Birds are widely featured in various tattoo styles due to their straightforward designs and meaningful symbolism. They are also among the most frequently encountered animals in nature, making them a natural choice for many people.

Historically, birds have held significant meaning since the inception of American traditional tattooing. Sailors often chose to get swallows tattooed as a visible sign of their profession. It was believed that if they perished at sea, the swallows would guide their souls to the afterlife.

.

In contemporary tattoo culture, birds represent much more than just a maritime connection. They can symbolize freedom, bravery, and even the concept of travel. Different species of birds carry their own meanings, such as the dove, which signifies peace, faith, and purity, and the phoenix, which embodies rebirth and new beginnings.

Artist Pilar Zurita from Atelier Eva notes that birds symbolize various life stages and the importance of connection. She explains that many people select bird tattoos because they reflect the transient nature of life, serving as a metaphor for change and the instinct to maintain close bonds within a family.

.

.

Koral Ladna, a resident artist at INKED NYC, adds that bird tattoos are popular because they signify family ties and heritage. In her Ukrainian culture, birds are particularly representative of familial connections.