The great plague of Würtzburg, in Franconia, in 1542, was foreboded by the screeching of an owl.
Alexander Ross says: “About twenty years ago I did observe that, in the house where I lodged, an owl groaning in the window presaged the death of two eminent persons, who died there shortly after.”--Arcana Microcosmi.
Peacocks give warning of poison by ruffling their feathers.
Perviz’s String of Pearls (Prince). When Prince Perviz went on his exploit, he gave his sister, Parizādê, a string of pearls, saying, “So long as these pearls move readily on the string, you may feel assured that I am alive and well; but if they stick fast, they will indicate to you that I am dead.”--Arabian Nights (“The Two Sisters”).
Pigeons. It is considered by many a sure sign of death in a house if a white pigeon perches on the chimney.
Pigs running about with straws in their mouths give warning of approaching rain.
Rats forsaking a ship forebode its wreck, and forsaking a house indicate that it is on the point of falling down. (See “Mice.”)
Ravens. The raven is said to be the most prophetic of “inspired birds.” It bodes both private and public calamities. “To have the foresight of a raven” is a proverbial expression.
The great battle fought between Beneventum and Apicium, was portended by a skirmish between ravens and kites on the same spot.--Jovianus Pontanus.
An irruption of the Scythians into Thrace was presaged by a skirmish between crows and ravens.--Nicetas.