The Elements and Animals: Birds and Insects (3)

BIRDS

Hawk (Red-tailed): Air or Spirit

Air: A member of the Buteo family of “Soaring Hawks”, Red-Tailed Hawk is seen perched on treetops or utility poles. Spotting prey, she dives to grasp the animal in her talons. Hunting small mammals, Red-Tailed Hawk searches for voles, her favorite food. Although Red-Tailed Hawk prefers life in the uplands, she will live in cities. Wherever she lives, Red-Tailed Hawk builds her nest at the forest’s edge or in large trees surrounded by open areas.

Spirit: To the Pueblo Peoples, Red-Tailed Hawk was endowed with the same qualities as Eagle. Because she was a messenger of the Spirit, they called her “Red Eagle”. Through her flight, Red-Tailed Hawk communicated messages from the Great Mystery. In addition, she brought the rains and the waters necessary for life.

Hummingbird (Ruby-Throated): Fire

A native of the New World, Ruby-throated Hummingbird has enchanted all who have seen her. This tiny fast bird inspires wonder in those who watch her feed. Despite her small size, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird migrates from the eastern United States across the Gulf of Mexico to Central America. What makes this passage extraordinary is that Ruby-Throated Hummingbird does not eat on her journey. She stores up a layer of fat equal to half of her body weight.

The Aztecs of Mexico regarded Ruby-throated Hummingbird as a warrior. Despite Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s delicate appearance, she is a bold, quarrelsome bird who will readily attack any intruder that strays into her territory. With the frenzied beating of her wings, Ruby-throated Hummingbird will defend herself with her long beak.

Quail (Old World): Fire

Thought of as stout little birds, Old Word Quails are remarkable for their hardiness. When Old Word Quails are cold, they form star-shaped bevies (flocks) to receive warmth from each other. In addition, these short legged birds with round heads, will often post sentries to watch for intruders. Their plumage provides such excellent camouflage that rarely does anyone notice them until they call “wet-my-lips” or “whit-whit’tit”. (Because Old Word Quails’ calls are so distinctive, some cuckoo clocks have them sound on the quarter hours.)

Surprisingly, Old Word Quails are well-regarded in many cultures. For the Chinese, Old Word Quails were the Fire Phoenix of Spring and Summer. Among the Hindus, these birds represented the returning Sun. Furthermore, these unassuming birds were also the emblem of the Russian Tsars.

(Note: Old World Quails belong to the Pheasant Family, while New World Quails are in their own Family. They are only distantly related, and are not the same species.)

Raven: Fire or Water

Water: Raven is known for shape shifting, which Crow cannot do. More secretive than Crow, Raven is also associated with the night and dark magic. Since she is bigger and stronger than Crow, Raven’s magic is more profound. (Night and the moon are often associated with the element of water.)

Fire: Among early Christians, Raven was a messenger sent by God to feed the saints in the wilderness. Among the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest, Raven was the Great Trickster. She created human beings, and brought fire to them. Meanwhile in China, Three-legged Raven lived in the sun, representing the sun’s three phases – dawn, noon, and dusk.

INSECTS

Dragonfly Family: Water or Air

Water: Dragonflies flit on the surface of small ponds and slow creeks. Their gossamer wings glisten in the dappled sunlight. Colorful and delicate-looking, Dragonflies inspire awe in everyone who sees them.

Air: Dragonflies were one of the first flying creatures to evolve, about three hundred million years ago. They have remained mostly unchanged during all this time. Although they are the most primitive of winged insects, Dragonflies are the most efficient fliers. Their wings move independently allowing the Dragonflies to stop in midair, change directions, and fly backwards. Very few birds can out-fly or hunt down Dragonflies.

Quail: Quiet Valour

QUAIL (OLD WORLD): Quiet Valour

Thought of as stout little Birds, Quails are remarkable for their hardiness. When Quail are cold, They form star-shaped Bevies (flocks) to receive warmth from each other. In addition, these short legged Birds with round heads, will often post sentries to watch for intruders. Their plumage provides such excellent camouflage that rarely does anyone notice Them until They call “wet-my-lips” or “whit-whit’tit”. (Because Quails’ calls are so distinctive, some cuckoo clocks have Them sound on the quarter hours.)

Surprisingly, Quails are well-regarded in many cultures. For the Chinese, Quails were the Fire Phoenix of Spring and Summer. Among the Hindus, these Birds represented the returning Sun. Furthermore, these unassuming Birds were also the emblem of the Russian Tsars.

Few would regard Quails as charismatic Birds. However, people do notice Quail’s ways of protecting each other. Some Quails post sentries while other Quails direct the Predator away from the Bevy. In their own way, Quails demonstrate valour. Without much fuss and attention, They do what they need to do. Remember as Quails teach: “Just do it!”

Science Note:

1. Old World Quails are Phasianidae while New World Quails are Odontophoridae. They both belong to the Superfamily of Phasianoidea, but are not close relatives of each other. Meanwhile, Button Quails, which are Turnicidae, are members of the Rail and Crane Family, and are not relatives of either Quail groups.

Copywrite: Virginia Carper, 2009, animalteachers @ gmail.com

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