The Thunderbird is a creature from many North American native tribes. This bird is described as being massive with feathers almost 5 feet long. When this beast flapped its wings, it made a thunder sound, probably where it got its name. It is said that the Thunderbird could pick up whales with its talons and that whales were one of its favorite foods. Along with its massive talons, it had teeth in its beak and very bright colored feathers. The bird was often seen holding two snakes that made lighting, while others say that it could make lighting just by blinking its eyes.

Even though this bird could look scary at times, it was known as a great protector. It punished those who did not have moral integrity. The Thunderbird could bring life, giving rain or weather to destroy the land. The legendary creature could transform into a human if it wished.

Many tribes in North America believe in the Thunderbird. Some of these tribes include Ojibwe, Winnebago, Sioux, Algonquian, etc. Of course, their accounts of the bird differ. For the Ojibwe, they believe Nanabozaho, one of their heroes, created the bird to protect them from evil water spirits. They also said the Thunderbird would punish those who broke moral rules. The Winnebago belive the bird could grant people powers, while the Sioux believed the bird protected them from a very dangerous reptilian creature, the Uktehila. The Algonquian thought the Thunderbird were ancestors of humans and ruled the upper world and would throw lighting at the Great Horned Serpent who rules the underworld.

To this day, there are still sightings of the Thunderbird. Often people talk about giant birds that are seen flying overhead during lousy weather.