What is the meaning of a bird flying into a house?

A superstition holds that a bird flying into a house means a death is likely to happen soon. Some people believe this superstition only applies to birds that have black coloring although robins, sparrows and red birds are mentioned in other cultures.

Another superstition states that a bird flying into a house means a change of some kind is coming, while a wren flying into a house means good luck. The idea of birds as messengers signalling death or impending doom is also seen in the superstitions regarding birds flying into or tapping on windows. It is believed that the thump of their bodies and tapping of their beaks against the glass represents death knocking.