Many popular brands use bird logos, but perhaps one of the most recognizable is the flying bird logo of Twitter. The simple blue bird silhouette has become an iconic symbol of the social media platform since Twitter’s launch in 2006.
Why does Twitter use a bird logo?
According to Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, the inspiration for the logo came from the phrase “a bird’s eye view” and how Twitter offers a unique perspective into what’s happening in the world. The logo was also created to represent the freedom, hope, and empowerment of voice that Twitter aims to provide.
Early versions of the logo portrayed a more detailed bird illustration in varying poses, but the company eventually opted for a more simplified silhouette of a bird in flight. This minimalist icon better captured the essence of Twitter’s mission and was versatile for use across different platforms and devices.
What bird species is the Twitter logo modeled after?
While Twitter has never officially confirmed the specific bird species, the logo has been compared to a mountain bluebird. This small thrush with sky blue and white plumage is found across western North America in open grasslands and meadows.
The mountain bluebird’s natural habitat high in the mountains seems fitting for a brand named after the chirping sound of birds. The vibrant blue plumage also evokes the blue coloring Twitter adopted early on for branding.
How has the logo evolved since Twitter’s creation?
The original Twitter bird logo first used in 2006 tilted upward with an open beak. Over the next few years, variants were tested with the bird facing left or right, changed body angles, and details like feet removed.
In 2010, Twitter settled on the simple flying silhouette of a bird in profile facing right. This iconic logo has remained the same ever since, though the color was eventually changed from blue to white in 2012.
While other elements of Twitter’s branding have been updated, the flying bird logo has endured as the defining visual symbol of the brand. Only minor modifications have been made, like simplifying the shape and removing the drop shadow behind early versions of the bird.
How is the Twitter logo used in marketing and branding?
Twitter’s bird logo is a key part of its marketing, appearing on its website, products, materials, and swag. Some examples of how the logo is utilized include:
- Displayed on the Twitter website in the top left corner
- Included on Twitter apps like the icon for mobile apps
- Printed on Twitter merchandise and clothing sold online and at events
- Shown at the start of Twitter’s video ads and marketing content
- Used across Twitter’s social media channels and profiles
- Featured prominently at Twitter’s exhibits and booths at conferences and trade shows
- Placed at the Twitter headquarters in San Francisco
The simple, iconic flying bird is eye-catching and memorable. It provides consistency across Twitter’s diverse products and marketing materials around the world.
Do any other brands use a bird logo?
While Twitter’s minimalist blue bird is one of the more recognizable bird logos, many other major brands also incorporate birds into their branding:
UPS
The United Parcel Service adopted its owl logo in 1919, switching to the iconic brown color in 1929. The owl represents wisdom and service.
American Eagle
The clothing brand American Eagle Outfitters uses an eagle head as its logo. Their brand name drew inspiration from the bald eagle as America’s national bird.
Dove
Dove’s logo shows the silhouette of a dove mid-flight, representing its brand message of peace, joy, and hope. The dove logo was adopted in 1955.
Twitter’s simple blue bird in flight perfectly encapsulates the brand’s commitment to freedom of expression and perspective.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ Donuts switched to just Dunkin’ in 2018, with a new logo featuring a more vivid orange and pink color scheme and simplified font—but the classic Dunkin’ donut now sports a pair of wings.
Vauxhall
The griffin logo used by UK car manufacturer Vauxhall since 1908 is modeled after the legendary griffin creature with the body of a lion and head and wings of an eagle.
LaCoste
The iconic Lacoste polo shirt features the company’s logo with a green crocodile. This was chosen in 1933 as a reference to the nickname “The Crocodile” given to founder Rene Lacoste.
Enterprise
Rental car company Enterprise uses an eagle in flight as their logo. Originally just the word “Enterprise”, the eagle logo was added in 1969 to represent growth and speed.
All Nippon Airways
Japan’s largest airline, All Nippon Airways or ANA, uses a stylized bird logo known as the “Tsurumaru”. It is modeled after the great crested tern and symbolizes security, trust, and sincerity.
Conclusion
The iconic flying bird in Twitter’s simple blue logo has come to represent not just the company but also concepts of freedom, perspective, and a global connectedness. This memorable emblem helps unify Twitter’s brand image across its products, services, and marketing over the past decade as the company has grown into an indispensable social platform.
While other brands like UPS, American Eagle, and Dunkin’ also incorporate bird designs into their logos, Twitter’s minimalist silhouette of a mountain bluebird in flight has achieved truly widespread recognition across the world. The “little blue bird” logo remains a dynamic symbol of Twitter’s identity and a clever representation of its chirpy name.