On the way into Egypt the Virgin pointed to the lupine which grew by the wayside.
"Eat, little bird," she said. "Eat until your hunger is satisfied. Blessings be upon you for your kind deeds to me and to the Holy Child. May good fortune and plenty always attend you."
To this very day this bird blessed by the Virgin is an emblem of good luck.
WHY THE CODORNIZ BIRD RECEIVED A CURSE
A Story of the Bird Who Walks Humbly
When the Holy Virgin was fleeing into Egypt to escape the persecutions of Herod, the Codorniz bird flew about making a great racket, calling out, "Come this way."
"Keep quiet!" cried the Virgin. "Our enemies will hear you! They will come in pursuit!"