Some are special to the country they’re from, while others are lucky enough to be chosen to represent multiple countries. I’m looking at you, golden eagle and Andean condor. Nonetheless, they’ve all earned their title for a reason and it’s a beautiful way to pay tribute to the world’s wildlife. Let’s have a look at 28 birds that hold the honor of being a national bird.
1. Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Mexico, Romania: Golden Eagle
The golden eagle is one of the biggest birds of prey in the world, so why shouldn’t it hold a special title somewhere in the world? It’s actually the official national bird of 5 countries (Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Mexico, and Romania) and the unofficial national bird of 2 countries (Germany and Scotland). That’s because it’s a symbol of strength, courage, and independence. As for Mexico, they chose the golden eagle because of the legend of the Aztec foundation. The story goes that the Aztecs built Tenochtitlan where they saw an eagle eating a snake.
2. Argentina: Rufous Hornero
The rufous hornero may be small, but it’s a big symbol of Argentina’s culture and strong family values. The bird is a widespread resident of the country, and its unique oven nest from mud and clay is a familiar sight. The rufous hornero was chosen as the national bird of Argentina in 1928, with the help of a primary school survey.
3. Bahamas: American Flamingo
The national bird of the Bahamas happens to be the American or West Indian flamingo. Great Inagua is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of these pink birds, so it couldn’t be more fitting. Thanks to conservation efforts by the country, the flamingo has made a successful comeback from near extinction.
4. Belgium: Common Kestrel
The exact reasoning behind Belgium’s choice of national bird is unclear, but it could be because of the common kestrel’s presence in the country. Nevertheless, while it may be one of the smallest birds of prey, it’s a symbol of nature’s power and vitality.
5. Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador: Andean Condor
The official national bird of four countries (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador) is one of the world’s biggest birds. It may not be the strongest or heaviest, but it’s the largest flying land bird in the Americas. They hold a significant cultural importance in Andean regions, and they represent power, immortality, and health.
6. Brazil: Rufous-Bellied Thrush
In 2002, the rufous-bellied thrush was officially chosen as the national bird of Brazil. However, the people of Brazil have been pushing for this spring bird with the beautiful song to get the official status since the 60s.
7. Cambodia: Giant Ibis
According to Cambodians, the giant ibis is a very intelligent bird. It’s critically endangered globally, but the species is smart enough to never return to a place if a bird was hunted there. Sounds like a great reason for official national bird status and extensive conservation efforts to me.
8. Denmark: Mute Swan
You know how all birds symbolize something, right? Swans symbolize birth, rebirth, and transformation, but that’s not what got the mute swan its role as Denmark’s national bird. It was a Danish TV show election that replaced the Eurasian skylark in 1984. In fact, it was the swan in Hans Christian Andersen’s story, The Ugly Duckling, that symbolized resilience, transformation, and inner beauty. Swans are also one of the longest living birds, which just adds to the magic and beauty of the species.
9. Egypt, Kazakhstan: Steppe Eagle
Historically, the Eagle of Saladin was a symbol of Arab nationalism and power. Culturally, the eagle was a symbol of power and authority in ancient Egyptian times. Add these two important factors that the steppe eagle brings together and not only did Egypt get a national bird, but they also got a national animal.
10. Estonia: Barn Swallow
In 1962, the people of Estonia decided that the barn swallow holds enough of a cultural significance to represent their country. In 1988, it was finally approved. Austria also chose the barn swallow as their national bird, but it’s the golden eagle that gets all the acclaim as their national animal.
11. Guatemala: Resplendent Quetzal
There’s no doubt about the resplendent quetzal being one of the most beautiful birds in the world. But it’s not just it’s beauty that landed it the title of Guatemala’s national bird. The quetzal was considered a sacred bird in Mayan and Aztec times. It was associated with freedom and wealth, and some even called it the god of the air.
12. Honduras: Scarlet Macaw
Of all the large birds that make good pets, the macaw is probably the most popular. The scarlet macaw was a significant figure in Mayan culture, and it had strong spiritual values. Honduras also chose this vibrant bird to represent the country’s diversity and the efforts to protect their wildlife and habitats.
13. Hungary, Mongolia, United Arab Emirates: Saker Falcon
The Saker falcon is associated with the Turul bird, which is a mythical creature from Hungarian folklore. As for Mongolia, the falcon has been used in falconry for centuries and it’s very fitting for the nomadic lifestyle of Mongolians. The same goes for the UAE when it comes to falconry, as they have dedicated falconry hospitals and solid conservation initiatives in place.
14. Iceland: Gyrfalcon
As a nation that fought for independence, Iceland chose a bird that would represent power and freedom. The gyrfalcon is the country’s official national bird and unofficial national animal.
15. India: Indian Peacock
The Indian peacock is a thing of beauty, that’s for sure. But it means a lot to India’s people in terms of mythology and religion. They associate the magical bird with the god of war, the deity Kartikeya, and Krishna, who has a peacock feather in his crown. It also represents India’s pride and diversity.
16. Iran and Ukraine: Common Nightingale
If you’ve heard a nightingale’s song before, you wouldn’t wonder why it’s the official national bird of both Iran and Ukraine, as well as the unofficial national bird of Croatia. It’s a prominent figure in Persian literature and poetry, where it is associated with love, longing, and immense passion.
17. Jamaica: Doctor Bird
The red-billed streamertail is endemic to Jamaica, where they nicknamed it doctor bird. Apparently, this is because their colorful long feathers look like the coats that doctors wore back in the 19th century. To the country, the bird represents endurance.
18. Malaysia: Rhinoceros Hornbill
The rhinoceros hornbill is not only unique, but it’s also culturally significant to the Dayak people and Ibanic tribes. They refer to it as the chief of worldly birds, or even the supreme worldly bird, so it makes sense that the country would see no other bird as more important.
19. Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe: African Fish Eagle
All eagles are majestic and powerful, so it should come as no surprise to you that another eagle has made the cut. The African fish eagle is the national bird of three African countries, where it symbolizes strength, freedom, and power.
20. Nepal: Himalayan Monal
Nepal’s national bird is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and unique of the lot. Locals also call these birds Danphe, but they’re symbols Nepal’s cultural richness in terms of ethnicity, language, and culture, regardless of their name. They’re also often found in groups, which is a beautiful way to symbolize the unity among Nepali people.
21. Nigeria: Black Crowned Crane
The black crowned crane is the only crane species that lives in Nigeria. Some West African cultures see them as spiritual messengers and others believe they bring rain, but they’re mainly associated with peace and harmony.
22. Norway: White-Throated Dipper
The white-throated dipper thrives in harsh, mountainous landscapes and they can even build nests on waterfalls. Norway couldn’t have chosen a better bird to symbolize Norwegian resilience and resourcefulness than this little guy.
23. Pakistan: Chukar Partridge
The chukar partridge, or the Chakor, was chosen as the national bird of Pakistan for multiple reasons. It’s adaptable, beautiful, and it has a rich history in Pakistani culture. Somehow, it symbolizes intense love and a connection to the moon.
24. Panama: Harpy Eagle
It was only in 2002 that one of the world’s most unique birds became Panama’s national bird. The harpy eagle represents the healthy state of the forest ecosystems, which is something that the country is very proud of.
25. Philippines: Philippine Eagle
The Philippines’ national bird is a lesser-known wild animal in need of conservation. Sadly, it’s in dire need of conservation and it can only be found in the Philippines. This eagle got the status in 1995, and it represents the people’s resilience and strength, as well as the country’s biodiversity.
26. South Africa: Blue Crane
South Africa’s national bird has a certain importance among the Xhosa and Zulu people of the country. The blue crane symbolizes bravery, leadership, and strength. Traditionally, warriors were honored with indwe (blue crane in Xhosa) feathers.
27. Thailand: Siamese Fireback
Of course, a vibrant country would have a vibrant national bird. The Siamese fireback represents the biodiversity of Thailand, and the bird’s name actually comes from Thailand’s former name, which is Siam.
28. United States: Bald Eagle
It’s shocking that the bald eagle was only officially designated as the national bird of the US in 2024. It represents liberty, strength, beauty, and independence, which is basically everything the US stands for. Oh, and they build impressive nests, which could also be something a country could strive towards.
