Take a look at the Liverpool crest and you'll see that it is dominated by a very large bird – it is not a dove, or a pigeon, or a peacock. The bird has become a symbolic of Liverpool Football Club, but its meaning and history actually are rooted within the city itself.
So what is the Liver bird, and how did it become synonymous with Liverpool? GOAL takes a look.
What is the bird on the Liverpool crest?
The bird on the Liverpool crest is the Liver bird, a mythical creature that also serves as the iconic symbol of the city of Liverpool.
The Liver bird has been representative of Liverpool for over 800 years, and appears on the city's arms.
The mythology and tradition of the Liver bird goes back all the way to 1229, when King Henry III allowed the citizens of Liverpool to self-govern through trade guilds. A one-of-a-kind seal was then commissioned to certify documents, and the design featured that of the Liver bird.
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The construction of the Liver Building in the heart of Liverpool further popularised the reputation of the Liver bird as the city's symbol, as there is a sculpture of a female pair of birds that sit atop the landmark structure.
The two Liver birds are meant to be a male and female pair, with local legend stating that the female bird looks out at sea, making sure the seamen return to the city safely, while the male guards the city to watch over the seamen's families. Other myths conclude that the birds face away from each other, for if they were to mate and fly away, the city would no longer exist.
Does the Liver bird belong to Liverpool or Everton?
Although the Liverpool club crest features the Liver bird prominently, it was actually Everton who first used it as a symbol – but was eventually replaced in the 1930s with the Everton Lock-Up.
The Liver bird was adopted as part of the the official Liverpool badge in 1901, although it was not included into the kit until 1955.
Liverpool incorporate the design of the Liver bird heavily into their club crest, memorabilia and souvenirs, and in 2008 tried to trademark the Liver Bird in order to dispute counterfeit kits.
The application was withdrawn, however, following opposition by the city council, who stated the symbol belonged to the whole city and not one club.
Liver birds in popular culture
Aside from the Liver bird being the official mascot of the city, its symbolism continues to live in throughout popular culture with noteworthy Liverpudlians.
A 1960s all-female rock group named themselves The Liverbirds, while the crest of Sir Paul McCartney, one of the four members of the Beatles, incorporates a Liver bird holding a guitar.
Liver birds in various shapes, sizes and forms can be found throughout the city of Liverpool and beyond.
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