Swallows tattoos are undoubtedly one of the most aesthetic designs you can try. Those have a simple and carefree vibe that can look great on anyone. If you see tattoo enthusiasts, you’ll see many of them rocking some swallow bird ink in their bodies, and it is absolutely stunning.
Also, swallow tattoos are suitable for many parts of the body. So, you can easily get multiple ones that complement each other and get the look that you crave.
Let’s have a look at some of the best Swallow tattoo design that you can try for yourself. You’ll find a whole bunch of options to pick from
104 Swallow Tattoo Designs and Meanings
Swallow tattoos have a very deep meaning and it’s very interesting. According to some, this design is a symbol of sailors being able to return to their destination safely. Others say that the sailors drowned and their soul is flying towards heaven.
Having so much versatility in look, the swallow design tattoos can be a great choice for anyone who’s looking for a new tattoo. Even if it’s your very first tattoo, you can rest assured that it’ll look amazing on you. You can pick from the 104 designs below.
Traditional Swallow Tattoo
You may have seen swallow birds, but have you truly noticed the beauty of these little creatures? Capturing them with ink can give you an astonishing result that you’ll really love. .
1. The Front Wings
The Front Wings This traditional swallow tattoo shows a blue and red bird mid-flight with outstretched wings, simple bold lines, no extra flair. Seen on a guy’s chest, covering the pec area. Special for its understated elegance symbolizing safe travels. Suits minimalists or sailors best. Ideal on chest or upper back for symmetry and visibility.
2. The Back Wings
Feathers behind the back are one of the most popular tattoo designs out there. The back wings are one of the most classy designs that you can try.
3. The Swallow Flower
The Swallow Flower A vibrant swallow bird tattoo clutching a flower in its beak, colored in blues, reds, and yellow petals, realistic style. Inked on a man’s triceps, curving with the muscle. Stands out with the floral integration representing hope and renewal. Great for guys appreciating nature motifs. Triceps or forearm works well for display during motion.
Bird Swallow Tattoo
The bird swallow tattoos are pretty classic and showcase the artistic personality trait. It holds more texture and complex structure, giving you more room to express yourself better with the tattoo.
4. Open Wings of Swallow
The Open Wings of Swallow reveals the confidence and charisma of the power of tattoo ink. It’s a perfect bicep tattoo that you can have.
5. Stabbed Swallow
Stabbed Swallow Dark tattoo of a swallow pierced by a dagger, blood drops in red ink, neo-traditional vibe. Shown on arm, perhaps forearm. Special as a symbol of enduring pain and resilience. Fits tough personalities or those who’ve overcome hardships. Best on forearm or thigh where the dramatic scene can tell its story.
6. The Ocean in Swallow
The Ocean in Swallow is a tattoo that showcases wisdom and depth. Not to mention, it looks amazing as a man’s forearm tattoo.
Barn Swallow Tattoo
As you may already know, Barn Swallow is pretty special and also makes up for a unique tattoo design. It’s a different look compared to the regular swallows.
7. Butterfly Swallow
The butterfly swallow is an aesthetic forearm tattoo for men. It is a symbol of versatility and longevity, which is a great design for anyone who’d love to have a tattoo on their forearm.
8. Blue Ocean Flow
The Blue Ocean Flow is a very stylish and fresh piece of tattoo that you can do on the back of your arm. It screams charisma and carefree positive energy.
9. Sharp Grabber
Sharp Grabber Shows swallow with sharp claws grabbing a branch, detailed feathers in black and gray. On leg, near foot, blending with skin. Special for its gripping pose symbolizing tenacity. Suits active types or climbers. Foot or ankle optimal to accentuate the grab during steps.
Diving Swallow Tattoo
Whether it’s a regular swallow bird or even a butterfly swallow, the dive makes them appear their best. Swallows are known for their dives.
10. Upward Dash Swallow
Upward Dash Swallow Image captures swallow dashing upwards, wings angled sharp, in bright inks. Positioned somewhere visible like arm. Unique upward motion for success vibes. Ideal for ambitious go-getters. Upper arm or chest recommended to inspire daily motivation through the ascending design.
11. Slow Twin Dive
Slow Twin Dive Pair of swallows diving slowly in tandem, subtle shading, twin symmetry. On upper chest, mirroring each other. Stands out as understated art for subtlety fans. Perfect for couples or twins. Upper chest or collarbone best for balanced, intimate placement.
12. Swallow Fist Dive
Swallow Fist Dive Two swallows in fist-like dive poses, bold and mirrored. Tattooed on hands, one per fist. Distinctive for hand pairing, like matching set. Suits bold pairs or fighters. Hands or knuckles ideal to emphasize the dive during clenched moments.
Hand Swallow Tattoo
Swallow tattoos really look good on both man’s and woman’s hand. It shows confidence and intelligence that can attract people around you.
13. Peaking Star
This Peaking Star Swallow bird design is a small yet aesthetic piece of tattoo that you can get for yourself. It symbolizes curiosity and humbleness.
14. The Black Swallow
The Black Swallow All-black silhouette of swallow, mysterious shadows, solid fill. Inked on hand top. Unique secrecy vibe without colors. Fits enigmatic personalities. Hand or neck best for that subtle, dark allure.
15. The Airbourne Pair
The Airbourne Pair Duo of airborne swallows flying together, unisex style with light details. On both hands, paired design. Stands out as matching set for unity. Perfect for couples or friends. Hands or wrists recommended to show the pair in motion.
Navy Swallow Tattoo
If you want to get a swallow tattoo that has a distinct look and feel, then you should try the Navy Swallow tattoo. These have more depth and meaning, which makes them a great tattoo option for your body.
16. The Diving Pair
The Diving Pair is a simple, yet elegant tattoo design that you can’t go wrong with. You can ink it in the chest and it works well with men’s body structure.
17. Color Blasting Swallow
For someone who loves to add colors to his tattoos, this color blasting swallow tattoo can be a fascinating design. You can already tell that you’ll have a lot more room to work with if you go for this tattoo.
18. Flower on the Beak
Some people just want to get an aesthetic tattoo on their body. And that’s where the Flower on the Beak tattoo shines. It’s just a perfect tattoo to enhance your aesthetics.
Chest Swallow Tattoo
Chest is undoubtedly one of the best places that you can get a tattoo on. When you go topless with a few swallow tattoos on your chest, it’ll boost your attraction by a lot.
19. Swallow Target Pair
It’s one of the lest offensive swallow tattoos that you can get for your chest. It works with both mans and woman’s chest, which is pretty amazing. It looks fantastic and lift up your spirit as well.
20. Swallow in Back Shot
This is perhaps the deepest tattoo design on our list. It’s a sigh that someone if focused completely in his life. That’s a very charismatic trait.
21. Life as a Swallow
The Life of Swallow showcases the flow of a beautiful tattoo. It looks stunning and may be the best tattoo that you can get for your under the collar bone area.
Sailor Swallow Tattoo
The Sailor Swallow tattoo is easily the best design for swallow birds. It absolutely appears flawless with ink on your body.
22. The Shades of Swallow Bird
The Shades of Swallow Bird is undoubtedly the best back tattoo for men. It looks super aesthetic and it can transform your look for the good.
23. The Diving Bird
The Diving Bird is a simple tattoo that looks simple and elegant. You can add your information below to add more personality to your tattoo.
24. The Fallen Swallow Bird
The Fallen Swallow Bird signifies the submission to the struggle and becoming one with it. It implies a unique type of state and flow, making you appear more mysterious.
Swallow Tattoo Designs
Swallow tattoo designs look amazing in any part of your body. If you want to add a tattoo to a certain spot, you’re very likely to find a great design for this place.
25. The Clockwork Swallow
The Clockwork Swallow shows the play of a pair of swallow birds. You can find carefreeness, playfulness, and a natural flow with this tattoo.
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Sailor Jerry Swallow Tattoo
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Swallow Neck Tattoo
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Realistic Swallow Tattoo
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Swallow Silhouette Tattoo
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Japanese Swallow Tattoo
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Nautical Swallow Tattoo
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Old Swallow Tattoo
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Swallow Cover Up Tattoo
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Vintage Swallow Tattoos
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Cartoon Swallow Tattoo
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Classic Swallow Tattoo
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Dead Swallow Tattoo
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Detailed Swallow Tattoo
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Flying Swallow Tattoo
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Modern Swallow Tattoo
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Retro Swallow Tattoo
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Rose Swallow Tattoo
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Southpaw Swallow Tattoo
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Sparrow Swallow Tattoo
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Swallow Foot Tattoo
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Swallow Heart Tattoo
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Swallow Hip Tattoo
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Swallow Leg Tattoo
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Swallow Love Tattoo
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Swallow Memorial Tattoo
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This swallow memorial tattoo features a classic bird in bold lines with added handwriting, likely a signature or note for “Dad.” It’s in traditional style with black ink, simple yet emotional. Special for its personal touch combining old tattoo remake with script. Seen on an arm in the photo; best on forearm or bicep for visibility. Suits folks commemorating family losses through meaningful swallow bird memorial designs.
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A bold traditional swallow tattoo in vibrant colors—blue wings, red belly—flying dynamically. No text, just the bird symbolizing freedom and loyalty. What stands out is the clean, old-school shading that holds up over time. The image shows it on a forearm; ideal spot is upper arm or shoulder for everyday display. Perfect for sailors or travelers seeking classic American traditional swallow ink.
Swallow Ribbon Tattoo
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Black and gray swallow with intricate feather details, clutching a twisted ribbon inscribed “CR-JW GL-.” Realistic style with smooth gradients, no color. Unique in its somber, memorial vibe from the initials. Placed on someone’s ribcage in the shot; ribs or side work well for private yet detailed swallow ribbon memorial tattoos. Great for people honoring multiple loved ones discreetly.
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Pair of traditional swallows in bright colors, one with “Mom” banner, the other “Dad,” flying together. Bold outlines, vivid reds and blues in American style. Stands out for the parental tribute in a symmetrical set. Not shown on body, but chest or back would fit best for balanced swallow family honor tattoos. Fits parents or those valuing bold, sentimental pieces.
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Vivid blue swallow with red underbelly and yellow beak, carrying a light blue ribbon reading “Taryn Jane” in script. Traditional yet colorful, with smooth shading. The name makes it deeply personal, like a dedication. Inked on upper chest here; chest or collarbone is prime for such intimate swallow name banner tattoos. Ideal for anyone remembering a specific person with pop of color.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which Body Parts Are Suitable For Swallow Tattoo Designs?
One of the best things about Swallow tattoos are that you can have it almost anywhere in your body. That being said, some designs will look better on a certain body part. But as for the rule of thumb, the chest, back of the shoulder, forearm, etc. are perfect places for swallow tattoos.
2. Are Swallow Tattoos Feminine?
Swallow tattoos are not feminine and any man can rock swallow tattoos as well. However, it’s important to select the right one. Some tattoos are defiantly a bit on the feminine side. And some are on a bit masculine side. So, make sure to select the most suitable design according to your gender and it should look amazing.
