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Native American Bluebird Mythology

Bluebirds are an important nature spirit in the traditions of many Native American cultures. In particular, Bluebird is a symbol of spring in many tribes. In Iroquois mythology, it is the singing of the bluebird that drives off the destructive demigod Tawiscaron (who represents winter.) Bluebirds are also associated with the wind by the Cherokees, and were believed to predict or even control the weather. The Navajo and Pueblo tribes associate bluebirds with the sun; in some Pueblo tribes, Bluebird is identified as the son of the Sun. The Hopi see the bluebird as a directional guardian, associated with the west.

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Bluebirds are also used as clan animals in some Native American cultures. Tribes with Bluebird Clans include the Hopi tribe (whose Bluebird Clan is named Choch-wungwa), the Navajo tribe (whose Bluebird Clan is called Dólii Dine’é,) and the Pueblo tribes. The Navajo also have a Bluebird Song among their tribal music traditions.

Native American Legends About Bluebirds

How the Bluebird Got Its Color * Bluebird and the Coyote:
    Pima legends about how Bluebird became blue.

Recommended Books of Bluebird Stories from Native American Myth and Legend
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Bluebird and Coyote:
    Children's book based on the legend of how Bluebird got her color.
Birds of Algonquin Legend:
    Interesting collection of legends about bluebirds and other birds in Algonquian tribes.
Flights of Fancy: Birds in Myth, Legend, and Superstition:
    A good book on the role of birds in world mythology, including North and South America.



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