The tradition of sending Christmas cards featuring images of birds is a longstanding one, with certain species having become strongly associated with the holiday season over time. When thinking about the birds we see on Christmas cards, a few key species typically come to mind.
The Cardinal
One of the most popular birds featured on Christmas cards is the Northern Cardinal. The bright red plumage of the male cardinal looks festive and eye-catching against winter backdrops of snow or evergreen trees. The cardinal is a songbird native to North America and can be found across much of the eastern and central United States as well as into Canada and Mexico.
There are a few reasons why cardinals have become a Christmas mainstay:
- Their red color stands out well and evokes the Christmas season
- They are common across many winter climates in North America so people can relate to seeing them
- They tend to not migrate so are around during the winter months
- Their musical songs and whistles add to the sense of holiday cheer
It’s hard to top the vibrant crimson shade of a male cardinal against a snowy landscape for capturing the magical spirit of the season in an image. From a photography standpoint, the high contrast also helps the birds pop visually in cards.
Chickadees
Another tiny songbird that finds its way onto many Christmas cards is the chickadee. These adorable birds have rounded bodies, small beaks, and large heads that can make them appear almost like feathery Christmas ornaments when viewed among branches or holiday decorations.
In North America, the most familiar chickadee species featured on Christmas cards is likely the Black-capped Chickadee. However, other species like the Carolina Chickadee or Boreal Chickadee can also make festive appearances. Chickadees are widespread throughout much of the United States and Canada.
Reasons chickadees are popular Christmas card birds include:
- Their diminutive size that looks cute and playful
- Year-round residency for many chickadees, meaning they stick around for the winter season
- Soft plumage colors like black, white, and buff brown that coordinate well with holiday color palettes
- Often travel in flocks, allowing groups of them to be depicted together
- Sometimes come to bird feeders which can be positioned for photos near holiday decorations
Doves
Doves are traditionally seen as symbols of peace, love, and hope – themes very much in line with the Christmas spirit. For this reason, these graceful birds are frequently featured on Christmas cards with religious or spiritual significance.
The most common dove species used is likely the mourning dove, a petite pale grey dove with black spots on its wings. Its diminutive size and gentle coloring make it appear delicate and sweet. Sometimes white doves are also shown, evoking purity and innocence.
Reasons doves work well on Christmas cards:
- Symbolic associations with peace and love align with Christmas
- Soft neutral plumage colors complement festive reds and greens
- Often depicted in pairs, representing faithfulness and companionship
- Can be shown nestled inside mangers or other nativity scenes
- Have a pleasant, gentle appearance befitting the Christmas spirit
Robins
The American robin is another iconic songbird that graces many Christmas cards and ornaments. Their cheery red breast looks festive alongside wreaths, garlands, presents, and other holiday decor.
Some reasons robins make popular Christmas card subjects:
- Their red breast pops against winter scenery
- They represent spring and renewal coming after winter
- Often forage on lawns and gardens, allowing easy photography setups
- Their larger size stands out well as a focal point
- Familiar species that is widespread across the continent
Partridges
Partridges are plump, ground-dwelling gamebirds that get their Christmas credibility from the famous English Christmas carol calling out “a partridge in a pear tree.” For this reason, depictions of partridges like the Gray Partridge or Red-legged Partridge are a natural fit for holiday cards.
Reasons they work for Christmas:
- Their association with the 12 Days of Christmas song
- Often featured alongside winter fruits like pears and berries
- Rotund shape looks cheerful and abundant
- Pretty plumage patterns in colors like brown, black, white, and gray
- Represent gathering together in coveys during the winter months
Pheasants
The colorful, long-tailed pheasants are another type of gamebird suitable for Christmas cards. Common species featured include the ring-necked pheasant or Reeves’s pheasant. The iridescent feathers and bold patterns of pheasants give a sense of liveliness to winter scenes.
Reasons pheasants work on Christmas cards:
- Brilliant plumage in colors like copper, green, gold, and crimson
- Long, flowing tail feathers add movement and drama
- Often feature a wintry white plumage pattern
- Give an opulent feel resembling the colors of the season
- Can convey ideas of celebration and generosity
European Turtle Doves
Eurasian or European turtle doves are also a popular feature on Christmas cards, especially in the UK. Like their mourning dove cousins, they symbolize peace, love, and affection.
Reasons to use European turtle doves:
- Symbolic associations as lovebirds or romantic companions
- Soft gray plumage sets off colorful holiday decor
- Represent fidelity and lifelong pair bonds
- Often depicted in pairs on branches or nests
- Have ties to UK Christmas carols and traditions
Owls
While not as instantly recognizable as Christmas birds, owls have been growing in popularity as wintry card choices, especially snowy owls. The snowy owl breeds in the Arctic and some migrate south in winter, expanding their range.
Reasons owls work for Christmas cards:
- Give a sense of wintry weather and landscapes
- Snowy owls nicely complement snowy scenes
- Large, striking eyes draw attention
- Tufts atop heads resemble tree ornaments
- Represent wisdom, intuition, and deep insight
Penguins
Although not a bird native to the northern climates we associate with Christmas, penguins are still a beloved winter bird that finds its way onto many holiday cards. The playfulness and cute appearance of penguins like the Emperor Penguin make them a fun, lighthearted addition to Christmas.
Reasons penguins feature on Christmas cards:
- Adorable and silly appearance perfect for bringing joy
- Naturally dressed for cold weather in their tuxedo-like plumage
- Give a feeling of wintertime without being specific to regional climates
- Often depicted playing and sliding in the snow
- Can be shown alongside Santa in Arctic scenes
Geese
Geese are large water birds that migrate and form flocks during winter – two habits that make them relevant for Christmas cards. Canada geese and snow geese are among the most popular species depicted.
Reasons geese are effective on Christmas cards:
- Form large flocks representing community
- Flying V formations make for dramatic imagery
- Snowy white geese complement winter scenery
- Distinct honking calls evoke senses of the season
- Can represent migration, travel, and homecoming
Conclusion
When designing Christmas cards featuring birds, there is an abundance of species to choose from that evoke the spirit and beauty of the winter season. The bright red cardinals and chorus of chickadees hearken familiar backyard birds, while partridges, doves, and European turtle doves summon melodies of cherished carols. Majestic swans, snowy owls, and Arctic penguins conjure crisp, glistening snowscapes, and festive pheasants, geese, and grouse send bountiful blessings. With imagination and artistry, any of nature’s feathered friends can become a symbol of peace, joy, and the magic of the holidays.