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Table 3 Bird species with categories linked to beliefs, myths, rites, and rituals in Zapotitlán Salinas

From: Environmental interactions between people and birds in semiarid lands of the Zapotitlán Valley, Central Mexico

Local Name

Category

Description

Chuparosas, Chupamirtos (Trochilidae)

Amulet

It is used as an amulet for good luck. It is captured and dried to be placed on the door of the home or loaded in the bag.

Zopilotes (Cathartes aura, Coragyps atratus)

Omen

Announces bad luck when it crosses the person’s path.

Correcaminos (Geococcyx velox)

Omen

Announces bad luck when it crosses the person’s path.

Tecolote (Glaucidium brasilianum)

Omen

Announces the death of a relative by singing at night, insistently, on the side of the house.

Rayito, Pájaro del rayo, San Gabrielito (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

Omen

Announces good luck when the person sees one.

Cuicuite (Toxostoma curvirostre)

Omen

Announces a visit from a family member when it sings insistently near the house.

Totopito con chilaquil (Aegolius acadicus)

ECP

He announces cold or rain with his insistent song.

Correcaminos (Geococcyx velox)

ECP

It announces rain and strong wind with its song, which is rare because it is a bird that does not sing frequently.

Announces heat through a different song, which is interpreted as cheerful.

Tecolote (Glaucidium brasilianum)

ECP

Announces the beginning of the rainy season, or enough rain during the season with its song during the early morning.

Golondrina (Stelgidopteryx serripennis, Hirundo rustica)

ECP

It indicates nearby rain when rising at high altitude during its flight in open places.

Saltapared (Catherpes mexicanus, Troglodytes aedon, Thryomanes bewickii)

ECP

Announces the rain with his insistent song.

Lechuza (Tyto alba)

ECP

Announces the cold with his song.

Cacalote (Corvus corax)

Ritual

Blood is used as an element in a ritual against witchcraft.

Chuparosas, Chupamirtos (Trochilidae)

Ritual

It is used as an element to make clean against “mal de ojo” or “aire”