Article in: Birding
January 26, 2007
There are many symbols that can be used to represent a country. A national bird is one of the most common. Often these symbols are printed on flags, seals, money, and popular products. People then associate that bird with their country.
Photo courtesy of (c) Dinali Sanchez, dinali77
Mexico’s national bird is the (Northern) Crested Caracara. It is depicted on the Mexican flag and is considered an omen of good luck.
The Aztec and Myan cultures held this bird in high esteem and wore jewelry of their claws and headresses of their feathers.
These (Northern) Crested Caracaras are mostly found on or near the ground in open areas. They are scavengers and predators.
Read more information about the Crested Caracara.