Shruti Goenka
Small and fast, these birds have a deep symbolic meaning and are associated with humility, freedom, and true love.
It is easy to get confused between sparrow and swallow tattoos, and if you get it wrong, it is likely that a sailor might get very upset with you.
There is a huge difference between the two, though. The swallow is blue in color, and has a forked tail and curved, pointed wings. Sparrows, on the other hand, are plump, grayish brown in color, and have short wings.
Sparrow tattoos are less common. They usually have a religious connotation.
Swallow tattoos are extremely popular among sailors. Swallows are found closer to land at the seaside. When sailors spotted a swallow, they knew that land was close by. Swallows also signify how seasoned a sailor is. Once a sailor covers the first 5,000 nautical miles, he gets his first tattoo, and then another after the next 5,000 miles, typically after which he gets the nautical star tattooed.
You must make sure your tattoo holds a deep emotional value for you. We hope these 13 fantastic swallow/sparrow tattoo designs will inspire you. Do follow the safety precautions before you get inked.
1. Colored Swallow Tattoo
This swallow tattoo stands out for its cute and trendy conceptualization and the brilliant use of colors. Replicate this tattoo as it is depicted here. However, you can play around with your body, wherever you like to have this piece of art inscribed. Get this inked on your belly or on your forearms for maximum impact.
2. Miniature Swallow Tattoo
This miniature swallow tattoo is apparently for those who wish to have a tattoo that is subtle yet has great style statement. Keep it small and have it replicated by an experienced tattoo artist exactly as it is depicted here.
[ Read: Japanese Tattoos ]
3. Ornate Swallow Tattoo
This ornate swallow tattoo stands out for the intricate details used to embellish this piece of art. Make a note of the delicate designs that only serve to accentuate this simple swallow tattoo design. Have this piece of art replicated as it is depicted here by an experienced tattoo artist to avoid any mess ups.
4. Dual Swallow Tattoo
This tattoo depicts two swallows and thus symbolizes love and lifelong companionship. Let this dual swallow tattoo inspire you if are in search of love and joy in life. You can also keep it as a reminder to treasure your close friends, who have always been and will always be a part of your life.
5. Shaded Swallow Tattoo
Inked behind the ear, this swallow tattoo stands out for its use of effective shading that gives this piece of art almost photographic quality. Have this tattoo replicated by a seasoned tattoo expert as it is. However, you are free to place it on other parts of your body such as your wrists or your ankles.
[ Read: Hawaiian Tattoos ]
6. Bright Orange Swallow Tattoo
Orange is a color that stands out for its brightness and effectively attracts attention. This bright orange swallow tattoo is eye-catching. This simple yet ornate design is spruced up by the bright primary shade of orange in contrast with black. Have this tattoo replicated by an experienced tattoo artist who will follow the color and conceptualization as depicted here for maximum impact.
7. Miniature Swallow Tattoos
This miniature tattoo for the wrists effectively depicts the dark silhouettes of swallows in flight. This tattoo is definitely small and subtle however that hardly affects its great style value. Keep it small and trendy. However, you can also have this tattoo inked on your ankles.
8. Ornate Swallow Tattoo in Black
This ornate swallow tattoo in black stands out for its artistry and conceptualization. It’s hard not to notice, how the brilliant use of shading gives this tattoo a higher art value that is hard to replicate. If you wish to have this tattoo inked on your body, instruct a seasoned tattoo artist to stay true to the concept.
[ Read: Hip Tattoos ]
9. Coral Blue Swallow Tattoo
This coral blue swallow tattoo can be summed up in one word and that is simply ‘pretty’. This tattoo has definite and apparent feminine appeal.
10. Swallow Silhouette Tattoo
This swallow tattoo is the apparent silhouette of a sparrow in flight. Make a note of the floral design on the wings and the dark silhouette that is surely the work of a master craftsman or woman. The less said the better about this brilliant piece of art.
11. A Sparrow In Flight
A sparrow in flight is a truly majestic sight to behold. Sparrows do have religious connotations, but a sparrow in flight could also stand for freedom, especially if it is tattooed on the arm.
12. A Sparrow Silhouette
Sometimes, a shadow speaks louder than the being itself. Sparrows stand for love, loyalty, and commitment, and this tattoo speaks of the beautiful bond of love. Tattooing a silhouette on your forearm, back, neck, or chest would be a great idea. Size doesn’t matter. Let’s just say, the smaller, the better.
 The ones listed above are my personal favorites among sparrow and swallow tattoos. Which of these tattoos caught your fancy? Leave your feedback and comments below.