How many sports teams named after birds can you think of? More than you thought, right? You probably didn’t realize that there are so many professional sports teams with bird-inspired names, and honestly, it’s a bit “fowl” how many there are!
From soaring eagles to dive-bombing hawks, and even some baseball birds that have cardinal status, these teams have been flying high in their respective leagues. While you might assume a bird mascot is just about looking good on a T-shirt, it turns out that some of these bird-named teams have actually been pretty successful. Let’s take a closer look at these feathered friends of the sports world and their rise to the top.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are basically the superheroes of the NFL, if superheroes were birds. Their mascot—a majestic eagle—flies above all other mascots (literally and metaphorically) in pride and strength. Over the years, the Eagles have earned a reputation for being fierce competitors. Of course, their greatest achievement came in 2018 when they snatched up their first-ever Super Bowl title, showing that they can do more than just sit pretty in the nest.
And let’s not forget their fanbase. Eagles fans are as passionate as a raven on a caffeine binge. They’ve sold out every home game since 1999, which is pretty impressive—unless you’re a bird who can’t even remember where you put your nest. To make things even better, their fans are considered some of the most intimidating in the NFL. Don’t mess with an Eagles fan. They might just fly into a fury.
These teams named after birds are soaring to new heights, and the Eagles are leading the flock!
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks, a team whose mascot might just be plotting its next meal in the form of a basketball, has a somewhat mixed history. Sure, they won their only NBA championship in 1958—when they were still the St. Louis Hawks—but let’s be honest, it’s been a long, long time since they’ve seen a title. This one of the teams named after birds which have their ups and downs, and the Hawks have certainly had their fair share of both.
They’ve been perched in the NBA for decades, but after their ’58 glory days, they’ve mostly just sat on the sidelines, watching the game. In fact, they hold the second-longest NBA championship drought—60 years without a ring. That’s almost as long as the time it takes a hawk to get over its midlife crisis.
But hey, at least they’re consistent. In 2015, after 48 years of not making it past the second round of the playoffs, they finally broke the curse. Talk about taking their sweet time.
St. Louis Cardinals
Then there’s the St. Louis Cardinals—probably the most successful bird-themed team to ever grace the world of sports. This one of the teams named after birds which didn’t just fly under the radar; they dominated the MLB with enough championship titles to make any other bird jealous. The Cardinals have earned 11 World Series championships, which is second only to the Yankees—who, let’s be honest, are basically the “eagles” of baseball.
The team’s storied history includes some of the greatest players in the game, like Stan Musial, who had more hits than a pigeon who’s just discovered Twitter. And let’s not forget their loyal fans, who, much like a flock of birds, show up in droves to cheer on their team.
You’d think after all this success, the Cardinals would just sit back and enjoy the worm-filled glory, but nope, they’re always aiming to swoop in for another win.
Sport Teams Named After Birds
In the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and Seattle Seahawks each soar with fierce determination, embodying the spirit of flight as they dominate the field.
Over in the NBA, the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans add swift moves and graceful agility to every game, capturing the intensity of bird power on the court.
In MLB, the Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and St. Louis Cardinals swing for the skies, blending skill and elegance in America’s favorite pastime.
Meanwhile, on the ice, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks glide with precision, captivating hockey fans with every swift maneuver.
So there you have it! there are 12 sports teams are named after birds. From the feisty Eagles to the patient Hawks and the ever-dominant Cardinals, bird-themed teams aren’t just about looking cute in jerseys—they’re making a real impact in sports. And if these teams named after birds have anything to teach us, it’s that with a little bit of bird power, you might just find yourself flying high in the world of professional sports.