What is the symbolism of birds in The Woman Warrior?

Birds in The Woman Warrior are
auspicious symbols (opportune; promising success) and they appear in talk-stories that
Maxine hears. In "White Tigers" birds are guides who lead the way up a hill, thereby
representing courage and rising above circumstances. Birds symbolize good luck when
birds painted on Brave Orchid's boat keep her safe from pirates who board the very next
boat. They also symbolize fortune and wealth because Brave Orchid's wallet opens up and
looks like wings. One seeming contradiction puzzles Maxine. Her Fourth Uncle is killed
by Communists while trying to catch birds with which to feed his family. This seems to
symbolize that birds become inauspicious when their beauty and independence is violated,
even when done for good reason.