Dai bird with three eyes and ears, Qing Shanhaijing painted manuscript
The caption places the owl-like, three-eyed bird in Ji Valley on Mount Shou. This artist gives it ear-like tufts and a green third eye in the forehead; the palette belongs to the later illustration.
Overview
Dai birds live in Ji Valley on the shaded side of Mount Shou in the Shanhaijing. They resemble owls but have three eyes as well as ears. Their voice is compared to a sound rendered lu in the received account.
The passage assigns an attributed dietary benefit to eating them. Three eyes and the presence of ears are the explicit visual distinctions; the valley sits among a mountain’s trees, plants and jade deposits.
Origins & earliest records
China; Shanhaijing Central Mountains
Records & interpretation
Specific named received-primary passage directly read; historical illustration matching remains separate.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Shanhaijing, Central Mountains
Fifth central itinerary; Mount Shou and Ji Valley
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Shanhaijing
Central Mountains. Fifth central itinerary; Mount Shou and Ji Valley
Specific named received text directly read: 䲦鳥. Historical image not yet assigned.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Primary text transcriptionShanhaijing Central Mountains received primary textResearch access: 2026-10-05
- Historical lexicographic primary text transcriptionKangxi dictionary transcription for䲦; historical readings and modern dàiResearch access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
Historical manuscript illustrationDai bird with three eyes and ears, Qing Shanhaijing painted manuscript
The caption places the owl-like, three-eyed bird in Ji Valley on Mount Shou. This artist gives it ear-like tufts and a green third eye in the forehead; the palette belongs to the later illustration.
