The world is full of spectacular destinations, each offering its own set of attractions, historical facts, cultural practices and more. Each of these destinations is also home to a wildlife ecosystem with fauna and flora unique to the region.
That’s why, to celebrate World Wildlife Day on 3 March, Expat Explore has done a deep dive into the national birds of the world’s top travel destinations. If you’re a bird lover or are simply curious about different species of birds around the world, read on for the world’s national birds by country this World Wildlife Day!
Celebrate World Wildlife Day exploring the national birds of the world’s top travel destinations:
Golden Eagle
Countries: Armenia, Egypt & Scotland
The golden eagle is famous for its size and impressive wingspan. Interestingly enough, it’s also the national bird of three countries – Armenia, Egypt and Scotland!
Green Pheasant
Country: Japan
The medium-sized green pheasant with its long tail and dark green body is endemic to Japan. The Japanese national bird is omnivorous and cautious in the wild.
Related: Discover what to see when in Japan!
Kestrel
Country: Belgium
The national bird of Belgium, the common kestrel, is known for its distinct plumage, for being one of the smallest birds of prey, as well as for its hovering hunting style.
Whooper Swan
Country: Finland
The whooper swan, a large bird with a straight neck, short tail, black legs and pointed yellow patch at the base of the beak, is the national bird of Finland.
Gallic Rooster
Country: France
The gallic rooster is not only the national bird of France and their sports mascot but also a symbol of France’s enduring resistance and courage.
White Stork
Countries: Germany & Lithuania
With its long, white neck, white plumage accented with black, and tapered red bill, the white stork is the national bird of both Germany and Lithuania.
Little Owl
Country: Greece
The national bird of Greece, the little owl, is also known as the owl of Athena and is believed to provide knowledge and wisdom worthy of the goddess.
Related: Tuck into these Greek dishes and drinks worthy of any world traveller!
Lapwing
Country: Ireland
Lapwings have black-and-white colouring and round-tipped wings. The national bird of Ireland is also red-listed due to its scarcity and population decline.
White-throated Dipper
Country: Norway
Identifiable by the white patch on its throat and chest, the white-throated dipper of Norway is said to represent surviving in an arid landscape.
Eurasian Blackbird
Country: Sweden
The common blackbird might be the national bird of Sweden but there, it’s called a Koltrast, meaning mud parakeet, likely due to its glossy black plumage and yellow beak.
Blue Crane
Country: South Africa
The national bird of South Africa, the blue crane, is distinguishable by its blue-grey plumage, pink bill, white crown and long, land-dwelling legs.
Related: Learn more interesting facts about South Africa!
Bald Eagle
Country: United States of America
Native to North America, the bald eagle is the national bird of the USA and is famous for its white head and hooked bill. This predatory bird also has impressive size and strength.
Giant Ibis
Country: Cambodia
The national bird of Cambodia, the giant ibis, is almost considered mythical thanks to its sheer size and stretched shape. It’s the largest ibis worldwide and quite rare as it’s mostly found in northern Cambodia.
Rufous-bellied Thrush
Country: Brazil
The rufous-bellied thrush, the national bird of Brazil, is a small, omnivorous songbird that represents hope and is a popular symbol in Brazilian culture and folklore.
Canada Jay
Country: Canada
Previously known as the grey jay, the Canada Jay is a passerine bird with dark and light grey plumage and a black spot on its crown. These curious and crafty birds are found all across Canada.
Italian Sparrow
Country: Italy
The Italian sparrow has similar brown and white markings to the Spanish sparrow, except the national bird of Italy also has a black throat that makes it distinguishable.
Related: Take a look at some of the best Italian souvenirs!
Black-tailed Godwit
Country: Netherlands
The black-tailed godwit of the Netherlands is large with a long bill, neck and legs. Their grey-brown bodies turn a warm orange-brown in the summer.
Related: Discover the top reasons to visit Amsterdam!
Barcelos Rooster
Country: Portugal
The national bird of Portugal, the Barcelos Rooster, is also a national emblem symbolising good fortune and justice thanks to the long-standing folklore of the rooster helping to prove a falsely convicted man’s innocence.
Related: Explore more reasons why Portugal should be on your bucket list!
Spanish Imperial Eagle
Country: Spain
The Spanish imperial eagle is not only the national bird of Spain but also one of the rarest birds of prey worldwide as breeding pairs are primarily found in Spain and Portugal.
Related: Try the top Spanish tapas and restaurants while you visit!
Chim Lạc
Country: Vietnam
Last but not least, the national bird of Vietnam is an interesting one. The Chim Lạc is a mythical bird that is believed to be a guardian angel in Vietnamese culture, carrying ancient people on its back.
Related: Discover the best things to do in Vietnam!
We hope you enjoyed our gallery of the world’s national birds in celebration of World Wildlife Day! It’s time to spread your wings and discover these majestic creatures in their natural habitats.
Expat Explore offers guided group tours to all the incredible travel destinations on our list! Book a tour, and get ready to flock to the world’s must-see attractions.