certain birds are,more often than not,considered bad luck,or oven a sign of impending death. For example,all over the world,both crows and ravens were have some connection to war,and death,in early times,crows and ravens were thought to accompany the gods of war,or be signs of gods'approaching arrival.This idea later changed.crows in particular were thought to be harbingers of ill fortune or,in some cases guides to the afterlife.Woe be it to the person who saw a single crow or raven flying over head, for this war not certainly a portent of death in the near fature. interestingly,though potentially bad luck for people individually,the raven is considered to be good luck for the crown of England.So much so,in fact,that a "raven master" is, even today, an actual government position in London. He takes care of the ravens there and also clips their wings,ensuring that these birds can never fly far form the seat of the British government.This way,The kingdom will never fall to ill fortune. Another bird is thought to play apart in forecasting the fortunes of people is the swallow.Depending on how and when it is seen,the swallow can be a harbinger of either good or ill fortune.Perhaps inspired by swallow's red-brown breast,Christian people initially the swallow to the death of Jesus Christ.Thus,people who saw a swallow fly through their house considered it a portent of death.Later,however farmers began to consider swallows signs of good fortune. any barn that has swallows living in it sure to blessed in the following year.Farmers also have beware of killing a swallow;that would be certain to end any good luck they might have had.Though many people think these superstitions are old wives'tales,there is actually some evidence to support them.For example,crows and ravens,being scavengers,appear at the aftermath of battles.Thus,large numbers of crows and ravens could be good indications of war in an area.swallows feed on insect that can cause infections in cattle.Thus, a farmer who has many swallows in his barn may actually have healthier animals on his farm.Therefore,the next time you feel inclined to laugh at an old wives'tale,maybe you hand better find out if there is any truth to it first