Is Bird Poop Good Luck?

Bird poop is often considered a nuisance, but surprisingly, in many cultures around the world, it’s seen as a sign of good luck, especially if it lands on you! This curious belief spans several countries and cultures, and it’s interesting to delve into why it’s regarded as a fortuitous event and the odds of it happening. We’ve rounded up bird poop superstitions from around the world.

Superstitions About Bird Poop

There are many superstitions about bird poop, both on you and your belongings! Bird poop is often seen as:

A Sign of Riches: In some superstitions, bird poop is believed to bring wealth or an improvement in one’s financial situation.
A Symbol of Fertility: In agricultural societies, birds are closely linked to nature and fertility. Their droppings, which fertilize the soil, are sometimes seen as a symbol of fertility and abundance.
A Premonition of Change: Some believe that being pooped on by a bird signifies an upcoming change or transition in the person’s life.

If a bird poops on you…

If a bird poops on your head or shoulder, it means you’ll have good luck or prosperity in the coming year. This is believed in parts of Asia.

Being pooped on outside your home is a sign of protection and good fortune, according to Mediterranean folklore. It means guardian spirits are watching over you.

In some cultures, being pooped on by certain birds like peacocks is an omen of good health, wealth, and success in your endeavors.

Some believe that if a bird poops directly on your head three times, it’s a warning sign of impending illness or danger.

If a bird poops on your house…

Finding bird droppings under your doorstep could mean a visitor is coming, according to English country traditions. The number of droppings correlates to number of guests.

Finding droppings inside the home is thought to be an omen that illness or bad luck will enter, depending on culture.

Finding chicken poop inside your home in parts of South America is thought to portend illness for the residents unless it’s quickly removed.

In some Mediterranean cultures like Italy and Greece, it’s considered lucky if a bird poops on you while you’re outside your home. It’s seen as a sign the gods are watching over and protecting you.

If bird poop lands on your clothes while they’re drying outside, it’s thought to portend money coming your way in the future.

If you see bird poop…

Seeing a bird poop as you leave on a journey is considered a sign you’ll have a safe and productive trip in parts of Europe and Asia.

In Colombia and Venezuela, seeing a colorful bird like a toucan or parrot defecate as you start a new project is a good omen that it will go well.

Bird Poop by Particular Bird Species

Argentine folklore says that if a blackbird poops on you, it represents obstacles or difficulties ahead that you’ll overcome.

In parts of Mexico and Central America, being pooped on by a parrot is considered very lucky. It means success, prosperity and protection.

If a dove poops on you in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, it signifies peace and good fortune coming your way.

In Brazil, if a toucan poops on your head, hair or clothes, it’s a sign you’ll receive money or blessings very soon.

In India, being pooped on by certain birds like peacocks is thought to bring good luck. Peacocks are sacred in Hinduism and associated with the goddess Saraswati.

In ancient Egypt, the bird Bennu that resembled a heron/phoenix was a symbol of soul journeys after death. Its droppings were said to have magical properties.

In many parts of Europe, especially the UK, it’s thought that if an owl poops on you, it brings good fortune and prosperity. The owl poop is seen as a blessing. This superstition may stem from owls historically being associated with wisdom in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Getting “blessed” by an owl was a sign of good things to come.

Why Is Bird Poop Considered a Good Omen?

Why is this seemingly unpleasant experience seen as a positive omen?

Rarity: One reason is the rarity of the event. Being pooped on by a bird is not a common occurrence, so when it does happen, it’s perceived as an unusual event that must be significant.

Symbolism of Birds: In many cultures, birds are seen as messengers or symbols of freedom and higher understanding. Therefore, an encounter with a bird, even in the form of being pooped on, can be interpreted as a meaningful sign.

Historical Beliefs: Some historical beliefs tie good fortune and birds together. In maritime cultures, for instance, seabirds were thought to carry the souls of lost sailors, so their presence (and droppings) was seen as a blessing.

The Odds of Being Pooped On by a Bird

The odds of a bird pooping on you are quite slim, which adds to the superstition’s allure. It’s a random occurrence, depending on factors like the number of birds in the area and the amount of time spent outdoors.

Statistically, it’s a low-probability event, which perhaps contributes to the belief in its significance as a rare sign of impending good luck.

Did You Know: On average, a single bird will poop between 1-45 times per day, depending on the species and individual. Smaller birds poop more frequently.
Large flocks of birds like pigeons in city parks can deposit over 1,000 pounds of droppings in a single day across the area.
Areas with high bird traffic like parks, beaches, and outdoor dining areas see more incidents. Walking under roosting areas or flocks increases odds.
Odds are higher for people who work outdoors regularly like park rangers or those who feed birds by hand.
Being directly under a flock in flight or a roost increases the odds dramatically.

While getting pooped on by a bird might not be a pleasant experience, the cultural and superstitious significance placed on this rare event transforms it into something potentially positive and hopeful. Whether you take it as a sign of good luck or just an inconvenient cleaning task, it’s undoubtedly a memorable bird encounter!