In the Bible, God outlines laws regarding clean and unclean animals that the Israelites were permitted or forbidden to eat. Among the unclean animals listed are twenty specific types of birds. These unclean birds remained prohibited for Israelites to consume. Understanding the identity of these twenty birds provides insight into biblical history and God’s requirements for His people at that time.
What does the Bible say about clean and unclean animals?
In Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, God gives instructions about clean and unclean animals. He explains that the Israelites may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and chews the cud. However, animals that do not meet both of those criteria are declared unclean. Regarding birds, God is more specific, naming particular birds that are not to be eaten.
Leviticus 11:13-19 states:
“‘These are the birds you are to regard as unclean and not eat because they are unclean: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, any kind of black kite, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat.”
Why did God forbid certain birds?
Scholars have offered several possible reasons for why God declared these specific birds as forbidden for consumption:
- To prevent disease – Many of the birds eat carrion or are prey animals themselves. Consuming their meat could spread disease.
- For symbolic purity – Birds of prey and carrion eaters were seen as unclean.
- To separate Israel – The laws made Israelites culturally distinct.
- Unknown reasons – We do not fully understand God’s logic in all cases.
Regardless of the reasoning, Israelites were to faithfully obey God’s commands to only eat permitted birds.
What are the twenty unclean birds listed?
The twenty birds specifically listed as unlawful to eat are:
- Eagle
- Vulture
- Black vulture
- Red kite
- Any kind of black kite
- Any kind of raven
- Horned owl
- Screech owl
- Gull
- Any kind of hawk
- Little owl
- Cormorant
- Great owl
- White owl
- Desert owl
- Osprey
- Stork
- Any kind of heron
- Hoopoe
- Bat
Let’s examine each of these unclean birds in more detail:
Eagle
Most likely the golden eagle, a large bird of prey common in the Middle East. Known for its sharp eyesight and powerful talons.
Vulture
Probably the griffon vulture, as it was common in ancient Israel. A large scavenging bird that feeds on carrion.
Black vulture
Also called the cinereous vulture. A large bird that feeds on carcasses and rotten flesh.
Red kite
A medium-sized bird of prey. Known for having reddish plumage and a distinctive forked tail.
Black kite
Most likely the black-eared kite found across the Middle East and Africa. A raptor that scavenges carrion.
Raven
Probably referring to the common raven, a large all-black corvid. Known as an omnivorous scavenger.
Horned owl
Uncertain identity, possibly referring to a small eared owl with feather tufts that resemble horns.
Screech owl
Likely the eastern screech owl, a small nocturnal raptor with ear tufts. Common in ancient Israel.
Gull
Possibly the herring gull, a common coastal scavenging bird known to eat fish and carrion.
Hawk
General term for diurnal raptors. Could refer to many species found in the region.
Little owl
Probably the little owl, a small species of typical owl common in the Middle East.
Cormorant
Aquatic bird that dives for fish. Known for its black plumage and slender neck.
Great owl
Could refer to the pharaoh eagle-owl, a large and powerful desert owl species.
White owl
Likely the barn owl, a medium-sized owl with a distinctive white, heart-shaped face.
Desert owl
Uncertain identity, but may refer to the short-eared owl found in arid environments.
Osprey
A large fish-eating bird of prey recognizable by its white underparts and dark eye stripe.
Stork
Most likely the white stork, a large wading bird common across Europe and the Middle East.
Heron
Refers to herons, egrets, and similar long-legged wading birds that eat fish.
Hoopoe
Colorful bird with a distinctive crown of feathers. Known for its hovering flight pattern.
Bat
While not a bird, listed among the unclean birds. Bats have wings and fly like birds.
Identifying the unclean birds today
Ornithologists and biblical scholars have analyzed the birds listed in Leviticus 11 to try to definitively match them with modern species names. While many can be identified with certainty, others remain speculative. Some extinct candidates have also been proposed. Ongoing research and archeological discoveries continue to provide insights into the identities of these unclean birds.
The following table summarizes the most likely modern species that correspond to the twenty unclean birds:
Unclean Bird Name | Modern Species Name |
---|---|
Eagle | Golden eagle |
Vulture | Griffon vulture |
Black vulture | Cinereous vulture |
Red kite | Red kite |
Black kite | Black-eared kite |
Raven | Common raven |
Horned owl | Eurasian eagle-owl |
Screech owl | Eastern screech owl |
Gull | Herring gull |
Hawk | Various species |
Little owl | Little owl |
Cormorant | Great cormorant |
Great owl | Pharaoh eagle-owl |
White owl | Barn owl |
Desert owl | Short-eared owl |
Osprey | Osprey |
Stork | White stork |
Heron | Various species |
Hoopoe | Hoopoe |
Bat | Various bat species |
Are the unclean birds still considered unclean today?
Among Christian groups, there are differing perspectives on whether the Old Testament dietary restrictions still apply:
- Some believe they were abolished – For example, Mark 7:19 indicates Jesus “declared all foods clean.”
- Some apply them to Gentiles – Restrictions given only to Israelites, not modern believers.
- Some still observe them – Primarily Messianic Jews who view them as ongoing commandments.
There is evidence both for and against their applicability. Ultimately, it is up to each person’s biblical interpretation and conscience. The New Testament emphasizes God’s grace in Christ and the freedom of believers.
Practical considerations about unclean birds
While the dietary restrictions may not apply today, studying the unclean birds remains useful:
- Reveals God’s historic laws and principles
- Illustrates the differences between clean/unclean animals
- Provides insight into ancient Israelite society
- Aids identification of biblical plants and animals
- Sheds light on Middle Eastern wildlife of the era
The specified birds populate the land of Israel. Observing their habitat and behavior helps modern readers interact with the biblical text. Whether bound to the prohibitions or not, readers can gain valuable cultural and historical perspective.
Conclusion
God declared twenty specific birds to be unlawful for consumption by the ancient Israelites. While scholars still work to match some biblical names to modern species, most of the unclean birds can be positively identified. The reasons behind the prohibitions are not fully clear, but likely promoted health or ritual purity. There are differing perspectives on how these dietary restrictions apply to believers today. Regardless, studying the unclean birds provides insight into the biblical world and God’s revelation to His people at that time. Though no longer ritually unclean, these birds illustrate a part of Israel’s heritage of law and culture.