The Bird
Among certain African tribes the Hammerkop is believed to be the lightning bird. Among others the lightning bird is believed to manifest itself only through lightning, except to women, to whom it reveals itself as a bird. In these instances the bird is of imaginary nature and may take several forms. In one instance a village girl described a black rooster-like bird that ran up her hoe and left claw marks on her body before it flew back to the clouds. In other instances it is described as having iridescent feathers like a peacock's or a fiery red tail, bill and legs.
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Famous quotes containing the word bird:
“Before the last went, heavy with dew,
Back to the place from which she came
Where the bird was before it flew,
Where the flower was before it grew,
Where bird and flower were one and the same.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.”
—Maya Angelou (b. 1928)