Bird Maiden MTG Card
1993-12-17 - Number 37†
1993-12-17 - Number 37
1995-04-01 - Number 177
1995-04-01 - Number 177
1995-08-01 - Number 72
1995-08-01 - Number 74
1997-03-24 - Number 211
2011-01-10 - Number 110
| Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — 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.
Cards similar to Bird Maiden by color, type and mana cost
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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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
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.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-12-17 | Arabian Nights | ARN | 37† | 1993 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 2 | 1993-12-17 | Arabian Nights | ARN | 37 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 177 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 4 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 177 | 1993 | Normal | White | Kaja Foglio | |
| 5 | 1995-08-01 | Rinascimento | RIN | 72 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 6 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 74 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 7 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 211 | 1997 | Normal | White | Kaja Foglio | |
| 8 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 110 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Bird Maiden has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |