Bird Maiden MTG Card


Bird Maiden provides evasion through flying, enabling strategic plays over ground defenses. Cost-efficient and potentially impactful early in the game, setting up for later turns. Though not instant cast, it pressures opponents by maintaining a consistent aerial threat.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Bird
Abilities Flying
Power 1
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying

"Four things that never meet do here unite To shed my blood and to ravage my heart, A radiant brow and tresses that beguile And rosy cheeks and a glittering smile." —*The Arabian Nights*, trans. Haddawy


Cards like Bird Maiden

The Bird Maiden is a classic creature card that reminds seasoned players of simpler times in Magic: The Gathering. This flying creature has found its kin in cards like Storm Crow and Wind Drake, both of which are similarly costed with the ability to take to the skies. While Storm Crow is famed in MTG lore for its meme status rather than actual utility, it shares the same mana cost and flying trait with Bird Maiden. Wind Drake, on the other hand, boasts a slightly higher power, giving it an edge in direct combat.

Another aviary comparison can be drawn with Sun Tail Hawk. Though the Hawk might be limited by its single point of power, its lower casting cost makes it a viable option for early game board presence. Conversely, Bird Maiden’s additional point of toughness coupled with its ability to fly allows it to survive encounters that would ground the smaller bird.

When considering the overall ecosystem of flying creatures within MTG, Bird Maiden holds its own, particularly within decks that capitalize on air superiority. Its balance of cost and durability makes it a card worthy of consideration for players building a sky-bound strategy.

Storm Crow - MTG Card versions
Wind Drake - MTG Card versions
Storm Crow - MTG Card versions
Wind Drake - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Bird Maiden by color, type and mana cost

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Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Shinen of Fury's Fire - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Sabretooth Tiger - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Shinen of Fury's Fire - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Bird Maiden card itself doesn’t directly offer card advantage, its flying ability can enable you to bypass ground defenses and effectively utilize cards that synergize with flying creatures, potentially leading to card advantage through other means.

Resource Acceleration: Bird Maiden doesn’t provide conventional resource acceleration like mana ramping. However, its modest casting cost makes it a feasible play early in the game, setting the stage for more substantial plays later on without taxing your mana resources heavily.

Instant Speed: Bird Maiden is a creature card and thus cannot be cast at instant speed. Nonetheless, its flying trait provides a constant threat in the air, compelling opponents to leave mana untapped to deal with it, indirectly benefiting you by limiting their options.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Bird Maiden doesn’t require you to discard cards, but it’s important to be aware of this potential drawback in other cards you may pair it with in your deck.

Specific Mana Cost: Bird Maiden requires red mana, which could restrict its inclusion only to decks that run mountains or have the means to generate red mana efficiently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes three mana (two of which are generic and one red), some players might find Bird Maiden too costly for the stats and flying ability it offers, especially when compared to other creatures in the format.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Bird Maiden’s flying ability allows it to glide over ground-based defenses and be a steady presence in the air, which is a beneficial trait for decks that require reliable attackers or blockers with evasion.

Combo Potential: This card works well with strategies that capitalize on flying creatures or those that trigger when creatures with flying enter the battlefield, elevating the strategic depth of your game.

Meta-Relevance: In a game format where reaching the opponent directly is key, Bird Maiden provides an agile solution to bypassing congested battle lines and maintaining pressure on the opponent.


How to beat

Bird Maiden is a classic card that takes to the skies with its ability to fly over ground-based defenses, reminiscent of other more modern flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This ability allows it to avoid many common ground-based blockers, but it’s not immune to all forms of defense. To effectively counter Bird Maiden, it’s wise to consider utilizing instant-speed removal spells, which can eliminate the threat before it does any significant damage.

Another approach is the employment of creatures with reach or those wielding flying themselves, providing a reliable line of defense against airborne attackers. Additionally, enchantments that restrict creatures from attacking, such as Ghostly Prison or Propaganda, can also serve as effective containment measures against cards like Bird Maiden. With thoughtful anticipation and strategic counterplay, overcoming the challenge presented by this aviation-minded card is quite feasible within the vast realm of Magic: The Gathering.

It’s essential to evaluate the context of your match-up and deploy the appropriate countermeasures to ensure victory. Keeping a well-rounded defense and understanding the interactions between cards can turn the tide against cards with the flying capability, ensuring that even the Bird Maiden can be brought down to earth.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bird Maiden MTG card by a specific set like Arabian Nights and Arabian Nights, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Bird Maiden and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Bird Maiden Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 1993-12-17 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by Kaja Foglio.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-12-17Arabian NightsARN 37†1993NormalBlackKaja Foglio
21993-12-17Arabian NightsARN 371993NormalBlackKaja Foglio
31995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 1771993NormalBlackKaja Foglio
41995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 1771993NormalWhiteKaja Foglio
51995-08-01RinascimentoRIN 721993NormalBlackKaja Foglio
61995-08-01RenaissanceREN 741993NormalBlackKaja Foglio
71997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 2111997NormalWhiteKaja Foglio
82011-01-10Masters Edition IVME4 1101997NormalBlackKaja Foglio

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bird Maiden has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal