Quid sibi volunt tres aves? – Pelikan, Nachtvogel und Spatz in Hippo und Nola: Exegese bei Augustinus, Therasia und Paulinus

Abstract In Psalm 101, the psalmist likens himself to a pelican, a night bird, and a sparrow. This challenging passage has attracted the attention of various exegetes, including Augustine, and Paulinus and Therasia of Nola. This essay examines the symbolism that they recognised in these three birds, as well as their whereabouts, and attempts to explain why, despite their close correspondence, their interpretations diverge so significantly.