The Lightning Bird

The lightning bird is a bird superstitiously associated with special powers among southern African native peoples. The believed supernatural powers vary according to the traditions of different tribes. Generally lightning is believed to be the bird's manifestation. The bird or their eggs are believed to be retrievable from the scene of the lightning strike. Among certain African tribes the Hammerkop is believed to be the lightning bird. Among others the lightning bird is believed to manifest itself only through lightning, except to women, to whom it reveals itself as a bird. In these instances the bird is of imaginary nature and may take several forms. In one instance a village girl described a black rooster-like bird that ran up her hoe and left claw marks on her body before it flew back to the clouds. In other instances it is described as having iridescent feathers like a peacock's or a fiery red tail, bill and legs.