Liechtenstein

What is the National bird of Liechtenstein?

National Bird of Liechtenstein

Kestrel – Liechtenstein national bird

The National bird of Liechtenstein is Kestrel which is found in other part of Europe. It is the smallest falcon in the world and is also known as Windhover, Common Kestrel and European Kestrel. The Kestrel is known for its hunting skills and ability to hover over the ground as it searches for prey.

The kestrel is a bird of prey that belongs to the genus Falco and family Falconidae. There are 9 different species of kestrels that inhabit different parts of the world. The largest ones are found in Africa while the smallest ones are found in Australia.

Kestrel Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Falco tinnunculus
Family: Falconidae
Order: Falconiformes
Class: Aves
Kingdom: Animalia

Physical Description

The kestrel is a small falcon that can be found in Europe, Aruba and North America. It has a body length of about 14 inches (35 cm) with a wingspan of about 26 inches (66 cm). It weighs between 1.5 and 2 pounds (0.7 – 0.9 kg). The male is slightly larger than the female, with a more prominent blue-grey breast band and rump patch, whereas the female’s breast band is greyer and less prominent. Both sexes have black heads, wings and tails with white patches on their wings and tail feathers.

Facts about Kestrel

  • The Kestrel is the well known and famous bird in Liechtenstein.
  • This bird is known for its ability to hover and fly backwards.
  • They are also known by other names such as Windhover and Sparrowhawk.
  • They are the only species of falcon to hunt with their feet.
  • They are also the only raptors that can hover like a hummingbird.
  • The name “Kestrel” comes from an old French word meaning “to hover like a hawk” or “to flutter around like a butterfly”.
  • They eat small mammals, insects, other birds and reptiles which they catch in flight or on the ground.
  • It prefers open areas such as grasslands and meadows where it can hunt for prey. The diet of a Kestrel mainly consists of small mammals like voles, mice and rats; birds like pigeons, sparrows, starlings and crows; reptiles like snakes; amphibians such as frogs; insects like beetles and grasshoppers.
  • It is also known as the Windhover because it hovers in still air while searching for small animals to catch.

Why is Kestrel the national bird of Liechtenstein?

The Kestrel was chosen as the national bird because it is a very common, easily recognizable and widespread bird in Liechtenstein. The kestrel has been used as a symbol throughout history by many different countries and organizations.

For example, they have been used as symbols by several different political parties including the British Conservative Party and the German Social Democratic Party. It was also chosen because it represents the country’s spirit of freedom and independence.