Leader of the Birds

A black, red and green drawing of a wide variety of birds, including an eagle, owl, and woodpecker.

When the world was new, Eagle called a meeting of all the birds. One beautiful morning, they assembled: Flamingo, Steppe Buzzard, Warbler, and all the others. With hooting and singing they greeted one another.

Eagle called for silence: “We must choose a leader!” There were caws and whistles of agreement. Then Eagle said, “I look and act powerful. I am the best choice!”

Then, Owl spoke. “Yes, you are majestic. But I should be the leader. I am known for my wisdom.”

The birds began to argue back and forth. Should their leader have wisdom like Owl or majesty like Eagle? Or perhaps strength, like Steppe Buzzard, or a stunning set of tail feathers, like Peacock? Then, a tiny voice emerged. It was Warbler: “I think you should elect me leader of the birds!”

The birds began to laugh. How dare this ridiculous little bird even suggest such a thing! “What have you got to offer? You are not the wisest, nor the strongest, nor the most majestic of the birds, or even the most popular,” said Eagle.

“Well,” said Warbler, “I can be a good leader. I want the opportunity to try!”

“Let’s have a contest!” declared Eagle, and every bird agreed. “We’ll all fly as high as we can go. Whoever flies highest will be our new leader.”

Warbler, who lacked the strength for high flying, made a plan. Just before the contest, Warbler crept under Eagle’s wing, pushing deep into Eagle’s feathers. Eagle, determined to win, did not feel Warbler at all.

The birds flew, higher and higher. Those with small wings soon turned back. In time, only three birds remained: Eagle, Owl, and Steppe Buzzard. Although exhausted, they pushed on. When Owl could no longer continue, Owl dove back toward earth. Up and up flew Eagle and Steppe Buzzard, until at long last Eagle saw that Steppe Buzzard was not able to continue. Eagle flew just a little higher and proudly cried, “I’ve won! I am the new Leader of the Birds!”

“Not so fast,” chirped Warbler, who emerged from Eagle’s feathers. “You have not won yet!” And Warbler rose above Eagle, who had no strength left.

The birds did not accept Warbler as their leader. The trickery angered them. Frightened, Warbler flew deep into the forest. Today, Warbler flits from place to place, never staying long enough to be caught, calling “I can lead! I can lead!”

And to this day the birds are still undecided about who should be their leader.

Versions of this tale appear in many cultures’ folklore. This version, adapted from one by Loreen McDonald, a teacher in South Africa, appears in Stories in Faith, a Tapestry of Faith Toolkit book.

Activity: What Makes A Leader?

In the story, the birds agreed that being able to fly the highest was a good test for their leader.

What does it take to lead a family, an orchestra, or a construction crew?
How about our nation?

Go around in a circle taking turns to name one quality a leader ought to have. The qualities from the story can get you started. But keep going. Should a leader be kind? Strict? Remember, great leaders sometimes play the role of gently supporting others.