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Bird and Feather Tattoos

Bird tattoos speak the language of freedom, journeys and coming home. The swallow, which returns to its nest every year, is one of the oldest old school motifs, worn by sailors to symbolize a safe return from long voyages; the dove with an olive branch stands for peace, and the hummingbird for lightness and joy.

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Designs: tap one to try it on

7 designs. Tap the one you like, upload your own photo and see for free how the tattoo will look on your body.

A single feather or small birds taking off from a feather are designs that take up little space but say a lot. The wrist, collarbone and back of the shoulder are this theme's favorite spots; fine line versions look elegant even at small sizes.

Things to know about Bird and Feather Tattoos

Flight direction changes the feel

Birds flying upwards and outwards create a sense of openness. Rotate the design in the try-on tool and see which direction looks more natural on your body.

Give a small flock room to breathe

In small flocks, the space between the birds matters; tiny birds packed too closely can turn into a single blot over the years.

Old school or fine line?

An old school swallow with bold outlines reads even from a distance and lasts for years; fine line birds are more delicate but need to be done a bit larger.

Undecided? Try it first, then get quotes

Try the design on your own photo; if you like it, post a free request and let studios in your city send you price quotes.

Tattoo price guide for average prices →

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