What is the origin of the idiom "a little bird told me" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "a little bird" is rooted in the concept of birds as messengers or carriers of information. Throughout history, birds have been associated with secrets, whispers, and the transmission of news. In various cultures and folklore, birds are often depicted as symbols of communication or as intermediaries between humans and the divine. It is often used when sharing gossip, rumors, or intriguing details without revealing the specific person who provided the information.