Caladrius

The Caladrius, (sometimes spelt Charadrius), is a mythical river bird with pure white plumage,  which is said to possess the power of prophecy, and whose dung has medicinal properties. With a glance it can tell you if a sick person will live or die. The Caladrius is brought to the bedside of  sick person; if the bird turns away , the patient is going to die, but if the bird continues to look into the face of the patient, it will draw all the sickness into itself, and then fly into the sun where the sickness will be burnt up and destroyed, curing the sick person. It is also said that the dung of the caladrius can heal blindness.

The Caladrius is seen as a representation of Christ, it's white plumage is without blemish, just as Christ was without blemish. Just as the Caladrius turns away from the dying, so Jesus turned away from the Jews because of their unbelief, and instead turned his face towards the gentiles, taking their sins upon himself, just as the Caladrius takes sickness upon itself. It's flight towards the sun is a reflection of Christ's ascension into Heaven.