Songbird, Sonic ScreamerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Evasion Through Sacrifice

Songbird's core utility comes from her activated ability. By discarding any card from your hand, you give her flying until the end of the turn. This allows her to bypass ground-based blockers to deliver damage directly to your opponent or their planeswalkers. Because it is an activated ability, you can use it at instant speed, such as after your opponent declares blockers but before the declare blockers step is over, though usually you will want to activate it before attackers are declared.

The Lifelink Connection

Every point of damage Songbird deals results in an equal amount of life gained for you. This includes both combat damage and any non-combat damage she might deal if given other abilities. Because lifelink is a static ability, the life gain happens simultaneously with the damage; you do not have to wait for a trigger to resolve to receive the life.

Tactical Considerations

A common mistake is forgetting that Songbird does not have flying by default. If you intend to attack through the air, you must have a card in hand to discard. Additionally, note that discarding a card is a cost. If the ability is countered or Songbird is removed in response, the card stays in your graveyard. This can be strategically used to set up graveyard synergies or 'Madness' effects during your turn or an opponent's turn.

Interaction examples

Taking to the Skies

Ornithopter of Paradise

If your opponent controls an Ornithopter of Paradise, Songbird would normally be blocked if she had flying. However, if you choose not to activate her ability, she remains on the ground. Conversely, if the opponent has only ground blockers, you can discard a card to gain flying, ensuring she flies over them to deal damage and trigger her lifelink.

Sustaining the Villain

Blood Artist

While Songbird attacks in the air to gain you life via lifelink, Blood Artist sits on the battlefield to provide additional health. If Songbird is blocked and dies in combat, Blood Artist will trigger, causing an opponent to lose 1 life and you to gain another 1 life, effectively punishing the opponent for dealing with your aerial threat.