel, and freedom, while in Native American culture it signifies trust, honor, strength, freedom, and wisdom. Some people attach supernatural connotations, historical meaning, and even aspects of luck and superstition in the depiction of their feather tattoo idea. The feather is one of the simplest but most poignant symbols used in almost every application style, its meaningful origins appealing to every type of body art collector to give extra symbolic or aesthetic significance to your idea.
See more about - Feather Tattoo Meaning
Ten Popular Symbolic Bird Tattoo Meanings
- Crane Tattoo and Origami Bird Symbolism
The crane tattoo design is used to express hope and optimism for a bright and peaceful future. It also represents strength, reliability, and hopeful optimism. To sport a crane tattoo is to take pride in one’s efforts to improve themselves. In Greek mythology, the crane represents the God of the Sun, symboling new opportunity and growth. Cranes are treasured creatures to the Japanese, who see them as symbols of longevity, monogamy, and good fortune. The crane is popular in traditional tattooing but is also a part of the contemporary origami style. The beautiful art of folding paper is a huge cultural export from Japan that has garnered appreciation in more avant-garde bird tattoo art. Paper cranes are a favored incarnation of the origami bird due to their old-school aesthetic and cultural cachet.
- Eagle Tattoo Meanings
The eagle tattoo has long represented America’s official mascot, a winged version of all the USA stands for, freedom, courage, and a keen eye on the horizon. American Eagle tattoo designs create the most powerfully patriotic symbol of freedom and ferocity, however, the eagle tattoo’s rich symbolism dates back thousands of years, spanning multiple countries and cultures. The eagle is a ferocious and elegant bird of prey that has long been seen as a tattoo idea communicating nobility, strength, and bravery. The traditional eagle motif often shows the bird – in profile, hunting, or as a flying bird – as a symbol of masculinity, power, dominance, focus, and strength. The eagle feather is also a tattoo idea with great connection to nobility and bravery within Native American culture.
- Peacock Tattoo Meanings
Peacocks are native to the sub-continent and in Hinduism (and Indian feather tattoo meaning) are associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, beauty, and fertility. In Ancient Greece, the peacock pulled the chariots of the Goddess Hera and was said to carry the eyes of the stars in their plumage. The “thousand eyes” contained in the peacock’s tail feathers reinforce the mystical nature, inspiring deeper significance and many peacock feather tattoo designs. In Christian-themed peacock tattoo designs, there is more complex and multifarious significance. The “eye” in a peacock feather tattoo may represent the all-seeing nature of the church, while the way male birds shed their feathers to regrow them each year is associated with Jesus’ resurrection.
- Owl Tattoo Meanings
Many believe owls are symbols of wisdom and truth, making the glorious nocturnal bird a popular design choice with strong symbolic meaning. In Native American culture, as well as other prominent societies such as Ancient Egypt and Rome, owl tattoo designs are linked with death and can be considered a bad omen that signifies the oncoming loss of life. Others consider a beautiful owl piece or feather tattoo design to be related to change, exemplified by the owl making its hoot heard to announce its presence or a flying bird on the hunt representing focus.
See more about - Owl Tattoo Meaning
- Sparrow Tattoo Designs
A sparrow is a sentimental small bird tattoo choice linked with feelings of happiness, joy, and peace that can be displayed in a wide range of application styles. The sparrow has a long history of symbolic cultural and tattoo interpretation, with their small size and bright nature providing a good luck element to body art concepts, especially flying birds tattoo. The sparrow tattoo is also linked to the idea of freedom and protection, making it a popular prison tattoo choice for those inmates who have achieved or still dream of being out of the system.
See more about - Sparrow Tattoo Meaning
- Dove Tattoo Meanings
A dove tattoo displays peace and positivity. Since the time of Genesis, these beautiful birds have represented romance and security. In fact, it was a dove that notified Noah about nearby land after the flood had ended. Because of this, they have become known as harbingers of peaceful times, so a dove can be chosen as a flying bird tattoo during times when harmony is needed, or a resolution had been achieved. Doves are also used in angel and other religious tattoos as a symbol of Christianity and are popular thematically for celebrating marriage.
Hummingbird Tattoo Source: @mohammed_unoose via Instagram A hummingbird tattoo offers a bounty of positivity. Their speedy movements are an inspirational sight, and by moving their wings in a sideways figure-eight, hummingbirds are often thought to be associated with infinity. These quaint little friends are extremely fond of nectar, so a hummingbird tattoo will constantly remind you to focus on the sweet things in life. They also do not fare well in captivity, so the birds are regularly attached to the importance of freedom. The hummingbird is also popular with lovers of rich, colorful tattoo ideas such as watercolor ink or neo-contemporary design, because of their hues of yellow, green, and ruby plumage.
Raven Tattoo Symbolism
Ravens are a deeply symbolic bird known for their great intelligence, with links to positive (wisdom, strength, curiosity) and negative (death, dark superstition, bad luck) themed tattoo ideas. A blackbird can represent death and ill luck in many ancient cultures (as does a crow tattoo or those with a skull component), however, their intelligence, curiosity, and foresight made them symbols of great power and omen in Norse Mythology and Native American tribal society. Raven tattoo meaning in modern body art reflects numerous personality traits and behaviors, making them a popular tattoo idea for collectors looking for eye-catching body art with deep symbolism.
See more about - Raven Tattoo Meaning
- Swallow Tattoo Designs
An old-school swallow tattoo done in American traditional style has long been an incredibly meaningful choice for sailors and tattoo enthusiasts alike. Though a far more commonplace sight today, a swallow still stands for loyalty, protection, seeking home, and ultimately, it symbolizes love. Back in the day, a sailor had to cross 5,000 miles of ocean to earn a swallow tattooed on their hands or forearm. Now, a barn swallow tattoo is as accessible as the nearest tattoo artist with a stencil pad and equipment. While any style can be applied, there is something timeless and beautiful about a boldly outlined, simple bird tattoo inked in solid colors or shaded in black and gray. Source: @maddiemorrill_art via Instagram 10. Phoenix Tattoo Meanings
The only completely fantastic bird in this collection, a phoenix may be the most symbolic bird tattoo design of the group. The phoenix tattoo traditionally represents regeneration, rebirth, and new beginnings, and is also heavily linked to renewal by fire. A phoenix rising tattoo symbolizes that an individual has braved the fire of difficult times but has survived and regenerated to start again in a better frame. They transition through different applications and techniques, across a range of styles, colors, sizes, and patterns, and can be found in everything from minimalist tattoos to fully realized colorfully epic back tattoos.
See more about - Phoenix Tattoo Meaning
Source: @kosta2 via Instagram Conclusion While ostensibly a tattoo choice for those seeking an emblem of freedom, there is an amazing range of options in symbolic bird tattoo design that you can incorporate into your favorite design. While any bird, its feathers, and wings can be incorporated into the idea of a free spirit, by choosing a specific type of bird tattoo idea you can sharpen the symbolic meaning, or attach yourself to personality and behaviors that you find compelling.
See more about - Tiger Tattoo Meanings
A bird tattoo most often means freedom and flight.
There are an amazing amount of birds you can use in tattoo art, with meanings ranging from death and the macabre, to joy and happiness, but any flying bird tattoo, avian hunter, or cute profile is a piece meant to convey the flight of ideas and freedom of expression.
With so many possibilities for deeper exploration, your bird tattoo can have a broad meaning and be aesthetically inclined, or be specific to the application technique and traditional concept that you have created.
The article below explains how your bird tattoo meaning can create brilliant body art details 10 of the most popular bird choices. You will also find links throughout to some of our other articles on these subjects as well.
Wider Bird Symbolism in Tattoo Art
Source: @colinwhitfieldtattoos via Instagram
The many types and styles of bird tattoo designs all communicate freedom and a yearning to fly.
When it comes to birds that soar across the open skies, it’s easy to look up and admire their free-spirited nature, and the chance to gaze down at everything while moving along with the wind.
There are countless bird and feather tattoo design options that can appeal to all types of collectors, with each symbolizing unique concepts from different cultures and religions across the world.
A wider bird tattoo idea is truly versatile, with people choosing specific types, sizes, and styles of bird to create deeper symbolism in the design message.
What Does a Silhouetted Flock of Birds Tattoo Mean?
Source: @gunescaglier via Instagram
Often, a simple yet effective way to express this traditional freedom in tattoo is to show a flock of birds in flight, escaping a cage, or at rest (such as on a wire).
Silhouettes are utilized as an application feature by the tattoo artist to fully realize the idea of freedom and movement without having to display heavy details in an otherwise small bird design.
This works from both a cost control and style standpoint, with a simple black bird often being the cheapest method yet smartly maintaining the initial message of the body art.
Source: @helen_tinc_etherington via Instagram
Feather Tattoo Meanings
Many tattoo lovers connect the feather to travel, and freedom, while in Native American culture it signifies trust, honor, strength, freedom, and wisdom.
Some people attach supernatural connotations, historical meaning, and even aspects of luck and superstition in the depiction of their feather tattoo idea.
The feather is one of the simplest but most poignant symbols used in almost every application style, its meaningful origins appealing to every type of body art collector to give extra symbolic or aesthetic significance to your idea.
See more about - Feather Tattoo Meaning
See more about - Feather Tattoo Meaning
Ten Popular Symbolic Bird Tattoo Meanings
1. Crane Tattoo and Origami Bird Symbolism
The crane tattoo design is used to express hope and optimism for a bright and peaceful future. It also represents strength, reliability, and hopeful optimism.
To sport a crane tattoo is to take pride in one’s efforts to improve themselves.
In Greek mythology, the crane represents the God of the Sun, symboling new opportunity and growth. Cranes are treasured creatures to the Japanese, who see them as symbols of longevity, monogamy, and good fortune.
The crane is popular in traditional tattooing but is also a part of the contemporary origami style.
The beautiful art of folding paper is a huge cultural export from Japan that has garnered appreciation in more avant-garde bird tattoo art.
Paper cranes are a favored incarnation of the origami bird due to their old-school aesthetic and cultural cachet.
2. Eagle Tattoo Meanings
The eagle tattoo has long represented America’s official mascot, a winged version of all the USA stands for, freedom, courage, and a keen eye on the horizon.
American Eagle tattoo designs create the most powerfully patriotic symbol of freedom and ferocity, however, the eagle tattoo’s rich symbolism dates back thousands of years, spanning multiple countries and cultures.
The eagle is a ferocious and elegant bird of prey that has long been seen as a tattoo idea communicating nobility, strength, and bravery.
The traditional eagle motif often shows the bird – in profile, hunting, or as a flying bird – as a symbol of masculinity, power, dominance, focus, and strength.
The eagle feather is also a tattoo idea with great connection to nobility and bravery within Native American culture.
3. Peacock Tattoo Meanings
Peacocks are native to the sub-continent and in Hinduism (and Indian feather tattoo meaning) are associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, beauty, and fertility.
In Ancient Greece, the peacock pulled the chariots of the Goddess Hera and was said to carry the eyes of the stars in their plumage.
The “thousand eyes” contained in the peacock’s tail feathers reinforce the mystical nature, inspiring deeper significance and many peacock feather tattoo designs.
In Christian-themed peacock tattoo designs, there is more complex and multifarious significance.
The “eye” in a peacock feather tattoo may represent the all-seeing nature of the church, while the way male birds shed their feathers to regrow them each year is associated with Jesus’ resurrection.
4. Owl Tattoo Meanings
Many believe owls are symbols of wisdom and truth, making the glorious nocturnal bird a popular design choice with strong symbolic meaning.
In Native American culture, as well as other prominent societies such as Ancient Egypt and Rome, owl tattoo designs are linked with death and can be considered a bad omen that signifies the oncoming loss of life.
Others consider a beautiful owl piece or feather tattoo design to be related to change, exemplified by the owl making its hoot heard to announce its presence or a flying bird on the hunt representing focus.
See more about - Owl Tattoo Meaning
See more about - Owl Tattoo Meaning
5. Sparrow Tattoo Designs
A sparrow is a sentimental small bird tattoo choice linked with feelings of happiness, joy, and peace that can be displayed in a wide range of application styles.
The sparrow has a long history of symbolic cultural and tattoo interpretation, with their small size and bright nature providing a good luck element to body art concepts, especially flying birds tattoo.
The sparrow tattoo is also linked to the idea of freedom and protection, making it a popular prison tattoo choice for those inmates who have achieved or still dream of being out of the system.
See more about - Sparrow Tattoo Meaning
See more about - Sparrow Tattoo Meaning
6. Dove Tattoo Meanings
A dove tattoo displays peace and positivity.
Since the time of Genesis, these beautiful birds have represented romance and security. In fact, it was a dove that notified Noah about nearby land after the flood had ended.
Because of this, they have become known as harbingers of peaceful times, so a dove can be chosen as a flying bird tattoo during times when harmony is needed, or a resolution had been achieved.
Doves are also used in angel and other religious tattoos as a symbol of Christianity and are popular thematically for celebrating marriage.
7. Hummingbird Tattoo
Source: @mohammed_unoose via Instagram
A hummingbird tattoo offers a bounty of positivity.
Their speedy movements are an inspirational sight, and by moving their wings in a sideways figure-eight, hummingbirds are often thought to be associated with infinity.
These quaint little friends are extremely fond of nectar, so a hummingbird tattoo will constantly remind you to focus on the sweet things in life. They also do not fare well in captivity, so the birds are regularly attached to the importance of freedom.
The hummingbird is also popular with lovers of rich, colorful tattoo ideas such as watercolor ink or neo-contemporary design, because of their hues of yellow, green, and ruby plumage.
8. Raven Tattoo Symbolism
Ravens are a deeply symbolic bird known for their great intelligence, with links to positive (wisdom, strength, curiosity) and negative (death, dark superstition, bad luck) themed tattoo ideas.
A blackbird can represent death and ill luck in many ancient cultures (as does a crow tattoo or those with a skull component), however, their intelligence, curiosity, and foresight made them symbols of great power and omen in Norse Mythology and Native American tribal society.
Raven tattoo meaning in modern body art reflects numerous personality traits and behaviors, making them a popular tattoo idea for collectors looking for eye-catching body art with deep symbolism.
See more about - Raven Tattoo Meaning
See more about - Raven Tattoo Meaning
9. Swallow Tattoo Designs
An old-school swallow tattoo done in American traditional style has long been an incredibly meaningful choice for sailors and tattoo enthusiasts alike.
Though a far more commonplace sight today, a swallow still stands for loyalty, protection, seeking home, and ultimately, it symbolizes love.
Back in the day, a sailor had to cross 5,000 miles of ocean to earn a swallow tattooed on their hands or forearm.
Now, a barn swallow tattoo is as accessible as the nearest tattoo artist with a stencil pad and equipment.
While any style can be applied, there is something timeless and beautiful about a boldly outlined, simple bird tattoo inked in solid colors or shaded in black and gray.
Source: @maddiemorrill_art via Instagram
10. Phoenix Tattoo Meanings
The only completely fantastic bird in this collection, a phoenix may be the most symbolic bird tattoo design of the group.
The phoenix tattoo traditionally represents regeneration, rebirth, and new beginnings, and is also heavily linked to renewal by fire.
A phoenix rising tattoo symbolizes that an individual has braved the fire of difficult times but has survived and regenerated to start again in a better frame.
They transition through different applications and techniques, across a range of styles, colors, sizes, and patterns, and can be found in everything from minimalist tattoos to fully realized colorfully epic back tattoos.
See more about - Phoenix Tattoo Meaning
Source: @kosta2 via Instagram
Conclusion
While ostensibly a tattoo choice for those seeking an emblem of freedom, there is an amazing range of options in symbolic bird tattoo design that you can incorporate into your favorite design.
See more about - Phoenix Tattoo Meaning
While any bird, its feathers, and wings can be incorporated into the idea of a free spirit, by choosing a specific type of bird tattoo idea you can sharpen the symbolic meaning, or attach yourself to personality and behaviors that you find compelling.
See more about - Tiger Tattoo Meanings
See more about - Tiger Tattoo Meanings