National Birds of the World by Ron Toft (plus my grades)

Nate Shivar
National Birds of the World by Ron Toft

National Birds of the World is a brilliant book that combines two of my favorite things – birds and human geography. It’s a pretty straightforward coffee table book with lots of pictures and written in alphabetical order. Each excerpt provides a little bit of background from the country and the bird. But honestly the most interesting part of the book is simply the concept.

What I wish the book had was a very opinionated grading system. Because just like US State birds, some birds are ridiculous, some are awful, and some are uniquely incredible. So, I made my own grading system.

National Birds of the World
$12.97

National Birds of the World is a brilliant book that combines two of my favorite things - birds and human geography. It's a pretty straightforward coffee table book with lots of pictures and written in alphabetical order. Each excerpt provides a little bit of background from the country and the bird. But honestly the most interesting part of the book is simply the concept.

National Birds of the World
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I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also, check your local library. Thank you!
03/20/2026 09:04 am GMT

My Grades of National Birds

Country

Bird

Grade

Comment

Image

Angola

Red-crested Turaco

B

Love the green and red. Excellent choice.
Detailed image of a Red-Crested Turaco showcasing vibrant plumage.

Anguilla

Zenaida Dove

C

Sorry, but doves are very plain and boring.
Two mourning doves perched on a branch in a natural setting.

Antigua And Barbuda

Magnificent Frigatebird

B

Very over the top and unique, but also weird.
A majestic magnificent frigatebird soaring gracefully in a vibrant blue sky.

Argentina

Rufous Hornero

C

Very boring* looking. But insane nest builders! h/t

Detailed photo of a Rufous Hornero bird in Santa Maria, Brazil.

Australia

Emu

A

Hilarious, and very fitting.
A vibrant image featuring emus in a sunlit, green outdoor area, showcasing detailed plumage.

Austria

Barn Swallow

C

Very boring.
A barn swallow perched on a balcony rail outdoors in Torallola, Spain.

Bahamas

Caribbean Flamingo

A

Hilarious, and perfect for The Bahamas.
A group of flamingos elegantly wade through a tranquil pond, showcasing their brilliant pink hues.

Bahrain

White-eared Bulbul

C

Very boring.
A White-Eared Bulbul perched on a branch against a blurred sky in Abu Dhabi.

Bangladesh

Oriental Magpie-robin

B

Cute, and perfect for Bangladesh.
Oriental magpie-robin standing on a concrete surface near water in Dongguan, China.

Belarus

White Stork

B

Iconic, and perfect for Belarus.
A pair of storks nesting with wings spread under a bright blue sky.

Belgium

Gallic Rooster

C

Awesome bird, but a totally copycat of France.
The Gallic rooster

Belize

Keel-billed Toucant

A

Beautiful, iconic bird, and perfect for Belize.
Stunning close-up of a colorful Keel-Billed Toucan in Costa Rica, showcasing its vibrant beak and feathers.

Bermuda

Bermuda Petrel

B

Iconic, and perfect for Bermuda.
Close-up of a Leach's Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous) on a sandy beach in France.

Bhutan

Common Raven

B

Iconic, and perfect for Bhutan.
Detailed close-up of a raven perched in the natural setting of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Bolivia

Andean Condor

C

A+ bird, but you’re copying the neighbors.
Magnificent Andean condor soaring over Chile's rugged terrain. Perfect wildlife capture.

Botswana

Lilac-breasted Roller

B

Very cute, beautiful bird, and perfect for Botswana.
Vibrant lilac-breasted roller perched on a twig in South Africa's wild landscape.

Brazil

Rufous-bellied Thrush

C

Very boring.
A vibrant close-up of a Rufous-bellied thrush (Turdus rufiventris) in Brazil.

British Virgin Islands

Zenaida Dove

F

Very boring. Also you’re copying Anguilla.
Mourning dove perched on a wooden post with clear blue sky backdrop.

Burma

Grey Peacock-pheasant

C

Odd bird. Maybe it’s perfect for Burma?
A peacock standing on a white wall against an overcast sky in an urban setting.

Cambodia

Giant Ibis

B

Iconic, and perfect fo Cambodia.
A group of ibises perched on a tree branch in bright daylight. Perfect for nature themes.

Cayman Islands

Cayman Parrot

B

So iconic that it looks fake…which is perfect for the Cayman Islands.
Charming cockatiel with vibrant cheeks perched indoors on a branch.

Chile

Andean Condor

C

A+ bird, but you’re copying the neighbors.
An Andean condor gracefully soars against a clear blue sky in El Bolsón, Argentina.

China

Red-crowned Crane

F

Not official, and the reason is deeply petty.
Stunning portrait of a grey crowned crane with striking plumage in dramatic lighting.

Colombia

Andean Condor

C

A+ bird, but you’re copying the neighbors.
An Andean condor gracefully soars against a clear blue sky in El Bolsón, Argentina.

Costa Rica

Clay-coloured Thrush

D

Costa Rica can do better.
A Clay-Colored Thrush (Turdus grayi) perched on a branch, showcasing its natural beauty in Costa Rica.

Cuba

Cuban Trogon

A

Adorable, and so perfect for Cuba. Bonus grade for the feathers that match their flag!
A vibrant trogon bird perched on a branch in a lush forest, captured in a beautiful close-up shot.

Denmark

Mute Swan

A

Iconic, and perfect for Denmark.
Free stock photo of 4k, background, hd

Dominica

Imperial Amazon

A

Just so cool.
A vibrant green parrot with colorful feathers perches on a stick among lush foliage in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Dominican Republic

Palmchat

C

Very boring, you can do better Dominican Republic.
A vibrant bird with yellow plumage perched on a wire, seen in a natural setting.

Ecuador

Andean Condor

C

A+ bird, but you’re copying the neighbors.
An Andean condor gracefully soars against a clear blue sky in El Bolsón, Argentina.

El Salvador

Turquoise-browed Motmot

B

Hilarious bird.
A turquoise-browed motmot perched on a branch in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, showcasing its vibrant plumage.

Estonia

Barn Swallow

C

Very boring.
National Birds of the World by Ron Toft (plus my grades) 1

Faroe Islands

Eurasian Oystercatcher

C

Very boring.
Two Eurasian oystercatchers walk along the beach in Jönköping, Sweden.

Finland

Whooper Swan

B

Iconic, and perfect for Finland.
A large group of Whooper Swans gathered on a tranquil lake, showcasing nature's beauty.

France

Gallic Rooster

A

Hilariously awesome, and perfect for France.
The Gallic rooster

Gibraltar

Barbary Partridge

C

Very boring.
Close-up photo of a Barbary Partridge perched on a rustic wooden fence.

Grenada

Grenada Dove

C

Another dove – very boring.
A Grenada dove sitting quietly on a tree branch surrounded by green leaves.

Guatemala

Resplendent Quetzal

A+

The most beautiful bird on Earth, iconic, and perfect for Guatemala. Guatemala wins!
Vivid resplendent quetzal perched on a branch in dense foliage, showcasing its vibrant colors.

Guyana

Hoatzin

B

Bravo Guyana! Hilarious, iconic find. Go chat with Costa Rica.

Haiti

Hispaniolan Trogon

C

It’s fine.
A vibrant trogon bird resting on a branch in a lush green forest setting.

Honduras

Scarlet Macaw

B

Iconic, and perfect for Honduras.
Stunning close-up of a vibrant scarlet macaw with detailed feathers and open wings.

Hungary

Great Bustard

C

Such as bizarre bird.
A majestic great bustard strolling in a grassy meadow, showcasing its natural beauty.

Iceland

Gyrfalcon

A+

The most BOSS bird – perfect for a Viking country.
Close-up portrait of a Gyrfalcon with intricate feather details and piercing eyes.

India

Indian Peafowl

B

Very cool bird.
Close-up of a colorful peacock with its feathers fully displayed, highlighting its vivid plumage.

Indonesia

Javan Hawk-eagle

A

Just so cool.
Detailed portrait of a crested hawk-eagle showcasing its sharp gaze and distinctive feathers.

Israel

Eurasian Hoopoe

C

Too weird.
Stunning close-up of a Eurasian Hoopoe displaying its crest feathers in Cairo, Egypt.

Jamaica

Red-billed Streamertail

A

Beautiful bird.
A vibrant streamertail hummingbird feeding on nectar from a red feeder.

Japan

Green Pheasant

B

Iconic, and perfect for Japan
National Birds of the World by Ron Toft (plus my grades) 2

Jordan

Sinai Rosefinch

B

Adorable, and a good choice for Jordan.
Close-up of a colorful rosefinch bird perched on a branch in a spring setting.

Latvia

White Wagtail

B

Cute, but a little boring.
A striking white wagtail (Motacilla alba) standing on a wooden dock by a serene water backdrop.

Liberia

Common Bulbul

C

Boring.
National Birds of the World by Ron Toft (plus my grades) 3

Lithuania

White Stork

B

Iconic, and perfect for Lithuania.
A white stork stands gracefully on a wall in Rabat, capturing the serene essence of nature.

Luxembourg

Goldcrest

A

Adorable, and perfect for Luxembourg.
A vibrant goldcrest bird perched on a lush evergreen in a sunny forest.

Malawi

African Fish-eagle

A

Such a poised, awesome bird.
Close-up of an African Fish Eagle perched, showcasing its natural habitat in Kruger Park.

Malta

Blue Rock-thrush

C

Very boring.
A striking blue whistling thrush perched on a tree stump in Rishop, West Bengal.

Mauritius

Dodo

A+

Takes some ridiculous self-assurance to choose an extinct bird that is famously stupid, ugly, and flightless.
National Birds of the World by Ron Toft (plus my grades) 4

Mexico

Crested Caracara

C

I don’t know why it’s not the Golden Eagle that’s on Mexico’s flag.
A Crested Caracara bird perched on a post against a lush green background.

Mongolia

Saker Falcon

A+

Iconic, supurb, and absoluely awesome. And perfect for Mongolia. Very Khan-esque.
A close-up shot of a saker falcon perched on a branch within a cage, showcasing its intricate plumage.

Montserrat

Montserrat Oriole

C

It’s fine.
Stunning shot of an orange oriole feeding on leftovers in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

Namibia

African Fish-eagle

A

Such a poised, awesome bird. Not sure if Malawi has a better claim.
Close-up of an African Fish Eagle perched, showcasing its natural habitat in Kruger Park.

Nepal

Himalayan Monal

A

What. Stunning and perfect for Nepal.
Stunning close-up of a colorful Himalayan Monal, showcasing iridescent feathers in a natural forest setting.

New Caledonia

Kagu

C

Supposedly iconic, but also boring.

New Zealand

Kiwi

B

Kudos to New Zealand’s self-assurance for not only choosing a bird…but actually calling human citizens of New Zealand “Kiwis”. It’s still a weird, ugly bird.

Nicaragua

Turquoise-browed Motmot

B

Beautiful, subtle.
Close-up of a turquoise-browed motmot perched on a wooden plank outdoors, showcasing its vibrant feathers.

Nigeria

Black Crowned Crane

A

Iconic, beautiful, and perfect for Nigeria.
Detailed side view of a Black Crowned Crane with a vibrant feathered crown.

Norway

White-throated Dipper

B

It’s fine.
Close-up of a white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus) on a log with a muted background in Italy.

Pakistan

Chukar

B

It’s fine.
Chukar partridge standing on rocky ground in Van, Türkiye, highlighting its distinct markings.

Palau

Palau Fruit Dove

B

It’s fine.
Close-up of a vibrant superb fruit dove perched outdoors in Mosman, NSW, Australia.

Palestine

Palestine Sunbird

B

It’s fine.
Close-up of a Marico sunbird on a twig, showcasing its natural habitat and intricate plumage detail.

Panama

Harpy Eagle

A

Iconic, awesome. Perfect for Panama.
Portrait of a Harpy Eagle in a forest setting, showcasing its majestic features.

Papua New Guinea

Raggiana Bird-of-paradise

A

Beautiful, unique, and perfect for Papua New Guinea.
Close-up of a colorful Raggiana Bird of Paradise perched among foliage.

Paraguay

Bare-throated Bellbird

C

Very boring.

Peru

Andean Cock-of-the-rock

A

Iconic, colorful, and utterly bizarre.

Philippines

Philippine Eagle

A+

Also known as the Monkey Eating Eagle. Possibly the 2nd best national bird on Earth. Iconic, incredible, unique to its country. Excellent.
Wild rare Monkey Eating Eagle with brown and white colored plumage and shaggy crest sitting on fallen twig in tropical forest

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican Spindalis

C

Very boring.

Samoa

Tooth-billed Pigeon

C

Boring and almost extinct.

Scotland

Golden Eagle

A

Iconic, awesome, and perfect Celtic vibes.
A striking close-up of a golden eagle poised in flight against a bright sky.

Seychelles

Seychelles Black Parrot

C

Boring, especially for a parrot.
Vibrant red and black parrot nesting in a tropical forest surrounded by lush foliage.

Singapore

Crimson Sunbird

A

Small, striking, and perfect for Singapore.
Vibrant crimson sunbird perched on a branch, showcasing its colorful plumage.

South Africa

Blue Crane

A

Iconic, and perfect for South Africa.
Photograph of a Blue Crane in South African grassland, showcasing wildlife beauty.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka junglefowl

A

Hilarious, wild, and perfect for Sri Lanka.
A wild junglefowl hen forages in a natural outdoor setting showcasing its intricate plumage.

St Helena

St Helena Plover

C

Small, boring.

St Kitts And Nevis

Brown Pelican

C

Boring – I had expected better of St Kitts.
Brown pelican soaring gracefully against a clear sky in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

St Lucia

St Lucia Amazon

B

Excellent choice, St Lucia.
Red crowned Parrot

Sudan

Secretarybird

B

Absolutely wild. Love it.
Dynamic capture of a secretarybird running, showcasing its unique posture and striking features.

Swaziland

Purple-crested Turaco

B

Small, striking, and perfect for Swaziland.
A striking turaco with colorful plumage perched on a tree branch in a tropical setting.

Sweden

Eurasian Blackbird

C

So boring…and yet, so Swedish. It’s like if Ikea furniture was a bird.
Detailed shot of a blackbird standing on lush grass in Jönköping, Sweden.

Taiwan

Taiwan Blue Magpie

B

Beautiful, solid choice.
A Taiwan blue magpie perched on a persimmon tree among vibrant leaves and ripe fruits.

Thailand

Siamese Fireback

A

Iconic, striking, and perfect for Thailand.
A pair of Siamese Fireback pheasants displaying their vibrant plumage in a lush outdoor setting.

Trinidad And Tobago

Scarlet Ibis

C

Boring. I expected better from Trinidad.
Scarlet Ibis

Uganda

Grey Crowned Crane

B

Iconic, excellent choice.
Free stock photo of big birds, birding, birds

United Kingdom

European Robin

B

Absolutely adorable. Minus a letter for not being official.
National Birds of the World by Ron Toft (plus my grades) 5

United States

Bald Eagle

A+

I’m biased, but Bald Eagles are very cool, and very iconic. It’s also woven into the national story.
Majestic bald eagle perched on a bare tree branch in Wenatchee, showcasing wildlife beauty.

US Virgin Islands

Bananaquit

A

Small, striking, and perfect for the US Virgin Islands.
A bananaquit bird perched on a wire, showcasing its vibrant yellow belly.

Venezuela

Venezuelan Troupial

A

Excellent, striking, iconic choice Venezuela.
Orange-Backed Troupial perched on leafy branch with red flowers in Bonito, Brazil.

Yemen

Arabian Golden-winged Grosbeak

C

It’s fine.

Zambia

African Fish-eagle

A

Amazing bird…though southern Africa and South America have too much copycatting going on.
Close-up of an African Fish Eagle perched, showcasing its natural habitat in Kruger Park.

Zimbabwe

African Fish-eagle

A

Amazing bird…though southern Africa and South America have too much copycatting going on.
Close-up of an African Fish Eagle perched, showcasing its natural habitat in Kruger Park.
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Nate Shivar

I'm Nate Shivar - I live in Atlanta and love exploring the city, public lands, books & Internet. Read about me or my work. Contact via email.

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