World's most popular national bird

Photo by Martin Mecnarowski

GOLDEN EAGLE

AAquila chrysaetosA

I published a blog entry nine days ago in which I commented on the breeding success of the Golden Eagle in Scotland.   I have since discovered that the Golden Eagle is the national bird of Scotland, as well as Afghanistan, Albania, Egypt, Germany and Mexico, which makes it the most popular national bird of the world's 196 countries.   In fact, raptors (mostly eagles) are the national birds of 25 countries in the world.   The Bald Eagle is the national bird of the United States of America, while other types of eagles, condors, falcons, vultures, goshawks and kestrels round out the list of 25 raptors.   Surprisingly, while 121 countries are designated as having a 'national' bird, only 95 countries have given 'official' status to certain chosen birds. 26 other countries are involved, in many different stages, of declaring official status.   And of course many countries, like Canada, have no official bird...yet.

Please comment if you wish.
BarrytheBirder