A bird symbol on a tombstone, often depicted as a dove, symbolizes peace, resurrection, and innocence and is often used on a child’s tombstone.
A dove holding an olive branch symbolizes peace or that the soul has reached divine peace in heaven.
A flying bird symbolizes the winged soul, a tradition dating back to the early Egyptians. An ascending bird represents the transport of the departed’s soul to heaven. A descending bird or dove represents a descent from heaven and the assurance of a safe passage.
Birds are sometimes used as part of an organization’s logo, as seen below for logos of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the Knights of Columbus (Roman Catholic fraternal organization), and the 32nd degree Mason.
A bird lying dead symbolizes a life that was cut short prematurely.
Lastly, a hummingbird incised on a tombstone.