8 Eye-Catching Tribal Bird Tattoo Ideas With Meaning

Soar high and fly free with strength with stunning body art!

Reviewed by Rodrigo Casco, Professional Tattoo and Body Piercing Artist Rodrigo Casco Rodrigo CascoProfessional Tattoo and Body Piercing Artist facebook_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon
Written by , BA (English Hons) Pahul Nanra BA (English Hons) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by , BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Fact-checked by , MSc Manjari Uppal MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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The demand for tribal bird tattoos has been on the rise recently. Birds have been esteemed as sacred motifs in many cultures, from the Native American civilization to the Māori culture. Tribal bird tattoos are often associated with the symbolism of freedom and strength, thereby allowing the wearer to manifest these attributes within oneself and move ahead in their life with their head held high. These tribal tattoos are visually pleasing and can be etched in different tattoo styles, such as traditional, illustrative, and more. If you wish to learn more about this trending topic, then continue reading this article!

Meaning Of Tribal Bird Tattoos

A tribal bird tattoo is often associated with freedom, a connection to nature, and spirituality. Bird tattoos are also known for representing strength, cultural heritage, and resilience. Each different species of bird and their tribal patterns can carry unique meanings, thereby reflecting personal stories, beliefs, and artistic traditions. For example,

  • A phoenix represents rebirth and a hope for new beginnings
  • A dove symbolizes peace, growth, and spirituality
  • An eagle signifies reaching new heights.
  • Ravens and crows both represent intelligence

Apart from this, birds mentioned in literature could signify one’s love for reading. In general, flying birds tend to depict setting course for a new adventure or reaching for new goals.

In some cultures, birds are messengers of the gods that send people on spiritual quests. They also represent certain deities, such Zeus as an eagle, Horus as the head of a falcon, Apollo as a crow, Artemis as an owl, and more.

Additionally, if you like the supernatural, then you’d be delighted to know that some mystical beings often transform into birds. For example, vampires were believed to transform into bats or ravens to watchover people or find their next prey.

Now that we have covered the meaning behind tribal tattoo designs, let’s check out some stunning design references below as well!

8 Adorable Tribal Bird Tattoo Designs With Pictures

Explore our collection of 8 gorgeous tribal bird tattoo designs that not only offer a visually-alluring aesthetic but also deep symbolism of freedom and strength!

1. Tribal Phoenix Bird Tattoo

A woman with a black tribal phoenix bird tattoo on her upper arm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Phoenix bird tattoos often symbolize rebirth and the tribal pattern adds cultural significance to the design. The rich black ink adds depth and dimension to the design, offering a contrasting look against the wearer’s skin. The upper arm placement makes the design stand out and displays all the intricate details perfectly.

2. Tribal Iwa Bird Tattoo

A woman with a black iwa tribal bird tattoo on her upper arm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Iwa bird tattoos often represent direction in Hawaiian culture. The bird, referred to as the ‘storm bird’, is also associated with resilience and strength. The single-hue color palette ensures the focus remains on the design, so its beauty and pattern can be appreciated. The tattoo exudes elegance and boldness.

3. Tribal ‘Bird Of Paradise’ Tattoo Design

A woman with a black tribal bird of paradise tattoo on her upper arm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This tribal ‘bird of paradise’ tattoo, rendered in rich black ink, has us all mesmerized! The tattoo features the bird with flowing feathers and tribal patterns in the backdrop. The bird of paradise symbolizes a desire for adventure, the unknown, and new experiences. The tattoo is an ideal choice for anyone who sees themselves as a traveler and explorer.

4. Tribal Bird Tattoo For Men

A man with a black tribal bird tattoo on his upper arm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Who said a tribal bird tattoo for men has to be masculine? This small birdie tattoo, crafted in black ink, is here to show that men can be secure in their masculinity whilst still flaunting cute and quirky bird tattoos. The design features a petite bird, created in a tribal style that gives it a charming look but also ensures it does not seem overpowering on the skin. The tattoo is a perfect blend of a bold minimalist design with a hint of quirky.

5. Tribal Maori Bird Tattoo

A woman with a black tribal maori bird tattoo on her upper arm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

A maori bird often represents a spiritual guardian and symbolizes protection and strength. Etching the popular bird in a tribal aesthetic and traditional pattern increases its cultural significance while enhancing its visual appearance. The design, crafted in rich black ink again, exudes subtle boldness, making it a striking masterpiece that is bound to look stunning on anyone.

6. Tribal Blue Bird Tattoo

A woman with a blue tribal bird tattoo on her upper arm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This tribal blue bird tattoo symbolizes renewal, happiness, and harmony. The bird often embodies peace, freedom, and a deep connection to nature. The tattoo is a good option for anyone looking to add color to their body art without getting too vibrant. The upper arm placement is also ideal, as the design stands out against the skin and all the intricate details are properly displayed.

7. Bird Family Tribal Tattoo

A woman with a black tribal bird family tattoo on her upper arm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

A bird family tribal tattoo often symbolizes protection, unity, and a connection to heritage. This design cleverly merges the tribal tattoo style with two birds, offering a true masterpiece that covers the rich familial significance of the creatures. Though the birds are not etched in a traditional manner, this design is a brilliant conversation starter and gives a hint at the creative mind of the wearer.

8. Tribal Bird Back Tattoo

A woman with a black tribal bird tattoo on her back
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

The back is a great place for tattoos given its large area. It allows for more elaborate and creative designs that may comprise more than one element or pattern.Take inspiration from this bird tattoo filled in with intricate tribal patterns. In some cultures, tribal bird tattoos are associated with messages from the gods. The messages generally set you on the course of your destination or act as protective talismans.

Tribal bird tattoos have definitely made their mark in the body art industry! These tattoos are often rendered in rich black ink that captures the true essence of the tribal theme and also ensures all the intricate details are showcased well. Mythical birds like the phoenix and real creatures like the Maori, each offer their own symbolism and rendering them in a traditional tribal pattern boosts their value and significance. So if you ever wish to get inked with these stunning tattoos but are dealing with lack of design inspiration, you now know which page to land on!

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Rodrigo Casco
Rodrigo CascoProfessional Tattoo and Body Piercing Artist
Rodrigo Casco is an Argentine tattoo artist. He has 21 years of experience designing tattoos. He has done tattooing by hand as well as created his own tattoo machines. He has won multiple awards and stood first in national and international tattoo conventions, is a judge at events, and also gives many seminars.

Read full bio of Rodrigo Casco
Pahul Nanra
Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

Read full bio of Pahul Nanra
Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
Manjari Uppal
Manjari Uppal Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience in writing across different niches, including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has since honed her craft to perfection.

Read full bio of Manjari Uppal