National Birds of the World

What has the Eurasian Blackbird got in common with the Emu and the Magnificent Frigatebird?

They are very different birds living very different lives, however all three share the accolade of being ‘National Birds’ – the Eurasian Blackbird (Sweden), Emu (Australia) and Magnificent Frigatebird (Antigua and Barbuda).

Ron Toft’s new book, examines over 90 of the official national birds, as well as some that have become known as the national symbol by default; such as the Robin in the UK (this is about to be changed by the ‘Vote for Britain’s National Bird’ campaign – www.votenationalbird.com).

The book provides a fascinating insight into how a bird is chosen as the national symbol, the part they play in the past and present culture of the country and how they are being expressed as the national bird (stamps, flags, currency, coat of arms…). It also provides a short guide to some of the world’s most spectacular and bizarre species such as the Resplendent Quetzal (Guatemala), Kagu (New Caledonia) and the Hoatzin (Guyana). Whilst it concentrates on a very specific topic, this is an interesting book and well worth a read.

Book reviewed by Allan Archer

buy this book

---