That Bird's Trying To Tell Me Something

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. We start off with the largest living bird, the ostrich, whose main association is quite ironic, being based on the incorrect idea that the large birds bury their heads in the sand when threatened. What is the main characteristic association of an ostrich? Ignorance Cowardice Evil Humour

2. This next bird is closely linked to the sea. Sailors believed this bird to be the soul of a dead shipmate, coming to guide them through a safe journey. Killing this bird at sea is therefore said to bring bad luck. Which bird is this? The grey heron The pigeon The albatross The kingfisher

3. Perhaps the bird with most symbolic links is the eagle, which has been used to represent war, truth, knowledge and power. Which celestial body is the eagle most associated with? Venus The moon The sun Mars

4. Our next bird, as one of the longest living in the bird kingdom, is seen as a sign of longevity, and is even sometimes credited with giving us the alphabet. What bird is being described here? The raven The crane The rhea The dove

5. Our next bird was commonly believed to be able to transfer energy to humans, as it still is to this day in a form of soup. Also, as the alternative name for this bird may suggest, it is linked with masculinity and sexual prowess. Which bird is this? The peacock The fruit dove The goose The rooster

6. Usually a bird of such positive symbolism - gods, seasons, and the soul - it seems odd that the 13th century Pope Gregory IX attached to the duck such a negative trait. What did Gregory IX claim about the duck? It was responsible for the crucifixion of Christ It was a bringer of plagues It was a demon in disguise It was a sign of natural disaster

7. This bird is linked with two major Greek goddesses, and its habit of hunting silently in the night has given it strong ties to witches and black magic. What bird is this? A cuckoo A pheasant An owl A parrot

8. The habits and appearance of this bird has led to it being associated with the Devil in Christianity, with spying in East Asia, and with gossip and intoxication in Greece. Which bird is this? The turkey The kiwi The vulture The magpie

9. Despite the small size of the wren, its status as a magical symbol in the folklore of many countries, as well as its intelligence, has led to it being given a prestigious title - a title it shares with the eagle. What title is this? The God-bird The Father of Flight The Master of the Air The King of the Birds

10. Associated with light and feminine beauty, our final bird is mistakenly thought to be silent for its entire life, before uttering its first and last sound before death, giving rise to a popular phrase. Even more ironic is that this animal's name is derived from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "sound". Which bird is this? A swan A crow A kakapo A thrush