Ask a child, “What do birds say?” They will probably reply, “Tweet, tweet!”

We learned bird talk as children with various toys, poems, and nursery rhymes and later observed birds in nature.

I recently read an article about birds that symbolize or represent the 12 months of the year.  

The article didn’t mention the tweets, caws, hoots, screeches, or other bird chatter but described the birds’ natural traits that correlate to an individual’s birth month.

We know the birthstone for individuals born in July is a ruby, a symbol of passion and zeal. What’s the connection or symbolic meaning between birds, an individual’s birth month, and the individual?

There are 12 birth-month birds, with three months providing a choice.

Are birth-month birds a way of viewing people through creatures, like the astrological signs that represent traits based on the sun’s position on one’s birthdate?

I’m a Sagittarius or Sag based on the zodiac sign and my birthday. I’ve never believed that the constellations or being a Sagittarius determine my character or view of the world. I’m not into astrology, but I can’t say I haven’t read my horoscope at one time or another.

One article described a Sagittarius as a flame thrower or a ticking time bomb and a level-headed and deeply caring individual. These two extremes sound like a concoction no one should drink. But to each his own if that’s your cup of tea.

People love studying people and things to create symbolic correlations. They study gemstones, trees, animals, astrology, and other things relative to strengths, weaknesses, energy, desires, and other aspects of life.

The bird-month traits and characterizations are a coup of a similar sort, and I found them to be somewhat interesting.

My husband’s birth month is January. I was somewhat surprised to discover that the owl is the bird for January.

That’s a hoot!

My husband smirked when I told him with his eyes alight and an I-could-have-told-you-that look. “Owls are wise,” he added. He had no problem with his birthday month bird assignment.

Owls are very observant; few things supposedly escape a Januarian’s attention. People born in January are sponges; they are thoughtful and quiet. But their words are profound and meaningful when evoked and shared.

Born in December, my birth-month bird is the raven. My first thought was how God used ravens to feed the Prophet Elijah.

Community, fairness, and open-mindedness are important for those born in December. December folks value personal space and private time.

I can identify with some of these traits, especially fairness, keeping the peace, and alone time. Oh! And I don’t particularly appreciate being bossed around.

No symbolic creation or conjecture based on creatures, constellations, trees, stones, or anything else can convey the complexities of humans and their nature. But this won’t stop the researchers.

Here are a few more birds and their corresponding months.

February

Indigo Bunting

These birds have an internal clock that guides them while migrating at night. People born in February are creative, artistic, intuitive, and guided by their dreams and passions.  

The parrot is the second bird for February. People who identify with the parrot are free-spirited with big personalities and smarts. They inspire others with their magical view of the world.

March

March is the bird month for the American robin. People admire people born in March for their strength and resilience; they are comfortable being themselves. They are loyal to themselves, their loved ones, and the community. 

July

July individuals identify with the eagle that soars. They carry secrets to the grave. With big hearts and creative minds, patience is one of their traits.

August

August is the month of the kingfisher. This bird is loud and brash. People who relate to the kingfisher do not have to pretend they are confident. They are friendly and love meeting people and making friends.

September

September is the month of the hawk. People who identify with the hawk are admired for their humility, hard work, and ethics. They don’t follow trends but their own drumbeat.    

November

November has two birds, the rooster and the kestrel. People who identify with the rooster are great BFFs. They are looked to for advice and encouragement.

The second bird for November is the kestrel, a falcon. People who identify with the kestrel are true to themselves. They are direct, speak up, act, and think for themselves.

For more information, go to: 12 Birth Month Birds: Here’s What Your Bird Symbolizes – A-Z Animals (a-z-animals.com).

Be well.