Bird-themed Myths, Folklore, Fables
These stories often provide creative explanations for why birds behave the way they do. Sometimes they are fanciful tales whose origin is lost in time, but have become an integral part of the storytelling tradition of each culture, often with moral lessons interwoven.
A Tale of Two Rice Birds
By Clare Hodgson Meeker
Illustrated by Christine Lamb
1994
Bakawan (Mangroves)
By Catherine Yu Untalan, Reena Rae De Leon Sarmiento, Mae Astrid Tobias
Illustrated by Van Zeus Allen Bascon
2009
Between Heaven and Earth: Bird Tales from Around the World
By Howard Norman
Illustrated by Leo Dillon & Diane Dillon
2004
Chawi the Drongo Bird Learns a Lesson
By -
2005
Chinese Fables Remembered
By Miwa Kurita
Illustrated by Saoko Mitsukuri
2006
How the Rooster Got His Crown
By Amy Lowry Poole
1999
Hua Lo Puu (Hua Lo Poo)
By Murti Bunanta
Illustrated by Hardiyono
2005
Isang Mayang Uhaw (A Thirsty Sparrow)
By Virgilio S. Almario
Illustrated by Jimmy Torres
1993
Kenawai Yang Degil (The Stubborn Stork)
By Hajah Norain Haji Hussin
Illustrated by Ak Sarikula Pg Hj Othman
2007
Lord of the Cranes
By Kerstin Chen
Illustrated by Jian Jiang Chen
2000
Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach
By Dianne de Las Casas
Illustrated by Marita Gentry
2009
Merpati dan Gagak (The Dove and the Crow)
By Zainun Mustapha
Illustrated by Khairul Azuwan Ishak
2013
Noong Unang Panahon (Once Upon a Time)
By Rafaelita Valera
Illustrated by Ghani Madueño
2005
On the Wing
By David Elliott
Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander
2014
Pale Male: Citizen Hawk of New York City
By Janet Schulman
Illustrated by Meilo So
2008
Pavo and Cavo
By Nirupama Raghavan
Illustrated by Kavita Singh Kale
2006
Poor Pak Kaduk
By Mohamad Salmi
2010
Sang Kerbau dan Burung Pipit (The Buffalo and the Sparrow)
By Abdul Aziz Haji Mohamad/Md Noor
Illustrated by Kapli Nayan
2007
Shu Ye Niao (Leaf Birds)
By Bing Bo
Illustrated by Fei Jia
2009
Si Kelabu dan Si Panjang (The Crane and the Tortoise)
By Hajah Amcahah Haji Alias
Illustrated by Salleh bin Ahmad
2003
Siapa Cepat Dia Dapat (The Early Bird Catches the Worm)
By Wan Yiguang
Illustrated by Huang Xiaowen
2015
The Cockerel with Three Feathers
By Suzee Leong
2005
The Crane and the Crab
By S. R. Nathan
Illustrated by Anngee Neo
2013
The Deceitful Bird: Tales from Jataka
By S. Jayaraman
The Deer and the Woodcutter - A Korean Folktale
By Kim So-un
Illustrated by Jeong Kyoung-sim
2005
The Fox and the Crow
By Manasi Subramaniam
Illustrated by Culpeo S. Fox
2014
The Greedy Sparrow: An Armenian tale
By Lucine Kasbarian
Illustrated by Maria Zaikina
2011
The Love of Two Stars - A Korean Legend
By Janie Jaehyun Park
2005
The Owl Who Was Fooled
By Khadijah Hashim
2009
The Pipit Bird and the King
By -
2005
The Secret Message
By Mina Javaherbin
Illustrated by Bruce Whatley
2010
The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks
By Katherine Paterson
Illustrated by Leo Dillon & Diane Dillon
1990
The Tongue-Cut Sparrow: A Japanese Folktale
By M. J. York
Illustrated by J. T. Morrow
2013
The Wonderful Sparrow
By Jainal Amambing
2011
Tuko and the Birds: A Tale from the Philippines
By Shirley Climo
Illustrated by Francisco X Mora
2008
Two Parrots
By Rashin Kheiriyeh
2014
Zao Qi de Niao Er You Cong Chi (The Early Bird Catches the Worm)
By Wan Yiguang
Illustrated by Huang Xiaowen
2014
Back to Birds Theme Transnational: Non-fiction & Universal Bird Themes