Birds 3

Birds 3 features motifs with a natural, lifelike appearance, characterised by subtle, curving outlines that echo the shape of real birds. In contrast, Birds 1 and 2 adopt more rigid, geometric outlines, which may seem ‘severe’ by comparison. While one might be tempted to regard Birds 3 as ‘better,’ this is a matter of category rather than quality, as one is not comparing like-for-like—each type possesses its own distinct merits. 

This example is of a very high quality, and indeed, it is one of my favourite examples of this particular motif, as it appears to be so true-to-life, with no ‘compromises' as regards veracity being necessary, as is so often the case. All the elements are clearly identifiable and are not merged in any way.

Colouration

A minimum of two colours is required. Although it is possible to colour this with a minimum of two colours, in this instance I have decided to use three, as by so doing ‘greater symmetry' can be discerned, with effectively ‘rings' of coloured birds of the same colour that essentially ‘enhance' the tessellation, at least in a colouration sense, albeit to be effective a greater number of birds of necessity is thus required, as shown. Another possibility was to use six colours, thus emphasising the six orientations. However, although feasible, this would be somewhat impractical (in terms of producing by hand), as to show the symmetry unambiguously would thus require even more motifs than is shown.

The rendition here (using coloured pencil) can be seen to be of a more considered nature than with most of my other tessellations. As can be seen, a deliberate three-dimensional effect has been undertaken, with the shading suggesting the contours of the bird. 

Colouration

A minimum of three colours is required. A simple, basic colouration, of the 'one motif, one colour' type. As the colouration requires a minimum of three colours, red, yellow and blue are selected, these being at equal distances around a colour wheel to thus emphasise colour contrast.

Colouration

A minimum of two colours is required. Although two colours would suffice, for the sake of variety, a more complex (in relative terms) three-colouring is shown as regards the 'weighted distribution'. This involves the use of colours in different distributions, with brown, green and blue respectively in ratios of 50%, 25% and 25%.

Rotated birds
Colouration

A minimum of three colours is required. Although three colours would suffice, four are used so as to be compatible with the four orientations of the motif. Three colours, although minimal, would be 'inelegant' as according to the inherent symmetry.

Glide reflected birds

Translated birds

3 June 2025. Minor revision of text from Classic Sites. 9 June 2025. Added black and white birds upon revision of the page. Previously in Classic Sites placed under 'Black and White'.