Many well-known companies and organizations use birds in their logos. Some examples include Twitter (blue bird), NBC (peacock), Airbnb (birdhouse), Southwest Airlines (heart), and USA Network (eagle). Birds can make for effective logos because of what they represent and their visual appeal. Let’s explore some key reasons why a company might choose a bird for its brand logo.
Birds represent freedom and inspiration
One major reason birds get used in logos is that they symbolize freedom and inspiration. A bird can fly anywhere it wants without restrictions, representing independence and limitless opportunity. Using a bird in a logo evokes the feeling that a company provides freedom for its customers or users to explore endless possibilities. The ability to soar also connects to inspiration – taking ideas to new heights. Brands want customers to associate their services with uplifting feelings of freedom and aspiration.
Birds represent a connection to nature
In addition to freedom, birds represent a strong connection to the natural world. Using a bird in a logo conveys that a brand has environmentally friendly and sustainable values. With increasing customer demand for corporate social responsibility, an association with nature provides goodwill. A bird logo expresses that the company cares about the planet and recognizes its impact. Whether an eagle, owl, or penguin, birds remind us of the diversity of the natural world we should protect.
Birds represent vision and intelligence
Some birds, like eagles, hawks, and owls, represent keen vision, observance, and intelligence. Eagle eyesight symbolizes the ability to see solutions and opportunities from a broad perspective. The owl represents wisdom and deep thought about decisions. When a brand includes these birds in a logo, it signals that the company takes a strategic, insightful approach to serving customers. The logo expresses intellectual abilities that set the organization apart.
Birds represent speed and efficiency
Fast birds like falcons epitomize speed and efficiency in covering long distances. When included in logos, these swift birds indicate that a company values agility and quickness. A bird conveys that the brand can respond rapidly to customer needs and outpace the competition. Speed also signals convenience – customers can get what they want quickly and efficiently from the organization. Efficiency is always desirable, so linking a brand to an energetic, dynamic bird has appeal.
Birds represent community and connection
Flocking birds represent community, teamwork, and connection. Birds naturally congregate in colonies, just as people unite in communities. Using a bird, especially in a group, expresses that the company prioritizes relationships and collaboration. Customers get the sense that the brand brings people together in a social way for a common purpose. Birds bonding together transmit feelings of belonging, camaraderie, and trust in the organization behind the logo.
Examples of Well-Known Bird Logos
Let’s examine some widely recognized company logos featuring birds and see how they communicate key brand qualities:
The blue bird in Twitter’s logo represents freedom of expression – tweeting your thoughts to the world. This bird embodies Twitter’s commitment to providing a platform for anyone to share ideas freely and inspire conversation. Its wings stretched upward depict reaching new creative heights.
NBC
The iconic multi-colored NBC peacock conveys vision, intelligence, and confidence. Its fanned feathers and size symbolize the network’s broad, insightful view of world events. The bold colors evoke NBC’s bright, brilliant programming across channels. The peacock’s presence commands attention, representing the network’s respected media dominance.
Airbnb
Airbnb’s birdhouse logo represents community, belonging, and connection. The birdhouse symbolizes providing shelter and hospitality for worldwide travelers seeking shared experiences. Multiple birds crossing the roof depict community, togetherness, and unity across cultures. The bold colors reflect Airbnb’s vibrant, inclusive values.
Southwest Airlines
The heart incorporated into Southwest Airlines’ logo contains a bird in downward flight. This flying bird represents freedom, speed, and efficiency of air travel. The bird expresses Southwest’s commitment to conveniently transporting passengers to destinations across America. The heart conveys hospitality, passion, and putting people first.
USA Network
The USA Network logo features a bald eagle, America’s national bird, prominently displayed against the US flag. The eagle epitomizes freedom, vision, strength, and patriotism. Its talons clasping olive branches symbolize the desire for peace. This logo connects USA Network programming with American culture and values.
When to Use a Bird in Your Company’s Logo
If you want your brand to convey some of the key traits that birds represent, incorporating a bird into your logo can be an effective approach. Here are some good reasons to use an avian logo:
- Your company prioritizes freedom, creativity, and unlimited possibilities for customers.
- You want to connect your brand to environmental sustainability.
- Your company takes a strategic, insightful approach to the market.
- Speed, efficiency, and convenience are hallmarks of your business.
- Community, relationships, and collaboration are central to your culture.
- You want your brand to evoke positive, aspirational feelings.
Ask yourself what core values you want your company to embody. If birds symbolize those qualities, introducing an avian element into your logo can help convey what your brand represents. Just be sure the bird species matches desired attributes (e.g. eagle for vision, dove for peace).
Also ensure your logo is visually striking and looks great on your website, business cards, signage, and promotional materials. Consider hiring a graphic designer to create a polished, professional logo. While a bird logo alone won’t make a brand successful, it can provide an impactful symbol that sticks in customers’ minds and builds engagement.
Considerations When Using a Bird Logo
While bird logos offer many benefits, here are some important considerations:
Avoid overly complex or cluttered designs
The bird itself should have a clean, simple silhouette that is readable at both large and small sizes. Overly detailed feathers or backgrounds create clutter. Stick to minimal, streamlined shapes for maximum clarity and impact.
Make sure the bird connects to your brand identity
As noted earlier, match the bird species to specific qualities you want to convey about your company. Don’t use an eagle if you’re not trying to communicate vision, strength, and leadership. Make deliberate choices to align the bird with your brand personality.
Consider color palette carefully
Whether muted neutrals or bright accent colors, the palette should coordinate with your brand identity and evoke desired emotions. Popular combinations include blue/green to relay tranquility or red/orange for energy and excitement. Just ensure colors are complementary and meaningful.
Evaluate uniqueness
While common birds like eagles, hawks, and owls express recognizable traits, a more uncommon species can help your logo distinguish itself. But don’t get overly obscure. Customers should intuitively connect with what the bird represents.
Avoid potential copyright issues
Do proper due diligence to ensure your proposed bird logo doesn’t too closely resemble a competitor’s trademark. You want your brand to own the logo and avoid legal disputes.
Consider cultural depictions and meanings
Understand if the bird carries different connotations in other cultures or geographies. For example, an owl represents wisdom in Western culture but can symbolize bad luck in some Asian cultures. Go global in your thinking.
10 Creative Examples of Company Bird Logos
Let’s look at 10 innovative and visually striking bird logos from various industries:
Company | Logo | What the Bird Communicates |
---|---|---|
Freedom, conversation, creativity | ||
Southwest Airlines | Speed, heart, travel | |
NBC | Vision, intelligence, confidence | |
Zipcar | Mobility, convenience, environment | |
Creativity, inspiration, exploration | ||
1-800 Contacts | Vision, focus, owl wisdom | |
Boeing | Flight, grace, aerial vision | |
Penguin Books | Literary, insight, creativity | |
Discovery Channel | Vision, nature, intelligence | |
Family, community, relationships |
Conclusion
Birds can be a smart choice when creating a logo if you want to connect your brand to uplifting attributes like freedom, vision, efficiency, or community. Just be sure the species aligns with your desired brand identity. Keep the design clean and readable. While a logo alone can’t make a company take flight, pairing the right bird with strategic messaging can get your branding off on the right wing. Savvy companies across industries have capitalized on the power of birds in their logos to convey core values, differentiate from competitors, and build brand affinity. The key is using birds intentionally to help your company spread its wings and soar.