Indigenous languages * Native American cultures * Native American totem poles

Native American Vulture Mythology

Vultures are viewed negatively in most Native American tribes. In some tribes, they are considered unclean and symbols of death. In others, seeing vultures flying is considered an omen of danger or strife. In legends, Vulture usually plays the role of an aggressive troublemaker who lies, cheats, hoards resources that should belong to everyone, or uses his large size to bully other birds.

Sponsored Links


Native American Vulture Gods and Spirits

Urubutsin (Kamaiura)

Native American Legends About Vultures

*The Miraculous Twins:
    Brazilian Indian legend about the twin heroes who stole fire from the Vulture People.

Recommended Books of Vulture Stories from Native American Myth and Legend
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links

Jabuti the Tortoise: A Trickster Tale from the Amazon:
    Colorful picture book based on a Brazilian story about a jealous Vulture cracking the turtle Jabuti's shell.
Birds of Algonquin Legend:
    Interesting collection of legends about vultures and other birds in Algonquian tribes.
Native American Animal Stories:
    Great collection of American Indian tales about animals, told by Abenaki storyteller Joseph Bruchac.
Flights of Fancy: Birds in Myth, Legend, and Superstition:
    A good book on the meaning of birds in world mythology, including North and South America.



Back to Native animals of America
Back to American Indian tales
Back to Indian birds



Native American ancestry * Forest County Potawatomi * Native names * Greylock * Tribal Indian tattoos

Would you like to help support our organization's work with endangered American Indian languages?

Native Languages of the Americas website © 1998-2020 * Contacts and FAQ page