Phoebe birds are any species of bird that comes from the Tyrannidae family, and the genus known as Sayornis.
The black-colored bird is the typical ‘version’, but you’ll see them in a vast array of colors and patterns these days.
Connected to a range of spiritual meanings, it’s a remarkably interesting bird spreading — mostly — positive spiritual messages.
What Does a Phoebe Bird Symbolize?
Phoebe birds have a feminine aura. The name is, of course, a feminine one.
It is also special for a few other reasons, including:
- The only female deacon named anywhere in the Bible is named Phoebe;
- Phoebe was the name of a Titan in the world of Greek mythology and legend;
- It is also the name of a small moon (satellite) of Saturn.
The message or spiritual symbol conveyed by this bird is not always feminine, though.
There are times when the general message of the symbol will be or feel distinctly masculine.
Also read the warbler bird spiritual meaning and symbolism.
Spiritual Meaning of Seeing a Phoebe Bird
Generally, most bird species bring positive messages, such as happiness, freedom, and harmony.
If you dream of being a Phoebe bird, flying through the air, it is likely a symbol of freedom, going where you want to go without restrictions.
This bird type can also symbolize having, wanting, or needing to expand your knowledge; or being in a profession where you share knowledge with other people, such as teaching.
Black Phoebe Bird Meaning:
Do you have a large social event coming up? Are you considering canceling or declining the invitation? If you are, don’t!
Black Phoebes are linked to good luck and good fortune in social settings.
Turning up to the event might just change your life!
On the other side of things, the black and white colors of this bird (black on top, white/pale on the breast) signify the circle of life – life… and death.
The color black is often linked to death, the afterlife, and all things spooky and gloomy. The white or creamy-colored chest brings light, however.
As with everything in life, there must be balance. Good and evil. Light and dark. Day and night. Black and white.
Brown Phoebe Bird Meaning:
Brown Phoebe birds are usually Eastern Phoebes or Sayornis phoebe.
The underside of the bird is usually gray, but it changes color during the mating season, turning a much brighter and lighter shade. It can look very bright and clean white.
This might be a sign that love is in your future. Take a look at the underbelly; what does it look like? Is it dark and dirty gray, or clean and white?
If it’s the latter, perhaps it’s mating season for more than just the birds. Wink-wink, nudge-nudge.
Olive Green Phoebe Bird Meaning:
Olive green is the color of leadership, wisdom, and compassion. So seeing an olive green Phoebe bird would have connotations that match those.
It also has Mother Nature and Gaia vibes, which could be an indication that you need to get more in touch with nature.
When was the last time you went for a walk in the great outdoors, surrounded by trees and plants?
I believe you will love the myna bird spiritual meaning.
9 Phoebe Bird Spiritual Meanings and Messages
The Phoebe bird, just like other spiritual messages and symbols, is a small piece of a much larger puzzle.
Where the bird is, what it is doing, whether there are more than one, what color it/they are, and many other factors need to be considered.
1) Patience is Everything
Phoebe birds are well known for patiently waiting on branches, ready to catch and eat flies that zoom past.
That’s why this family of birds has been given the name ‘flycatchers‘. That is exactly what they do.
When they’re on that branch, sting still and being patient is super important. The mission doesn’t work without it.
At the right moment, when the bird is sure that nothing can go wrong, it will make its move.
You might wish to rush through this patch or stage in your life, but what exactly are you rushing for?
Everything comes to those who wait, as the old saying goes. Another apt saying is this: Patience is a virtue.
Read the spiritual meaning of seeing a brown bird.
2) Death… or Change
It’s no wonder the black Phoebe bird is linked to death. It is black, after all. That’s not the only thing it can be symbolically linked to.
What is death? It’s a change to everything you know… forever.
Seeing or dreaming of a black Phoebe could mean that you’re about to lose a loved one, or that you’re going to die.
Death is usually not that obvious, though. In actual fact, the death could refer to a range of things, such as:
- Quitting a job that no longer brings you joy;
- Cutting ties with a partner that’s not giving what you want or need.;
- Stopping communication with a friend who betrayed you;
- Finally cancelling the gym membership, when you haven’t used it for almost a year.
When something ends another thing begins. Sometimes you need to cut something out to gain something better.
3) You Will Escape the Wrath of Enemies
These birds are fast in the air, weaving in and out of trees and escaping predators and other threats.
This could be a sign that you’re going to come up against an enemy in the future, but you’re also going to come out the other side victorious… or something close to it.
Of course, it could be the wisdom this bird is also associated with that saves it from the grips of serious threats.
Read the meaning of seeing a bird tapping on your window.
4) Gifts on the Horizon
Phoebe birds are a real joy for humans. They sing instinctively and beautifully, eat up all the bugs that would otherwise annoy us, swoop and dive in the sky like acrobats, and are a real joy to look at.
It could be said that they offer real, true, and honest gifts to humans and a symbol of something that might pop up in your future.
Just a little reminder, though: Gifts don’t always come in the form of a physical thing.
It can also come in the form of a learned lesson, knowledge and wisdom, new people, and more.
5) A Good View
When Phoebes and other birds fly high up in the sky, what can they see? Everything!
They have a massive field of view up there, seeing all and knowing everything that’s going on, as far as their eyes can see.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to fly or climb to the top of a really tall tower.
It can mean, spiritually, that you’re going to have clear vision or clarity of thought – about a situation, a problem, a person, and more.
6) A Message from Beyond
Birds and other creatures with wings are seen in a similar light to angels, which makes them deliverers of messages from the afterlife.
Phoebe birds can also be seen as messengers from God or another higher power.
Have you recently prayed or wished for an answer? The bird could be a sign that your higher power has heard your prayers.
7) Believe in Magic
Whether it’s praying, wishing, manifesting, using crystals, positive thinking, meditating, the full moon, vision boards, or anything else, maybe it’s time you started to believe in it.
You have the magic within you. That’s what this mysterious bird is trying to tell you.
It doesn’t matter that people are mocking you for your beliefs, or even if you’re having a little doubt yourself, the magic is always there.
Whatever tools you have, are always with you.
8) Have You Been Dulling Your Sparkle for Someone?
Maybe you feel as though a friend is taking over, or a partner is controlling your life, somehow making you less than at the same time. If so, it’s your time to shine.
You shouldn’t dull your sparkle for ANYONE. You are you, and no-one should try and change that.
One translation of the word ‘Phoebe’ is bright. And that’s exactly what you should try to be.
If you’ve been looking for a sign that you deserve better, the Phoebe bird in your dreams (or in real life) is it.
9) Messages About a Male
If you hear a Say’s Phoebe bird, which is grayish brown in color, the message or spiritual symbol is more male-orientated or themed.
With this Phoebe species, the tail feathers are darker, sometimes black; and the chest or underbelly is a rusty reddish-brown shade, often described as cinnamon colored. It can also be a yellowing shade.
Although a few females sing a wonderful song, it is usually often the male call you can hear.
Read the spiritual meaning of seeing a dead bird.
Is Seeing a Phoebe Bird a Good Sign?
Overall, the Phoebe bird is linked to a wide array of positive spiritual messages and meanings.
It might not feel like that at first, but the Universe always has a plan even if it’s not always obvious from the get-go.
Before you leave, read the meaning of a bird at window.
Final words
Phoebe birds aren’t found all across the globe, but in the areas they do live, they are pretty common. You’ll more likely hear one than see one, though.
They have a distinctive call, but their coloring can camouflage them in trees and bushes, making them difficult to spot.
But, even if you can’t see one but ear it, the message is there. You just need to pay attention.
Julia is a world-renowned spiritual teacher from Sweden, who quit her job at Google to pursue her dream of becoming a digital nomad. I help spiritual seekers step into their purpose and power. Passionate about astrology, meditation, nomad life and the law of attraction.