National Birds of the World sample by Bloomsbury Publishing

Dedicated to the memory of Jean Toft, the author’s late wife, who died during the writing of this book.

National Birds of the World Ron Toft

First published in 2014 Copyright © 2014 text by Ron Toft Copyright © 2014 photographs as credited on page 220–221 The right of Ron Toft to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means – photographic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage or retrieval systems – without permission of the publishers. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 50 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3DP www.bloomsbury.com Bloomsbury Publishing, London, New Delhi, New York and Sydney A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Commissioning editor: Julie Bailey Project editor: Jasmine Parker Design: Nicola Liddiard, Nimbus Design ISBN 978-1-4081-7835-5 Printed in China by C&C Offset Printing Co Ltd. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Dedicated to the memory of Jean Toft, the author’s late wife, who died during the writing of this book.

National Birds of the World Ron Toft

Content s Foreword...6

COSTA RICA Clay-coloured Thrush...58

LITHUANIA White Stork...108

SINGAPORE Crimson Sunbird...159

Introduction...8

CUBA Cuban Trogon...59

LUXEMBOURG Goldcrest...110

SOUTH AFRICA Blue Crane...161

DENMARK Mute Swan...60

MALAWI African Fish-eagle...111

SRI LANKA Sri Lanka Junglefowl...163

ANGOLA Red-crested Turaco...12

DOMINICA Imperial Amazon...62

MALTA Blue Rock-thrush...113

ST HELENA St Helena Plover...164

ANGUILLA Zenaida Dove...13

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Palmchat...64

MAURITIUS Dodo...115

ST KITTS and NEVIS Brown Pelican...166

ANTIGUA and BARBUDA Magnificent Frigatebird...14

ECUADOR Andean Condor...65

MEXICO Crested Caracara...117

ST LUCIA St Lucia Amazon...167

ARGENTINA Rufous Hornero...16

EL SALVADOR Turquoise-browed Motmot...67

MONGOLIA Saker Falcon...119

ST VINCENT St Vincent Amazon...169

AUSTRALIA Emu...18

ESTONIA Barn Swallow...68

MONTSERRAT Montserrat Oriole...121

SUDAN Secretarybird...171

AUSTRIA Barn Swallow...22

FAROE ISLANDS Eurasian Oystercatcher...70

NAMIBIA African Fish-eagle...123

SWAZILAND Purple-crested Turaco...173

BAHAMAS Caribbean Flamingo...24

FINLAND Whooper Swan...71

NEPAL Himalayan Monal...125

SWEDEN Eurasian Blackbird...175

BAHRAIN White-eared Bulbul...26

FRANCE Gallic Rooster...74

NEW CALEDONIA Kagu...127

TAIWAN Taiwan Blue Magpie...177

BANGLADESH Oriental Magpie-robin...27

GIBRALTAR Barbary Partridge...76

NEW ZEALAND Kiwi...129

THAILAND Siamese Fireback...178

BELARUS White Stork...28

GRENADA Grenada Dove...77

NICARAGUA Turquoise-browed Motmot...132

TRINIDAD and TOBAGO Scarlet Ibis and

BELGIUM Gallic Rooster...30

GUATEMALA Resplendent Quetzal...78

NIGERIA Black Crowned Crane...133

Rufous-vented Chachalaca...180

BELIZE Keel-billed Toucan...31

GUYANA Hoatzin...82

NORWAY White-throated Dipper...135

UGANDA Grey Crowned Crane...182

BERMUDA Bermuda Petrel...33

HAITI Hispaniolan Trogon...84

PAKISTAN Chukar...136

UK European Robin...184

BHUTAN Common Raven...36

HONDURAS Scarlet Macaw...85

PALAU Palau Fruit Dove...137

US VIRGIN ISLANDS Bananaquit...188

BOLIVIA Andean Condor...38

HUNGARY Great Bustard...88

PALESTINE Palestine Sunbird...139

USA Bald Eagle...190

BOTSWANA Lilac-breasted Roller, Kori Bustard...40

ICELAND Gyr Falcon...90

PANAMA Harpy Eagle...141

VENEZUELA Venezuelan Troupial...202

BRAZIL Rufous-bellied Thrush...43

INDIA Indian Peafowl...92

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Raggiana Bird-of-paradise...143

YEMEN Arabian Golden-winged Grosbeak...204

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Zenaida Dove...44

INDONESIA Javan Hawk-eagle...96

PARAGUAY Bare-throated Bellbird...146

ZAMBIA African Fish-eagle...206

BURMA Grey Peacock-pheasant...45

ISRAEL Eurasian Hoopoe...99

PERU Andean Cock-of-the-rock...147

ZIMBABWE African Fish-eagle...208

CAMBODIA Giant Ibis...46

JAMAICA Red-billed Streamertail...101

PHILIPPINES Philippine Eagle...149

CAYMAN ISLANDS Cayman Parrot...48

JAPAN Green Pheasant...103

PUERTO RICO Puerto Rican Spindalis...151

Emblem miscellany...210

CHILE Andean Condor...50

JORDAN Sinai Rosefinch...104

SAMOA Tooth-billed Pigeon...153

References...216

CHINA Red-crowned Crane...52

LATVIA White Wagtail...105

scotland Golden Eagle...155

Image credits...220

COLOMBIA Andean Condor...55

LIBERIA Common Bulbul...106

SEYCHELLES Seychelles Black Parrot...157

Index...222

Content s Foreword...6

COSTA RICA Clay-coloured Thrush...58

LITHUANIA White Stork...108

SINGAPORE Crimson Sunbird...159

Introduction...8

CUBA Cuban Trogon...59

LUXEMBOURG Goldcrest...110

SOUTH AFRICA Blue Crane...161

DENMARK Mute Swan...60

MALAWI African Fish-eagle...111

SRI LANKA Sri Lanka Junglefowl...163

ANGOLA Red-crested Turaco...12

DOMINICA Imperial Amazon...62

MALTA Blue Rock-thrush...113

ST HELENA St Helena Plover...164

ANGUILLA Zenaida Dove...13

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Palmchat...64

MAURITIUS Dodo...115

ST KITTS and NEVIS Brown Pelican...166

ANTIGUA and BARBUDA Magnificent Frigatebird...14

ECUADOR Andean Condor...65

MEXICO Crested Caracara...117

ST LUCIA St Lucia Amazon...167

ARGENTINA Rufous Hornero...16

EL SALVADOR Turquoise-browed Motmot...67

MONGOLIA Saker Falcon...119

ST VINCENT St Vincent Amazon...169

AUSTRALIA Emu...18

ESTONIA Barn Swallow...68

MONTSERRAT Montserrat Oriole...121

SUDAN Secretarybird...171

AUSTRIA Barn Swallow...22

FAROE ISLANDS Eurasian Oystercatcher...70

NAMIBIA African Fish-eagle...123

SWAZILAND Purple-crested Turaco...173

BAHAMAS Caribbean Flamingo...24

FINLAND Whooper Swan...71

NEPAL Himalayan Monal...125

SWEDEN Eurasian Blackbird...175

BAHRAIN White-eared Bulbul...26

FRANCE Gallic Rooster...74

NEW CALEDONIA Kagu...127

TAIWAN Taiwan Blue Magpie...177

BANGLADESH Oriental Magpie-robin...27

GIBRALTAR Barbary Partridge...76

NEW ZEALAND Kiwi...129

THAILAND Siamese Fireback...178

BELARUS White Stork...28

GRENADA Grenada Dove...77

NICARAGUA Turquoise-browed Motmot...132

TRINIDAD and TOBAGO Scarlet Ibis and

BELGIUM Gallic Rooster...30

GUATEMALA Resplendent Quetzal...78

NIGERIA Black Crowned Crane...133

Rufous-vented Chachalaca...180

BELIZE Keel-billed Toucan...31

GUYANA Hoatzin...82

NORWAY White-throated Dipper...135

UGANDA Grey Crowned Crane...182

BERMUDA Bermuda Petrel...33

HAITI Hispaniolan Trogon...84

PAKISTAN Chukar...136

UK European Robin...184

BHUTAN Common Raven...36

HONDURAS Scarlet Macaw...85

PALAU Palau Fruit Dove...137

US VIRGIN ISLANDS Bananaquit...188

BOLIVIA Andean Condor...38

HUNGARY Great Bustard...88

PALESTINE Palestine Sunbird...139

USA Bald Eagle...190

BOTSWANA Lilac-breasted Roller, Kori Bustard...40

ICELAND Gyr Falcon...90

PANAMA Harpy Eagle...141

VENEZUELA Venezuelan Troupial...202

BRAZIL Rufous-bellied Thrush...43

INDIA Indian Peafowl...92

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Raggiana Bird-of-paradise...143

YEMEN Arabian Golden-winged Grosbeak...204

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Zenaida Dove...44

INDONESIA Javan Hawk-eagle...96

PARAGUAY Bare-throated Bellbird...146

ZAMBIA African Fish-eagle...206

BURMA Grey Peacock-pheasant...45

ISRAEL Eurasian Hoopoe...99

PERU Andean Cock-of-the-rock...147

ZIMBABWE African Fish-eagle...208

CAMBODIA Giant Ibis...46

JAMAICA Red-billed Streamertail...101

PHILIPPINES Philippine Eagle...149

CAYMAN ISLANDS Cayman Parrot...48

JAPAN Green Pheasant...103

PUERTO RICO Puerto Rican Spindalis...151

Emblem miscellany...210

CHILE Andean Condor...50

JORDAN Sinai Rosefinch...104

SAMOA Tooth-billed Pigeon...153

References...216

CHINA Red-crowned Crane...52

LATVIA White Wagtail...105

scotland Golden Eagle...155

Image credits...220

COLOMBIA Andean Condor...55

LIBERIA Common Bulbul...106

SEYCHELLES Seychelles Black Parrot...157

Index...222

Foreword For me birds are a way of easily and accessibly engaging with a diversity of life on a daily basis. Thus my favourite birds are those that live around me, in my back garden.

Of course such an interest in birds means that I also

accuracy. Nevertheless these avian totems mean

have an interest in seeing new or exotic species, and

something to those whose ideas and aspirations

unravelling their individual behaviours and ecologies,

they represent, and here we see how and why such

as well as their simple beauty, enhances my quality of

choices were made.

life. And that is no bad thing! Nor unique. Wherever I travel in the world I meet people to

Saker Falcon, IUCN: EN

Montserrat Oriole, IUCN: CR

Kagu, IUCN: EN

Philippine Eagle, IUCN: CR

Tooth-billed Pigeon, IUCN: EN

St Helena Plover, IUCN: CR

Imperial Amazon, IUCN: EN

Red-crowned Crane, IUCN: EN

I must confess I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind a rethink in some cases. I think it would be a good idea if nations,

whom birds mean something, and this is nothing new

states and regions now selected a bird in some kind

either. For centuries we have observed, studied,

of conservation crisis. This would draw attention to

worshipped and revered birds. We have chosen them

its plight and perhaps also help fuel its protection.

as icons and symbols with human parallels and very

This certainly helped the North American Bald Eagle

often allowed our anthropomorphising to run riot,

when its numbers had become precarious. Maybe it

producing some unlikely and unsuitable heroes and

would do the same for others. So forget the Robin.

generating all sorts of misconceptions.

How about having the Lapwing as the British

This book explores birds very much as symbols,

Javan Hawk-eagle, IUCN: EN

national bird!

and they have been selected over varying degrees of time and with varying degrees of care and biological

Chris Packham

IUCN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Bermuda Petrel, IUCN: EN

Giant Ibis, IUCN: CR

Grenada Dove, IUCN: CR

The IUCN Red List of threatened species is a classification

Near threatened (NT); Vulnerable (Vu); Endangered (EN);

system, which the IUCN launched to raise the profile of

Critically endangered (CR); Extinct in the wild (EW) and

threatened animals on our planet. There are nine categories:

Extinct (EX). Throughout the book each national bird has its

Not evaluated (NE); Data deficient (DD); Least concern (LC);

IUCN classification listed.

Foreword For me birds are a way of easily and accessibly engaging with a diversity of life on a daily basis. Thus my favourite birds are those that live around me, in my back garden.

Of course such an interest in birds means that I also

accuracy. Nevertheless these avian totems mean

have an interest in seeing new or exotic species, and

something to those whose ideas and aspirations

unravelling their individual behaviours and ecologies,

they represent, and here we see how and why such

as well as their simple beauty, enhances my quality of

choices were made.

life. And that is no bad thing! Nor unique. Wherever I travel in the world I meet people to

Saker Falcon, IUCN: EN

Montserrat Oriole, IUCN: CR

Kagu, IUCN: EN

Philippine Eagle, IUCN: CR

Tooth-billed Pigeon, IUCN: EN

St Helena Plover, IUCN: CR

Imperial Amazon, IUCN: EN

Red-crowned Crane, IUCN: EN

I must confess I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind a rethink in some cases. I think it would be a good idea if nations,

whom birds mean something, and this is nothing new

states and regions now selected a bird in some kind

either. For centuries we have observed, studied,

of conservation crisis. This would draw attention to

worshipped and revered birds. We have chosen them

its plight and perhaps also help fuel its protection.

as icons and symbols with human parallels and very

This certainly helped the North American Bald Eagle

often allowed our anthropomorphising to run riot,

when its numbers had become precarious. Maybe it

producing some unlikely and unsuitable heroes and

would do the same for others. So forget the Robin.

generating all sorts of misconceptions.

How about having the Lapwing as the British

This book explores birds very much as symbols,

Javan Hawk-eagle, IUCN: EN

national bird!

and they have been selected over varying degrees of time and with varying degrees of care and biological

Chris Packham

IUCN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Bermuda Petrel, IUCN: EN

Giant Ibis, IUCN: CR

Grenada Dove, IUCN: CR

The IUCN Red List of threatened species is a classification

Near threatened (NT); Vulnerable (Vu); Endangered (EN);

system, which the IUCN launched to raise the profile of

Critically endangered (CR); Extinct in the wild (EW) and

threatened animals on our planet. There are nine categories:

Extinct (EX). Throughout the book each national bird has its

Not evaluated (NE); Data deficient (DD); Least concern (LC);

IUCN classification listed.

a n t i g ua a n d b a r b uda

Mag nif icent Fr ig atebird Fregata manif icens least concern IUCN: It is thought that globally there are probably several hundred thousand birds. The population is believed to be increasing. Size: Length 89–114 cm (2.11–3.09 in). Description: Prehistoric-looking but

Left: The Magnificent Frigatebird is not just

graceful seabird with a long, deeply

the biggest of the five frigatebird species

forked tail, a large, pale, hooked bill and

but also the one with the longest bill.

long, narrow, strongly ‘kinked’ wings.

Above: Only one frigatebird chick is raised

Unlikely to be confused with any other

at a time. Vulnerable to predation during

bird in flight, except perhaps for another

the first few weeks of its life, the youngster

frigatebird species. Males are largely

is closely watched and protected by

black with an inflatable bright red throat

its parents.

sac, or gular pouch, while the larger females can be identified on the wing by their prominent white breast band.

Frigatebirds and fishermen have long enjoyed a mutually beneficial

Diet: Mainly flying fish and squid, but

relationship. The birds follow fishing boats and congregate in fishing

also takes other fish, jellyfish, baby turtles, seabird eggs/chicks and

ports ready to snap up offal and other fish scraps, and the fishermen

fish waste.

use the birds as aerial markers as to where shoals of fish are likely

Reproduction: A single egg is laid on a

to be found.

stick platform, often in mangroves. Nests in colonies. Range: Huge. One of five frigatebird species, the Magnificent Frigatebird is found from California to Ecuador on the

The Magnificent Frigatebird is the national bird of Antigua and Barbuda. The male has a red gular sac (seen above), which can be inflated to attract a female in courtship. These birds are excellent in flight, but their enormous wingspan, short legs and small feet make walking on land appear awkward. The silhouette of a Magnificent Frigatebird is often described as prehistoric. where to see The best place to see this species is the aptly named Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda’s 3,600-hectare (90-acre) Codrington Lagoon National Park, where around 5,000 Magnificent Frigatebirds breed – the biggest nesting colony in the Caribbean. The birds are very approachable and are a major tourist attraction. Frigatebirds also

Pacific coast of North and South

Cultural presence

America, and Florida to southern Brazil on the Atlantic coast of these continents.

Magnificent Frigatebirds are also

diets, according to the Handbook of

There is also a relict population in the

called man-o’-war birds, perhaps

the Birds of the World. They were

Cape Verde archipelago off the west

because the manner in which they

also used in traditional medicine

coast of Africa.

This 15c Magnificent Frigatebird stamp

attack and steal from other birds

and voodoo.

was one of a four-value marine life set

Habitat: Marine – open tropical and

drew comparisons with the actions of

subtropical seas, coastlines and

Caribbean pirates in bygone ages,

adorned many of Antigua and

who used frigates or man-o’-war

Barbuda’s colourful stamps over the

warships to board and plunder

years, including five in 1994 alone.

one of several bird species featured on

merchant vessels.

It has also appeared on a highly

the logo used for the Society for the

collectable, limited edition, 23-carat

Conservation and Study of Caribbean

gold-foil 30-dollar banknote.

Birds’ 17th regional meeting, held in

small islands.

Caribbean fishermen and hunters once harvested frigatebird eggs and young to supplement their meagre

The Magnificent Frigatebird has

The Magnificent Frigatebird was

issued on Antigua & Barbuda in 1985.

2009 in Antigua.

breed on the small uninhabited island of Redonda, 46 km (29 miles) from Antigua.

a n t i g ua a n d b a r b uda

Left: The Magnificent Frigatebird is not just

graceful seabird with a long, deeply

the biggest of the five frigatebird species

forked tail, a large, pale, hooked bill and

but also the one with the longest bill.

long, narrow, strongly ‘kinked’ wings.

Above: Only one frigatebird chick is raised

Unlikely to be confused with any other

at a time. Vulnerable to predation during

bird in flight, except perhaps for another

the first few weeks of its life, the youngster

frigatebird species. Males are largely

is closely watched and protected by

black with an inflatable bright red throat

its parents.

sac, or gular pouch, while the larger females can be identified on the wing by their prominent white breast band.

Frigatebirds and fishermen have long enjoyed a mutually beneficial

Diet: Mainly flying fish and squid, but

relationship. The birds follow fishing boats and congregate in fishing

also takes other fish, jellyfish, baby turtles, seabird eggs/chicks and

ports ready to snap up offal and other fish scraps, and the fishermen

fish waste.

use the birds as aerial markers as to where shoals of fish are likely

Reproduction: A single egg is laid on a

to be found.

stick platform, often in mangroves. Nests in colonies. Range: Huge. One of five frigatebird species, the Magnificent Frigatebird is found from California to Ecuador on the

Pacific coast of North and South

Cultural presence

America, and Florida to southern Brazil on the Atlantic coast of these continents.

Magnificent Frigatebirds are also

diets, according to the Handbook of

There is also a relict population in the

called man-o’-war birds, perhaps

the Birds of the World. They were

Cape Verde archipelago off the west

because the manner in which they

also used in traditional medicine

coast of Africa.

This 15c Magnificent Frigatebird stamp

attack and steal from other birds

and voodoo.

was one of a four-value marine life set

Habitat: Marine – open tropical and

drew comparisons with the actions of

subtropical seas, coastlines and

Caribbean pirates in bygone ages,

adorned many of Antigua and

who used frigates or man-o’-war

Barbuda’s colourful stamps over the

warships to board and plunder

years, including five in 1994 alone.

one of several bird species featured on

merchant vessels.

It has also appeared on a highly

the logo used for the Society for the

collectable, limited edition, 23-carat

Conservation and Study of Caribbean

gold-foil 30-dollar banknote.

Birds’ 17th regional meeting, held in

small islands.

Caribbean fishermen and hunters once harvested frigatebird eggs and young to supplement their meagre

The Magnificent Frigatebird has

The Magnificent Frigatebird was

issued on Antigua & Barbuda in 1985.

2009 in Antigua.

breed on the small uninhabited island of Redonda, 46 km (29 miles) from Antigua.

aus t r a l i a

Emu

Right: Dance hat from

Cultural presence

Mornington Island made from bark, hair, string and

D romaiu s novaehollandiae

Emu feathers from the National

least concern IUCN: There are estimated to be 630,000 to 725,000 mature individuals in the wild. Size: Length 1.5–1.9 m (5–6.2 ft); weight 30–45 kg (66.1–99.2 lb).

together from 520 individual images.

Museum of Australia.

part of the culture, traditions and

It appears upright in the night sky

Below: The Emu has appeared

beliefs of Aboriginal Australians.

above the rock engraving only once a

on everything from coins and

One creation myth tells of a heaven-

year – at the time when Emus lay

stamp to passports.

dwelling Emu spirit who felt that

their eggs.

the newborn Earth was too beautiful

Emu eggs, in fact, were an

to be illuminated solely by starlight,

important food for the Ku-ring-gai

large-bodied and long-legged bird. Dark

so she tossed one of her large eggs

and other Aboriginal Australians.

brown/grey-brown in colour. The third

into the sky and pierced it with her

The egg yolks were mixed with ochres

largest bird in the world after the Ostrich

bill. The golden yoke that poured

by indigenous peoples to make paints

and Southern Cassowary. The Emu’s big,

forth across the sky became Earth’s

for body art and bark painting, while

incorporating Emu feathers. NMA

powerful, three-toed feet enable it to

first sunrise.

the eggshells were ground up for

exhibits include a ceremonial dance

medicinal purposes. Blown Emu eggs

‘hat’ from Mornington Island, a dance

Milky Way galaxy, on the outer edges

have been and still are turned into

wand or ‘fan’ from Arnhem Land and

of a spiral arm where our solar system

beautiful works of art through

a basket from South Australia

is situated, are thought by many

painting or carving.

incorporating feathers. Among

Description: Shaggy, flightless,

cover ground easily and quickly at speeds of up to 48 km (29.8 miles) per hour. This species is the only surviving member of its genus. Diet: An omnivorous species, the Emu

The Emu is widely regarded as Australia’s official bird, despite never

The Emu has long been an integral

Some of the dust lanes in the

eats seeds, fruits, flowers and tender

people to resemble an Emu. In 2005 a

Emu-egg carving – an art form

non-feather artefacts are a tureen

roots, plus lots of insects and even small

painting by Charmaine Green of the

practised by both Aboriginal and non-

decorated with floral sprays, a

having been formally designated as such by the government. Both the

invertebrates. Stones up to 46 g (1.6 oz)

so-called Emu in the Sky of the

Aboriginal people – first became

kangaroo, an Emu, a rose, a thistle

Emu and the Red Kangaroo are depicted on Australia’s coat of arms,

in weight are swallowed to help grind

Wadjiri people of Western Australia

popular in the mid to late 19th

and a shamrock made for the Union

food in the gizzard.

was featured on the cover of the

century. Some silversmiths designed

Club of Hobart, Tasmania, and a

Reproduction: Pairing takes place in

Australian astronomy community’s

elaborate holders for eggs. Egg

pre-1918 gorget or breastplate

10-year plan.

carving was kept alive in the 20th

featuring both an Emu and a

which appears on all manner of things from passports and government insignia to the country’s 50-cent coins. It is said that these two animals

December and January. Five to 15 large

were chosen because they are unable to walk backwards and are thus

teal to dark-green-coloured eggs

symbolic of a young nation progressing and moving forwards.

weighing 450–650 g (15.9–22.9 oz) are

century by Aboriginal people in

kangaroo. Gorgets – also known as

won third prize in the 2007 New

south-east Australia and the

king plates – were usually awarded to

depression on the ground. Incubation

Scientist Eureka Prize for Science

Carnarvon region of Western

‘helpful’ Aboriginal people from the

lasts about eight weeks. Eggs and chicks

Photography for his picture of the

Australia.

time of settlement onwards.

are looked after by the male.

Emu-like galactic dust lanes rising

Range: Endemic to Australia.

above an ancient rock engraving of

states that there are still dozens of

the khaki fur felt or slouch hats

commemorative coinage stamp.

Habitat: Occurs in a range of habitats,

an Emu in Ku-ring-gai Chase

carvers who depict people, traditions,

worn by the elite mounted troops

especially open sclerophyll forests

National Park, near Sydney. The Emu

animals and scenes past and present

of the Australian Light Horse.

where to see The Emu is found

(‘sclerophyll’ is a general term for

on Emu eggs. It adds that these egg

Originally such feather-adorned hats

in most parts of Australia. It is

hard-leaved vegetation such as acacias

images provide a ‘rich visual history’.

could be worn only by Queensland’s

The designs of the carvings vary

mounted troops in recognition of

between language groups.

their service during the 1891 Great

The Emu has appeared on a variety of stamps, including a 2-pence 1888 stamp marking New South Wales’ 100th anniversary, a 6-pence 1913–14 engraved definitive, a 5-pence 1930 surcharge stamp, a 1.35-dollar 1994 wildlife stamp and a 55-cent 2010 Australian

also commercially farmed to

laid in a shallow, vegetation-lined

and eucalyptuses) and semi-arid plains. Emus tend to stay clear of deserts and

produce low-fat meat, oil and

heavily populated areas, and are not

leather.

found in tropical rainforests.

Cinematographer Barnaby Norris

in the Sky is so large that Norris’s image had to be pieced Emu-warning road signs are a common sight in the Australian countryside, where the birds are prone to

Newly hatched chicks have distinct stripes

wander onto the roads.

The Australian Museum in Sydney

Both the Australian Museum and

Emu plumes were used to decorate

Shearers’ Strike. Emu feathers still

the National Museum of Australia in

adorn the hats and berets of some

Canberra have many examples of

Australian regular Army and reserve

Aboriginal artefacts, including those

armoured units.

for camouflage; they lose these after about five to six months.

aus t r a l i a

Emu

Right: Dance hat from

Cultural presence

Mornington Island made from bark, hair, string and

D romaiu s novaehollandiae

Emu feathers from the National

least concern IUCN: There are estimated to be 630,000 to 725,000 mature individuals in the wild. Size: Length 1.5–1.9 m (5–6.2 ft); weight 30–45 kg (66.1–99.2 lb).

together from 520 individual images.

Museum of Australia.

part of the culture, traditions and

It appears upright in the night sky

Below: The Emu has appeared

beliefs of Aboriginal Australians.

above the rock engraving only once a

on everything from coins and

One creation myth tells of a heaven-

year – at the time when Emus lay

stamp to passports.

dwelling Emu spirit who felt that

their eggs.

the newborn Earth was too beautiful

Emu eggs, in fact, were an

to be illuminated solely by starlight,

important food for the Ku-ring-gai

large-bodied and long-legged bird. Dark

so she tossed one of her large eggs

and other Aboriginal Australians.

brown/grey-brown in colour. The third

into the sky and pierced it with her

The egg yolks were mixed with ochres

largest bird in the world after the Ostrich

bill. The golden yoke that poured

by indigenous peoples to make paints

and Southern Cassowary. The Emu’s big,

forth across the sky became Earth’s

for body art and bark painting, while

incorporating Emu feathers. NMA

powerful, three-toed feet enable it to

first sunrise.

the eggshells were ground up for

exhibits include a ceremonial dance

medicinal purposes. Blown Emu eggs

‘hat’ from Mornington Island, a dance

Milky Way galaxy, on the outer edges

have been and still are turned into

wand or ‘fan’ from Arnhem Land and

of a spiral arm where our solar system

beautiful works of art through

a basket from South Australia

is situated, are thought by many

painting or carving.

incorporating feathers. Among

Description: Shaggy, flightless,

cover ground easily and quickly at speeds of up to 48 km (29.8 miles) per hour. This species is the only surviving member of its genus. Diet: An omnivorous species, the Emu

The Emu is widely regarded as Australia’s official bird, despite never

The Emu has long been an integral

Some of the dust lanes in the

eats seeds, fruits, flowers and tender

people to resemble an Emu. In 2005 a

Emu-egg carving – an art form

non-feather artefacts are a tureen

roots, plus lots of insects and even small

painting by Charmaine Green of the

practised by both Aboriginal and non-

decorated with floral sprays, a

having been formally designated as such by the government. Both the

invertebrates. Stones up to 46 g (1.6 oz)

so-called Emu in the Sky of the

Aboriginal people – first became

kangaroo, an Emu, a rose, a thistle

Emu and the Red Kangaroo are depicted on Australia’s coat of arms,

in weight are swallowed to help grind

Wadjiri people of Western Australia

popular in the mid to late 19th

and a shamrock made for the Union

food in the gizzard.

was featured on the cover of the

century. Some silversmiths designed

Club of Hobart, Tasmania, and a

Reproduction: Pairing takes place in

Australian astronomy community’s

elaborate holders for eggs. Egg

pre-1918 gorget or breastplate

10-year plan.

carving was kept alive in the 20th

featuring both an Emu and a

which appears on all manner of things from passports and government insignia to the country’s 50-cent coins. It is said that these two animals

December and January. Five to 15 large

were chosen because they are unable to walk backwards and are thus

teal to dark-green-coloured eggs

symbolic of a young nation progressing and moving forwards.

weighing 450–650 g (15.9–22.9 oz) are

century by Aboriginal people in

kangaroo. Gorgets – also known as

won third prize in the 2007 New

south-east Australia and the

king plates – were usually awarded to

depression on the ground. Incubation

Scientist Eureka Prize for Science

Carnarvon region of Western

‘helpful’ Aboriginal people from the

lasts about eight weeks. Eggs and chicks

Photography for his picture of the

Australia.

time of settlement onwards.

are looked after by the male.

Emu-like galactic dust lanes rising

Range: Endemic to Australia.

above an ancient rock engraving of

states that there are still dozens of

the khaki fur felt or slouch hats

commemorative coinage stamp.

Habitat: Occurs in a range of habitats,

an Emu in Ku-ring-gai Chase

carvers who depict people, traditions,

worn by the elite mounted troops

especially open sclerophyll forests

National Park, near Sydney. The Emu

animals and scenes past and present

of the Australian Light Horse.

where to see The Emu is found

(‘sclerophyll’ is a general term for

on Emu eggs. It adds that these egg

Originally such feather-adorned hats

in most parts of Australia. It is

hard-leaved vegetation such as acacias

images provide a ‘rich visual history’.

could be worn only by Queensland’s

The designs of the carvings vary

mounted troops in recognition of

between language groups.

their service during the 1891 Great

also commercially farmed to

laid in a shallow, vegetation-lined

and eucalyptuses) and semi-arid plains. Emus tend to stay clear of deserts and

produce low-fat meat, oil and

heavily populated areas, and are not

leather.

found in tropical rainforests.

Cinematographer Barnaby Norris

in the Sky is so large that Norris’s image had to be pieced Emu-warning road signs are a common sight in the Australian countryside, where the birds are prone to

Newly hatched chicks have distinct stripes

wander onto the roads.

The Australian Museum in Sydney

Both the Australian Museum and

Emu plumes were used to decorate

Shearers’ Strike. Emu feathers still

the National Museum of Australia in

adorn the hats and berets of some

Canberra have many examples of

Australian regular Army and reserve

Aboriginal artefacts, including those

armoured units.

for camouflage; they lose these after about five to six months.

State and territor y emblems

Kookaburra

Gang-gang Cockatoo

coat of arms by Queen Elizabeth II. The crest features a Wedge-tailed Eagle with its wings raised, grasping a sacred Aboriginal stone or tjurunga on a wreath of the colours. The supporters are Red Kangaroos, one holding a Spider Conch and the other a True Heart Cockle. Beneath is a grassy, sandy mound covered with Sturt’s Desert Rose flowers.

Brolga

Today, the Piping Shrike’s image is used corporate logo. It is a symbol of South Australia’s resourcefulness and bravery. TAS M AN I A

Yellow Wattlebird Anthochaera paradoxa Australia’s biggest honeyeater. Only bird species endemic to Tasmania. Although Tasmania does not have any official fauna

NORT H ERN TERR I TOR Y

Q U EENSLAN D

emblems, the Yellow Wattlebird, according

Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon

Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax This species – Australia’s largest bird of prey – has been the Northern Territory’s avian emblem since the region attained selfgoverning status in 1978 and was granted a

to the Tasmanian Parliamentary Library, ‘is

likened to that of a squeaky gate.

Brolga Grus rubicunda Although the Brolga – one of 14 Crane species in the world – has been depicted on Queensland’s coat of arms since 1977 (the year in which Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Silver Jubilee), it wasn’t declared as the state’s official bird until 1986.

NE W SO U T H W ALES

SO U T H A U STRAL I A

Piping Shrike or White-headed Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen telonocua A noted songster and very common bird in South Australia, the black and white Piping Shrike has been the state’s bird emblem since 1901 when Governor Tennyson wrote in a dispatch to the Secretary of State for the Colonies: ‘I herewith forward a flag with the new device upon it: the South Australian Shrike in the rising sun of the Commonwealth.’

and highly endangered. Black, gold and

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo gigas The

Gang-gangs, which usually pair for life, especially like eucalypt and wattle seeds but also eat nuts, berries, fruits and insects. The call of this species has been

world’s biggest kingfisher at around 45 cm (18 in) , the Laughing Kookaburra eats not only fish but also reptiles, rodents, worms and insects. Large prey items, such as lizards and snakes, are thrashed on a hard surface to kill and soften them before they are eaten. Its bill can grow up to 10 cm (4 in) The Laughing Kookaburra is native to eastern mainland Australia.

Wedge-tailed Eagle

generally acknowledged to be our most identifiable bird’.

Helmeted Honeyeater

V I CTOR I A

Helmeted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops cassidix One of four subspecies of the Yellow-tufted Honeyeater olive, the Helmeted Honeyeater used to be found in the tributaries of the upper Yarra River and Western Port Bay drainages. Pure wild populations are now confined to just a small part of the Yarra River. Yellingboro State Wildlife Reserve was created to protect the few remaining colonies of 100 to 150 birds. The Helmeted Honeyeater became Victoria’s avian emblem in 1971.

Yellow Wattlebird

W ESTERN A U STRAL I A

by many government agencies as a

A U STRAL I AN CA P I TAL TERR I TOR Y

fimbriatum Female birds are uniformly grey.

Piping Shrike or White-headed Magpie

Black Swan

Black Swan Cygnus atratus The Black Swan is firmly embedded in Western Australian culture, for the ancestors of the indigenous Nyungar people living in the southern and western parts of Western Australia believed they were Black Swans who became men. Until Dutch explorers reached the ‘Great South Land’ in the 17th century, Europeans believed all swans were white. Explorer and navigator Captain Willem de Vlamingh named the Swan River, where Perth now stands, in 1697 after seeing flocks of Black Swans in the estuary. Around 130 years later, Captain James Stirling reported a flock of more than 500 Black Swans flying over the river. The original European settlement in Western Australia was thus named the Swan River Settlement (or Colony), and the Black Swan became a symbol of the new community, appearing on government papers, banknotes, stamps and such like. The Black Swan, which also appeared on the original state crest, became Western Australia’s official bird emblem on 25 July 1973. Today, it appears on the WA state flag and coat of arms.

State and territor y emblems

Kookaburra

Gang-gang Cockatoo

Brolga

Today, the Piping Shrike’s image is used corporate logo. It is a symbol of South Australia’s resourcefulness and bravery. TAS M AN I A

Yellow Wattlebird Anthochaera paradoxa Australia’s biggest honeyeater. Only bird species endemic to Tasmania. Although Tasmania does not have any official fauna

NORT H ERN TERR I TOR Y

Q U EENSLAN D

emblems, the Yellow Wattlebird, according

Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon

to the Tasmanian Parliamentary Library, ‘is

likened to that of a squeaky gate.

NE W SO U T H W ALES

SO U T H A U STRAL I A

and highly endangered. Black, gold and

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo gigas The

Gang-gangs, which usually pair for life, especially like eucalypt and wattle seeds but also eat nuts, berries, fruits and insects. The call of this species has been

Wedge-tailed Eagle

generally acknowledged to be our most identifiable bird’.

Helmeted Honeyeater

V I CTOR I A

Yellow Wattlebird

W ESTERN A U STRAL I A

by many government agencies as a

A U STRAL I AN CA P I TAL TERR I TOR Y

fimbriatum Female birds are uniformly grey.

Piping Shrike or White-headed Magpie

Black Swan

ch i n a

Red- crow ned Cr ane

Red-crowned Cranes spend most

Gru s jap onensis

of their time walking and resting, while about a third of

endangered IUCN: Only 1,700 mature individuals left

their time is spent preening, foraging and breeding.

in the wild. Although the Japanese population is stable, the one on mainland Asia continues to decline as a result of habitat degradation and destruction. Other threats include fires, human harassment, poisoning from pesticidetreated grain and power lines. Size: Length c. 158 cm (62 in). Description: Large, mainly pure-white bird with a black face and neck and a red crown. Diet: Omnivorous species, eating insects, aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians and rodents, as well as reeds, grasses, berries, corn and waste grain. Reproduction: Nests in reed, grass and sedge marshes. Usually two eggs are laid. Range: Breeds mainly in south-east Russia, north-east China and eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Russian and Chinese

Despite the fact that nearly two-thirds of people voted for the Red-

populations winter chiefly in the Yellow

crowned Crane as China’s national bird on a series of Chinese websites

River Delta and coastal areas of Jiangsu

in 2004, this species has never been formally adopted as the country’s official avian icon. Why? Because, it is reported, the scientific name for

Province, China. Japanese Red-crowned cranes are non-migratory. Habitat: Wetlands – predominantly

this species, Grus japonensis, means Japanese Crane. Behind the

marshy areas during the breeding

selection process, which started in 2003, was the State Forestry

season, but a wider range of wetland

Administration and Chinese Wildlife Protection Agency. Crane images are common throughout China. They have been found

habitats in winter, including rivers, coastal saltmarshes and mudflats, cultivated fields and aquaculture ponds.

in Shang Dynasty (16th–18th century BC) tombs and on Zhou Dynasty (1100–221 BC) bronzeware. Red-crowned Cranes have also appeared on stamps. WHERE TO SEE Established in the late 1970s, Zhalong National Nature

Reserve, 26 km (16.2 miles) east of Qiqihar City in Heilongjiang Province, supports one of the biggest breeding populations of Red-crowned Cranes, according to the International Crane Foundation (ICF).

ch i n a

Red- crow ned Cr ane

Red-crowned Cranes spend most

Gru s jap onensis

of their time walking and resting, while about a third of

endangered IUCN: Only 1,700 mature individuals left

their time is spent preening, foraging and breeding.

Despite the fact that nearly two-thirds of people voted for the Red-

populations winter chiefly in the Yellow

crowned Crane as China’s national bird on a series of Chinese websites

River Delta and coastal areas of Jiangsu

in 2004, this species has never been formally adopted as the country’s official avian icon. Why? Because, it is reported, the scientific name for

Province, China. Japanese Red-crowned cranes are non-migratory. Habitat: Wetlands – predominantly

this species, Grus japonensis, means Japanese Crane. Behind the

marshy areas during the breeding

selection process, which started in 2003, was the State Forestry

season, but a wider range of wetland

Administration and Chinese Wildlife Protection Agency. Crane images are common throughout China. They have been found

habitats in winter, including rivers, coastal saltmarshes and mudflats, cultivated fields and aquaculture ponds.

i n di a

Indian Peafowl

Cultural presence

Com mo n P e a f o w l / B l u e P e a f o w l

Pavo cristat u s

According to the ancient Sanskrit epic

many other Hindu deities and has

the Ramayana, the god king Indra

been depicted on coins throughout

sought refuge under a peacock’s wing

India’s long history. It is also featured

IUCN: The global population has yet to

after failing to defeat the many-

in poetry, music and temple art.

be established, but it is thought that this

armed, multi-headed Hindu demon

least concern

species is common to locally very

The Peacock Throne of India,

Ravana. As an expression of

originally created for the 17th-

gratitude, Indra endowed the peacock

century Mughal emperor Shah Jahan,

females. The gorgeous train of the cock

with 1,000 eyes – a reference,

was stolen from Delhi by the Persians

bird accounts for 140–160 cm (55–63 in)

presumably, to the eye-like ocelli

in 1739. Said to have been one of the

of its overall length.

adorning the cock bird’s tail. In

most magnificent thrones of all time,

Description: The cock is by far the most

another tale, Indra actually becomes

it featured the fanned tails of two

colourful of the sexes, with a blue head

a peacock.

peacocks – both of them gilded,

common. Size: Length 180–230 cm (70.9–90.5 in). Males are bigger than

and breast, white belly and striking, bronze-green train dotted with eye-like

Karttikeya, who is the main deity

enamelled and jewel encrusted.

or vain, while ‘peacockery’ is an who is showy, conceited or puts on

the head.

airs and graces.

Diet: Omnivorous – feeds on grain, fruits

Fascinated by peacocks since

and insects, as well as small mammals

childhood, Krishna Lal researched

and reptiles.

and wrote a book entitled Peacock in

Reproduction: Normally lays three to six

Peafowl has been revered on the subcontinent for thousands of years. It

Palace of Udaipur, India.

adjective used to describe someone

features called ocelli. A crest surmounts

Chosen as India’s national bird in 1963 and protected by law, the Indian

This peacock decoration is inside the City

eggs, which are hidden in scrub.

Indian Art, Thought and Literature.

Range: Huge. Native to Bangladesh,

It was published in 2006 by Abhinav

Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri

Publications of New Delhi.

is known as Mayura in Sanskrit. The bird’s image has been widely used

Lanka. Introduced to various countries,

as a logo and is often featured in Indian art, on everything from pottery,

including Australia, the UK and the USA.

has been used in a variety of ways and

paintings and sculpture to metalware, jewellery, textiles and ivory.

Habitat: Frequents a wide range of

on all manner of objects down the

terrain, including forest thickets near

WHERE TO SEE As a common to very common, widely distributed bird,

ages. It has appeared, for example, on

streams, secondary vegetation and cultivated areas.

coins (both modern and ancient, the

the Indian Peafowl is not difficult to see, often frequenting cultivated areas near towns and villages.

The Indian Peafowl’s iconic image

Arjuna Nritham (the dance of Arjuna) is a

A symbol of pride, grace and

ritual temple dance of Kerala in India. The

beauty, the peacock is renowned for

dinars and punch-marked silver coins

its ostentatious courtship dance,

of the Mauryan Empire), banknotes

during which it raises and fans its tail

and stamps.

costumes feature Peafowl covert feathers.

of the Yaudheyas and is always linked

in a bid to impress the much less

to war, weapons and hunting, is

attractive peahen.

depicted riding a peacock on the

Far left: Peafowl hens and chicks are positively drab compared with the gaudy, much more colourful, cock birds. Left: The long train consists of elongated

‘To peacock’ was a term used in

reverse of gold coins issued by

India in the mid-19th century to

Kumara Gupta I (AD 415–450) and

describe the practice of visiting ladies

feeding a peacock on the obverse.

and gentlemen in the morning. If

The peacock was associated not only with Karttikeya but also with

latter including Gupta Dynasty gold

Peafowls appear throughout time and on a range of objects,

someone is said to be a ‘peacock’, it

such as this incense burner

means that they are extremely proud

from the early 19th century.

upper-tail covert feathers. When fanned it is used to attract a peafowl hen.

i n di a

Indian Peafowl

Cultural presence

Com mo n P e a f o w l / B l u e P e a f o w l

Pavo cristat u s

According to the ancient Sanskrit epic

many other Hindu deities and has

the Ramayana, the god king Indra

been depicted on coins throughout

sought refuge under a peacock’s wing

India’s long history. It is also featured

IUCN: The global population has yet to

after failing to defeat the many-

in poetry, music and temple art.

be established, but it is thought that this

armed, multi-headed Hindu demon

least concern

species is common to locally very

The Peacock Throne of India,

Ravana. As an expression of

originally created for the 17th-

gratitude, Indra endowed the peacock

century Mughal emperor Shah Jahan,

females. The gorgeous train of the cock

with 1,000 eyes – a reference,

was stolen from Delhi by the Persians

bird accounts for 140–160 cm (55–63 in)

presumably, to the eye-like ocelli

in 1739. Said to have been one of the

of its overall length.

adorning the cock bird’s tail. In

most magnificent thrones of all time,

Description: The cock is by far the most

another tale, Indra actually becomes

it featured the fanned tails of two

colourful of the sexes, with a blue head

a peacock.

peacocks – both of them gilded,

common. Size: Length 180–230 cm (70.9–90.5 in). Males are bigger than

and breast, white belly and striking, bronze-green train dotted with eye-like

Karttikeya, who is the main deity

enamelled and jewel encrusted.

or vain, while ‘peacockery’ is an who is showy, conceited or puts on

the head.

airs and graces.

Diet: Omnivorous – feeds on grain, fruits

Fascinated by peacocks since

and insects, as well as small mammals

childhood, Krishna Lal researched

and reptiles.

and wrote a book entitled Peacock in

Reproduction: Normally lays three to six

Peafowl has been revered on the subcontinent for thousands of years. It

Palace of Udaipur, India.

adjective used to describe someone

features called ocelli. A crest surmounts

Chosen as India’s national bird in 1963 and protected by law, the Indian

This peacock decoration is inside the City

eggs, which are hidden in scrub.

Indian Art, Thought and Literature.

Range: Huge. Native to Bangladesh,

It was published in 2006 by Abhinav

Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri

Publications of New Delhi.

is known as Mayura in Sanskrit. The bird’s image has been widely used

Lanka. Introduced to various countries,

as a logo and is often featured in Indian art, on everything from pottery,

including Australia, the UK and the USA.

has been used in a variety of ways and

paintings and sculpture to metalware, jewellery, textiles and ivory.

Habitat: Frequents a wide range of

on all manner of objects down the

terrain, including forest thickets near

WHERE TO SEE As a common to very common, widely distributed bird,

ages. It has appeared, for example, on

streams, secondary vegetation and cultivated areas.

coins (both modern and ancient, the

the Indian Peafowl is not difficult to see, often frequenting cultivated areas near towns and villages.

The Indian Peafowl’s iconic image

Arjuna Nritham (the dance of Arjuna) is a

A symbol of pride, grace and

ritual temple dance of Kerala in India. The

beauty, the peacock is renowned for

dinars and punch-marked silver coins

its ostentatious courtship dance,

of the Mauryan Empire), banknotes

during which it raises and fans its tail

and stamps.

costumes feature Peafowl covert feathers.

of the Yaudheyas and is always linked

in a bid to impress the much less

to war, weapons and hunting, is

attractive peahen.

depicted riding a peacock on the

Far left: Peafowl hens and chicks are positively drab compared with the gaudy, much more colourful, cock birds. Left: The long train consists of elongated

‘To peacock’ was a term used in

reverse of gold coins issued by

India in the mid-19th century to

Kumara Gupta I (AD 415–450) and

describe the practice of visiting ladies

feeding a peacock on the obverse.

and gentlemen in the morning. If

The peacock was associated not only with Karttikeya but also with

latter including Gupta Dynasty gold

Peafowls appear throughout time and on a range of objects,

someone is said to be a ‘peacock’, it

such as this incense burner

means that they are extremely proud

from the early 19th century.

upper-tail covert feathers. When fanned it is used to attract a peafowl hen.

U n i t e d S tat e s o f A m e r i c a

1982 St ate Bird St amps Each one of the 50 states comprising the USA has an avian and flower icon. All manner of diverse species are represented among the various state birds, from the Rhode Island Red chicken of Rhode

Alabama

Northern Flicker

Island and the Mountain Bluebird of Idaho and Nevada to the Greater

m a s s a c hu s e t t s

michigan

m i n n e s o ta

mississippi

missouri

m o n ta n a

Black-capped Chickadee

American Robin

Common Loon

Northern Mockingbird

Eastern Bluebird

Western Meadowlark

Roadrunner of New Mexico and the Common Loon of Minnesota. The commonest state birds are songbirds, the bright red Northern Cardinal adopted by no fewer than seven states and the Northern Mockingbird the official bird of five states being the most popular. Most states chose their avian icon in the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s. The Brown Thrasher, both of which declared as such in 1970.

ark ansas

Northern Mockingbird

california

California Quail

alask a

a rizon a

Cactus Wren

nebr ask a

ne va da

new hampshire

new jerse y

Willow Ptarmigan

n e w m e x i co

ne w york

Western Meadowlark

Mountain Bluebird

Purple Finch

American Goldfinch

Greater Roadrunner

Eastern Bluebird

co l o r a d o

co n n e c t i c u t

del aware

north carolina

n o r t h d a k o ta

ohio

okl ahoma

oregon

p e n n s y lv a n i a

Lark Bunting

American Robin

Blue Hen Chicken

Northern Cardinal

Western Meadowlark

Northern Cardinal

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Western Meadowlark

Ruffed Grouse

florida

georgia

hawaii

idaho

illinois

indiana

south carolina

s o u t h d a k o ta

t ennessee

texas

u ta h

Brown Thrasher

Hawaiian Goose

Rh o d e i s l a n d

Northern Mockingbird

Mountain Bluebird

Northern Cardinal

Rhode Island Red

Carolina Wren

Ring-necked Pheasant

Northern Mockingbird

California Gull

iowa

k ansas

kentuck y

louisiana

maine

Maryland

vermont

virginia

washington

west virginia

w i s co n s i n

wy o m i n g

American Goldfinch

Western Meadowlark

Northern Cardinal

Brown Pelican

Black-capped Chickadee

Baltimore Oriole

Hermit Thrush

Northern Cardinal

American Goldfinch

Northern Cardinal

American Robin

Western Meadowlark

200

201

‘newest’ state birds are New York’s Eastern Bluebird and Georgia’s

U n i t e d S tat e s o f A m e r i c a

Alabama

Northern Flicker

Island and the Mountain Bluebird of Idaho and Nevada to the Greater

m a s s a c hu s e t t s

michigan

m i n n e s o ta

mississippi

missouri

m o n ta n a

Black-capped Chickadee

American Robin

Common Loon

Northern Mockingbird

Eastern Bluebird

Western Meadowlark

ark ansas

Northern Mockingbird

california

California Quail

alask a

a rizon a

Cactus Wren

nebr ask a

ne va da

new hampshire

new jerse y

Willow Ptarmigan

n e w m e x i co

ne w york

Western Meadowlark

Mountain Bluebird

Purple Finch

American Goldfinch

Greater Roadrunner

Eastern Bluebird

co l o r a d o

co n n e c t i c u t

del aware

north carolina

n o r t h d a k o ta

ohio

okl ahoma

oregon

p e n n s y lv a n i a

Lark Bunting

American Robin

Blue Hen Chicken

Northern Cardinal

Western Meadowlark

Northern Cardinal

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Western Meadowlark

Ruffed Grouse

florida

georgia

hawaii

idaho

illinois

indiana

south carolina

s o u t h d a k o ta

t ennessee

texas

u ta h

Brown Thrasher

Hawaiian Goose

Rh o d e i s l a n d

Northern Mockingbird

Mountain Bluebird

Northern Cardinal

Rhode Island Red

Carolina Wren

Ring-necked Pheasant

Northern Mockingbird

California Gull

iowa

k ansas

kentuck y

louisiana

maine

Maryland

vermont

virginia

washington

west virginia

w i s co n s i n

wy o m i n g

American Goldfinch

Western Meadowlark

Northern Cardinal

Brown Pelican

Black-capped Chickadee

Baltimore Oriole

Hermit Thrush

Northern Cardinal

American Goldfinch

Northern Cardinal

American Robin

Western Meadowlark

200

201

‘newest’ state birds are New York’s Eastern Bluebird and Georgia’s

Emblem miscellany

albania

armenia

canada

Coat of arms

Red-tailed Hawk

ALBANIA

up to actually choose a bird.’ Of those who signed the petition,

A double-headed black eagle can be

eating – and eliminating – habits, and it

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis. The

also gets eaten a lot by the Americans’

ARMENIA

next most popular birds were Canada

national symbol!’ The Common Loon is

The coat of arms of Armenia incorporates

Goose Branta canadensis, the Common

already the provincial bird of Ontario –

an eagle.

Loon or Great Northern Diver Gavia

Canada’s most populous province. The

immer and the Grey Jay Perisoreus

Grey Jay ‘is a neat little bird but is very

BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY

canadensis. Cowan cites the following

small and not often seen by the average

An Emperor Penguin Aptenodytes forsteri

reasons why it is thought that the

Canadian as it is found further north in

is depicted on the coat of arms of the

Red-tailed Hawk would ‘make a super

less populated areas’.

British Antarctic Territory.

national symbol’: 1. It is found in every Canadian province

CANADIAN PROVINCES

CANADA

Each province and territory has its own

Although Canada does not have a

2. I t is red – one of Canada’s national

official bird emblem. They are: Alberta

national bird at present, concerted

colours.

– Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus;

efforts are being made to have one

3. ‘ We feel it is a ruggedly good-looking

British Columbia – Steller’s Jay

adopted. Tens of thousands of people

Cyanocitta stelleri; Manitoba – Great

signed a petition organised by the

4. It is an ‘exclusively North American

Grey Owl Strix nebulosa; New Brunswick

Canadian Raptor Conservancy. A variety

– Black-capped Chickadee Parus

of birds was suggested by petitioners –

5. I t is a species of ‘cultural significance’

atricapillus; Newfoundland – Atlantic

species ‘they feel most adequately’

to Canada’s First Nation peoples.

Puffin Fratercula arctica; Northwest

represent their country, according to

6. It is a ‘highly visible bird that sits out

Territories – Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus;

Director James Cowan.

in the open for all to witness – even in

Nova Scotia – Osprey Pandion haliaetus;

the midst of a city’.

Nunavut – Rock Ptarmigan Lagopus

‘Our hope is to take our petition to

species, much like the Bald Eagle’.

parliament and see if we can get a

7. It ‘loves to sit in our national tree

muta; Ontario – Common Loon Gavia

discussion or even a panel drawn

immer; Prince Edward Island – Blue Jay

210

– the maple’.

canada

Grey Jay

very polarising bird due to its grass

seen on Albania’s flag.

species – just like our country.’

canada

Common Loon

The Canada Goose, adds Cowan, ‘is a

around 70 per cent favoured the

and parts of every territory.

canada

Canada Goose

british colombia

ne w br u ns w ic k

n u nav u t

Steller’s Jay

Black-capped Chickadee

Rock Ptarmigan

manitoba

ne w f o u ndland

prince ed w ard island

Great Grey Owl

Atlantic Puffin

Blue Jay

novia scotia

north w est territories

q u ebec

Osprey

Gyr Falcon

Snowy Owl

211

Emblem miscellany

albania

armenia

canada

Coat of arms

Red-tailed Hawk

ALBANIA

up to actually choose a bird.’ Of those who signed the petition,

A double-headed black eagle can be

eating – and eliminating – habits, and it

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis. The

also gets eaten a lot by the Americans’

ARMENIA

next most popular birds were Canada

national symbol!’ The Common Loon is

The coat of arms of Armenia incorporates

Goose Branta canadensis, the Common

already the provincial bird of Ontario –

an eagle.

Loon or Great Northern Diver Gavia

Canada’s most populous province. The

immer and the Grey Jay Perisoreus

Grey Jay ‘is a neat little bird but is very

BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY

canadensis. Cowan cites the following

small and not often seen by the average

An Emperor Penguin Aptenodytes forsteri

reasons why it is thought that the

Canadian as it is found further north in

is depicted on the coat of arms of the

Red-tailed Hawk would ‘make a super

less populated areas’.

British Antarctic Territory.

national symbol’: 1. It is found in every Canadian province

CANADIAN PROVINCES

CANADA

Each province and territory has its own

Although Canada does not have a

2. I t is red – one of Canada’s national

official bird emblem. They are: Alberta

national bird at present, concerted

colours.

– Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus;

efforts are being made to have one

3. ‘ We feel it is a ruggedly good-looking

British Columbia – Steller’s Jay

adopted. Tens of thousands of people

Cyanocitta stelleri; Manitoba – Great

signed a petition organised by the

4. It is an ‘exclusively North American

Grey Owl Strix nebulosa; New Brunswick

Canadian Raptor Conservancy. A variety

– Black-capped Chickadee Parus

of birds was suggested by petitioners –

5. I t is a species of ‘cultural significance’

atricapillus; Newfoundland – Atlantic

species ‘they feel most adequately’

to Canada’s First Nation peoples.

Puffin Fratercula arctica; Northwest

represent their country, according to

6. It is a ‘highly visible bird that sits out

Territories – Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus;

Director James Cowan.

in the open for all to witness – even in

Nova Scotia – Osprey Pandion haliaetus;

the midst of a city’.

Nunavut – Rock Ptarmigan Lagopus

‘Our hope is to take our petition to

species, much like the Bald Eagle’.

parliament and see if we can get a

7. It ‘loves to sit in our national tree

muta; Ontario – Common Loon Gavia

discussion or even a panel drawn

immer; Prince Edward Island – Blue Jay

210

– the maple’.

canada

Grey Jay

very polarising bird due to its grass

seen on Albania’s flag.

species – just like our country.’

canada

Common Loon

The Canada Goose, adds Cowan, ‘is a

around 70 per cent favoured the

and parts of every territory.

canada

Canada Goose

british colombia

ne w br u ns w ic k

n u nav u t

Steller’s Jay

Black-capped Chickadee

Rock Ptarmigan

manitoba

ne w f o u ndland

prince ed w ard island

Great Grey Owl

Atlantic Puffin

Blue Jay

novia scotia

north w est territories

q u ebec

Osprey

Gyr Falcon

Snowy Owl

211