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.

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08/03/2026 01:41 pm GMT

My Grades of National Birds

CountryBirdGradeCommentImage
AngolaRed-crested TuracoBLove the green and red. Excellent choice.Detailed image of a Red-Crested Turaco showcasing vibrant plumage.
AnguillaZenaida DoveCSorry, but doves are very plain and boring.Two mourning doves perched on a branch in a natural setting.
Antigua And BarbudaMagnificent FrigatebirdBVery over the top and unique, but also weird.A majestic magnificent frigatebird soaring gracefully in a vibrant blue sky.
ArgentinaRufous HorneroCVery boring* looking. But insane nest builders! h/tDetailed photo of a Rufous Hornero bird in Santa Maria, Brazil.
AustraliaEmuAHilarious, and very fitting.A vibrant image featuring emus in a sunlit, green outdoor area, showcasing detailed plumage.
AustriaBarn SwallowCVery boring.A barn swallow perched on a balcony rail outdoors in Torallola, Spain.
BahamasCaribbean FlamingoAHilarious, and perfect for The Bahamas.A group of flamingos elegantly wade through a tranquil pond, showcasing their brilliant pink hues.
BahrainWhite-eared BulbulCVery boring.A White-Eared Bulbul perched on a branch against a blurred sky in Abu Dhabi.
BangladeshOriental Magpie-robinBCute, and perfect for Bangladesh.Oriental magpie-robin standing on a concrete surface near water in Dongguan, China.
BelarusWhite StorkBIconic, and perfect for Belarus.A pair of storks nesting with wings spread under a bright blue sky.
BelgiumGallic RoosterCAwesome bird, but a totally copycat of France.The Gallic rooster
BelizeKeel-billed ToucantABeautiful, iconic bird, and perfect for Belize.Stunning close-up of a colorful Keel-Billed Toucan in Costa Rica, showcasing its vibrant beak and feathers.
BermudaBermuda PetrelBIconic, and perfect for Bermuda.Close-up of a Leach's Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous) on a sandy beach in France.
BhutanCommon RavenBIconic, and perfect for Bhutan.Detailed close-up of a raven perched in the natural setting of Flagstaff, Arizona.
BoliviaAndean CondorCA+ bird, but you’re copying the neighbors.Magnificent Andean condor soaring over Chile's rugged terrain. Perfect wildlife capture.
BotswanaLilac-breasted RollerBVery cute, beautiful bird, and perfect for Botswana.Vibrant lilac-breasted roller perched on a twig in South Africa's wild landscape.
BrazilRufous-bellied ThrushCVery boring.A vibrant close-up of a Rufous-bellied thrush (Turdus rufiventris) in Brazil.
British Virgin IslandsZenaida DoveFVery boring. Also you’re copying Anguilla.Mourning dove perched on a wooden post with clear blue sky backdrop.
BurmaGrey Peacock-pheasantCOdd bird. Maybe it’s perfect for Burma?A peacock standing on a white wall against an overcast sky in an urban setting.
CambodiaGiant IbisBIconic, and perfect fo Cambodia.A group of ibises perched on a tree branch in bright daylight. Perfect for nature themes.
Cayman IslandsCayman ParrotBSo iconic that it looks fake…which is perfect for the Cayman Islands.Charming cockatiel with vibrant cheeks perched indoors on a branch.
ChileAndean CondorCA+ bird, but you’re copying the neighbors.An Andean condor gracefully soars against a clear blue sky in El Bolsón, Argentina.
ChinaRed-crowned CraneFNot official, and the reason is deeply petty.Stunning portrait of a grey crowned crane with striking plumage in dramatic lighting.
ColombiaAndean CondorCA+ bird, but you’re copying the neighbors.An Andean condor gracefully soars against a clear blue sky in El Bolsón, Argentina.
Costa RicaClay-coloured ThrushDCosta Rica can do better.A Clay-Colored Thrush (Turdus grayi) perched on a branch, showcasing its natural beauty in Costa Rica.
CubaCuban TrogonAAdorable, 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.
DenmarkMute SwanAIconic, and perfect for Denmark.Free stock photo of 4k, background, hd
DominicaImperial AmazonAJust so cool.A vibrant green parrot with colorful feathers perches on a stick among lush foliage in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Dominican RepublicPalmchatCVery boring, you can do better Dominican Republic.A vibrant bird with yellow plumage perched on a wire, seen in a natural setting.
EcuadorAndean CondorCA+ bird, but you’re copying the neighbors.An Andean condor gracefully soars against a clear blue sky in El Bolsón, Argentina.
El SalvadorTurquoise-browed MotmotBHilarious bird.A turquoise-browed motmot perched on a branch in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, showcasing its vibrant plumage.
EstoniaBarn SwallowCVery boring.National Birds of the World by Ron Toft (plus my grades) 1
Faroe IslandsEurasian OystercatcherCVery boring.Two Eurasian oystercatchers walk along the beach in Jönköping, Sweden.
FinlandWhooper SwanBIconic, and perfect for Finland.A large group of Whooper Swans gathered on a tranquil lake, showcasing nature's beauty.
FranceGallic RoosterAHilariously awesome, and perfect for France.The Gallic rooster
GibraltarBarbary PartridgeCVery boring.Close-up photo of a Barbary Partridge perched on a rustic wooden fence.
GrenadaGrenada DoveCAnother dove – very boring.A Grenada dove sitting quietly on a tree branch surrounded by green leaves.
GuatemalaResplendent QuetzalA+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.
GuyanaHoatzinBBravo Guyana! Hilarious, iconic find. Go chat with Costa Rica.
HaitiHispaniolan TrogonCIt’s fine.A vibrant trogon bird resting on a branch in a lush green forest setting.
HondurasScarlet MacawBIconic, and perfect for Honduras.Stunning close-up of a vibrant scarlet macaw with detailed feathers and open wings.
HungaryGreat BustardCSuch as bizarre bird.A majestic great bustard strolling in a grassy meadow, showcasing its natural beauty.
IcelandGyrfalconA+The most BOSS bird – perfect for a Viking country.Close-up portrait of a Gyrfalcon with intricate feather details and piercing eyes.
IndiaIndian PeafowlBVery cool bird.Close-up of a colorful peacock with its feathers fully displayed, highlighting its vivid plumage.
IndonesiaJavan Hawk-eagleAJust so cool.Detailed portrait of a crested hawk-eagle showcasing its sharp gaze and distinctive feathers.
IsraelEurasian HoopoeCToo weird.Stunning close-up of a Eurasian Hoopoe displaying its crest feathers in Cairo, Egypt.
JamaicaRed-billed StreamertailABeautiful bird.A vibrant streamertail hummingbird feeding on nectar from a red feeder.
JapanGreen PheasantBIconic, and perfect for JapanNational Birds of the World by Ron Toft (plus my grades) 2
JordanSinai RosefinchBAdorable, and a good choice for Jordan.Close-up of a colorful rosefinch bird perched on a branch in a spring setting.
LatviaWhite WagtailBCute, but a little boring.A striking white wagtail (Motacilla alba) standing on a wooden dock by a serene water backdrop.
LiberiaCommon BulbulCBoring.National Birds of the World by Ron Toft (plus my grades) 3
LithuaniaWhite StorkBIconic, and perfect for Lithuania.A white stork stands gracefully on a wall in Rabat, capturing the serene essence of nature.
LuxembourgGoldcrestAAdorable, and perfect for Luxembourg.A vibrant goldcrest bird perched on a lush evergreen in a sunny forest.
MalawiAfrican Fish-eagleASuch a poised, awesome bird.Close-up of an African Fish Eagle perched, showcasing its natural habitat in Kruger Park.
MaltaBlue Rock-thrushCVery boring.A striking blue whistling thrush perched on a tree stump in Rishop, West Bengal.
MauritiusDodoA+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
MexicoCrested CaracaraCI 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.
MongoliaSaker FalconA+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.
MontserratMontserrat OrioleCIt’s fine.Stunning shot of an orange oriole feeding on leftovers in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
NamibiaAfrican Fish-eagleASuch 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.
NepalHimalayan MonalAWhat. Stunning and perfect for Nepal.Stunning close-up of a colorful Himalayan Monal, showcasing iridescent feathers in a natural forest setting.
New CaledoniaKaguCSupposedly iconic, but also boring.
New ZealandKiwiBKudos 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.
NicaraguaTurquoise-browed MotmotBBeautiful, subtle.Close-up of a turquoise-browed motmot perched on a wooden plank outdoors, showcasing its vibrant feathers.
NigeriaBlack Crowned CraneAIconic, beautiful, and perfect for Nigeria.Detailed side view of a Black Crowned Crane with a vibrant feathered crown.
NorwayWhite-throated DipperBIt’s fine.Close-up of a white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus) on a log with a muted background in Italy.
PakistanChukarBIt’s fine.Chukar partridge standing on rocky ground in Van, Türkiye, highlighting its distinct markings.
PalauPalau Fruit DoveBIt’s fine.Close-up of a vibrant superb fruit dove perched outdoors in Mosman, NSW, Australia.
PalestinePalestine SunbirdBIt’s fine.Close-up of a Marico sunbird on a twig, showcasing its natural habitat and intricate plumage detail.
PanamaHarpy EagleAIconic, awesome. Perfect for Panama.Portrait of a Harpy Eagle in a forest setting, showcasing its majestic features.
Papua New GuineaRaggiana Bird-of-paradiseABeautiful, unique, and perfect for Papua New Guinea.Close-up of a colorful Raggiana Bird of Paradise perched among foliage.
ParaguayBare-throated BellbirdCVery boring.
PeruAndean Cock-of-the-rockAIconic, colorful, and utterly bizarre.
PhilippinesPhilippine EagleA+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 RicoPuerto Rican SpindalisCVery boring.
SamoaTooth-billed PigeonCBoring and almost extinct.
ScotlandGolden EagleAIconic, awesome, and perfect Celtic vibes.A striking close-up of a golden eagle poised in flight against a bright sky.
SeychellesSeychelles Black ParrotCBoring, especially for a parrot.Vibrant red and black parrot nesting in a tropical forest surrounded by lush foliage.
SingaporeCrimson SunbirdASmall, striking, and perfect for Singapore.Vibrant crimson sunbird perched on a branch, showcasing its colorful plumage.
South AfricaBlue CraneAIconic, and perfect for South Africa.Photograph of a Blue Crane in South African grassland, showcasing wildlife beauty.
Sri LankaSri Lanka junglefowlAHilarious, wild, and perfect for Sri Lanka.A wild junglefowl hen forages in a natural outdoor setting showcasing its intricate plumage.
St HelenaSt Helena PloverCSmall, boring.
St Kitts And NevisBrown PelicanCBoring – I had expected better of St Kitts.Brown pelican soaring gracefully against a clear sky in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
St LuciaSt Lucia AmazonBExcellent choice, St Lucia.Red crowned Parrot
SudanSecretarybirdBAbsolutely wild. Love it.Dynamic capture of a secretarybird running, showcasing its unique posture and striking features.
SwazilandPurple-crested TuracoBSmall, striking, and perfect for Swaziland.A striking turaco with colorful plumage perched on a tree branch in a tropical setting.
SwedenEurasian BlackbirdCSo 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.
TaiwanTaiwan Blue MagpieBBeautiful, solid choice.A Taiwan blue magpie perched on a persimmon tree among vibrant leaves and ripe fruits.
ThailandSiamese FirebackAIconic, striking, and perfect for Thailand.A pair of Siamese Fireback pheasants displaying their vibrant plumage in a lush outdoor setting.
Trinidad And TobagoScarlet IbisCBoring. I expected better from Trinidad.Scarlet Ibis
UgandaGrey Crowned CraneBIconic, excellent choice.Free stock photo of big birds, birding, birds
United KingdomEuropean RobinBAbsolutely adorable. Minus a letter for not being official.National Birds of the World by Ron Toft (plus my grades) 5
United StatesBald EagleA+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 IslandsBananaquitASmall, striking, and perfect for the US Virgin Islands.A bananaquit bird perched on a wire, showcasing its vibrant yellow belly.
VenezuelaVenezuelan TroupialAExcellent, striking, iconic choice Venezuela.Orange-Backed Troupial perched on leafy branch with red flowers in Bonito, Brazil.
YemenArabian Golden-winged GrosbeakCIt’s fine.
ZambiaAfrican Fish-eagleAAmazing 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.
ZimbabweAfrican Fish-eagleAAmazing 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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