wild birds breeding in Switzerland (2023)

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Almost 200 different species of birds are breeding in Switzerland,some more species stay in the country only during winter, while agroup of migrant species leave the country during winter to survivein warmer areas (Italy, Southern France, Spain, Africa).The variety of species depends on the altitude: along lakes and riversat moderate heights up to 130 different species may be found while onlyvery few are able to survive in higher alpine regions covered by eternalice and snow.

The map below gives an impression of the major types of landscape inSwitzerland:

  • The alpine (dark grey) and prealpine (light grey) mountains reach up to 4634 m [14154 ft] above sea level, and are scarcely populated (except for the major valleys)
  • The Mittelland region stretching from southwestern Lake Geneva to northeastern Bodensee is a plateau with soft hills on 400 m [1300 ft] to 600 m [2000 ft], overcrowded with people and infrastructure. Intense farming adds to the pressure on wildlife.
  • The Jura heights along the western border reach up to 1600 m [5200 ft].
  • Regarding birdlife, the alpine sections of the deep valleys of rivers Rhône, Rhine and Aare provide excellent conditions for many species.
  • Engadin, a high valley (1800 m / 6000 ft) in southeastern Switzerland has a special climate and some lakes attracting birds that would otherwise prefer regions below half this altitude.

wild birds breeding in Switzerland (2)

The most common birds in Switzerland are chaffinch and black redstart (both can be found on over 90% of the territory),followed by blackbird, blackcap, great tit, robin and wren. Sparrow, crow and pigeon are abundant in almostall Swiss villages and towns; seagull, swan, mallard, and common coot can be found along many lakes. Other species likethe great spotted woodpecker may be found inthe forests.

Water-Fowl in Switzerland

Switzerland's many lakes and rivers provide ideal habitats for manyspecies of aquatic birds in principle. Apart from the great lakes(Lake Geneva, Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel, Lake Murten, Lake Thun,Lake Brienz, Lake Lucerne, Lake Zurich, Walensee, Bodensee)the small storage lake of Klingnau in northern Switzerland (situatedright before river Aare flows into river Rhine) must be mentioned hereas a real paradise for water-fowl and bird-watchers.

Common Aquatic Birds in Switzerland

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Mittelland, Jura, Engadin r b,m,w
Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus Mittelland, Jura f b,m,w
Little bittern Ixobrychus minutus Mittelland, Rhône valley, Ticino e m
Mute swan cygnus olor Mittelland, Jura, Ticino r b
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos all over the country
except at very high altitudes
f b,w
Red-crested pochard Netta rufina great Mittelland lakes r b, w
Tufted duck Aythya fuligula Mittelland, Engadin r b, w
Goosander Mergus merganser Mittelland
prealpine lakes
r b, w
Common coot Fulica atra Mittelland, Jura, Rhône and Rhine valleys, Ticino f b,m,w
Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus Bodensee, Lake Neuchâtel
Lake Klingnau, Lake Zurich
f b,m,w
Common gull Larus canus great lakes r w, (b)
Yellow-legged gull Larus cachinnans Lake Neuchâtel, Bodensee r w, b
Common tern Sterna hirundo Bodensee, Lake Neuchâtel
Lake Klingnau, Lake Zurich, Lake Geneva
r b,m,w

¹ Abundance in regions where species find habitats:
e = endangered
r = rare (less than 2 couples per km²)
f = frequent (between 1 - 5 couples per km²)
a = abundant (more than 6 couples per km²)
² Type:
b = species breeding in Switzerland
m = migrant birds breeding in Switzerland but absent during winter
w = winter guests (breeding in northern or eastern Europe)

Birds in Wetlands

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Grey heron Ardea cinerea Mittelland, Jura r b,m
White stork Ciconia ciconia northern Mittelland e m
Water rail Rallus aquaticus Mittelland, Rhône valley, Ticino r b,m
Spotted crake Porzana porzana Mittelland e B
Corn crake Crex crex Mittelland e B
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Mittelland, Ticino f b, m
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Mittelland r B
Northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus Mittelland e b, m
Common snipe Gallinago gallinago isolated Mittelland habitats e m
Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Jura, northern prealpine hills f m
Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata Eastern Switzerland e m
Common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Sand and gravel banks of alpine sections
of rivers Rhine, Inn, Rhône etc.
e m
Common kingfisher Alcedo atthis Mittelland, Jura, Ticino, Rhône valley e b,w
Cormorant Mittelland lakes r w

Birds of Prey

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
European honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus all over the country
up to 2000 m [6500 ft]
except metropolitan areas
r m
Black kite Milvus milvus Mittelland, Jura r m
Red kite Milvus migrans Mittelland, Jura, Rhône and Rhine valleys, Ticino r b,m
Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis all over the country
up to 2000 m [6500 ft]
r b
Eurasian sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus all over the country
up to 2000 m [6500 ft]
r b,m,w
Common buzzard Buteo buteo all over the country
up to 1700 m [5500 ft]
f b,m,w
Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos Alps, 800 to 2600 m [2600 to 8500 ft] r b
Common kestrel Falco tinnunculus all over the country
up to 2600 m [8500 ft]
f b,m,w
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus all over the country
up to 1800 m [5900 ft]
e b,w
Hobby Falco subbuteo Mittelland r B

Gallinaceous Birds

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Hazel grouse Bonasa bonasia Jura, Alps r b
Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus Alps from 1500 to 2800 m [4900 to 9200 ft] f b
Black grouse Tetrao tetrix Alps from 1100 to 2400 m [3600 to 8800 ft] f b
Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Alps, Jura from 800 to 1200 m [2600 to 4400 ft] r b
Rock partridge Alectoris graeca southern Alps from 1200 to 2600 m [3900 to 9000 ft] r b
Grey partridge Perdix perdix Mittelland e b
Common quail Coturnix coturnix Mittelland, Jura and low alpine valleys f m
Common pheasant Phasianus colchicus some Mittelland habitats e b,m

Pigeons and Doves

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Feral pigeon Columba livia domestica Mittelland, Jura, Rhine & Rhône valleys, Ticino
abundant in towns and cities
a b
Stock dove Columba oenas Jura, Mittelland f m
Wood pigeon Columba palumbus Mittelland, Jura, Rhine & Rhône valleys, Ticino a m
Collared dove Streptopelia decaocto Mittelland, Jura, Rhine & Rhône valleys, Ticino f b
Turtle dove Streptopelia turtur Mittelland, Rhine & Rhône valleys, Ticino r m
Common cuckoo Cuculus canorus all over Switzerland
more frequent in prealpine and alpine valleys
f 3 m 4
3 Cuckoos were once abundant all over Switzerland, today they are only frequent in the Alps,
in some Jura and metropolitan Mittelland areas they are even extinct
4 Cuckoos do not breed themselves, they have their eggs breeded by host birds.

Owls

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Barn owl Tyto alba Mittelland r b
Eurasian scops owl Otus scops isolated habitats e b
Eagle owl Bubo bubo isolated habitats r b
Pygmy owl Glaucidium passerinum Alps, southwestern Jura r b
Little owl Athene noctua isolated habitats Geneva,
Porrentruy, Basel, Ticino
e b
Tawny owl Strix aluco all over Switzerland
below 1800 m [5900 ft]
r b
Long-eared owl Asio otus Mittelland, Jura, Rhine & Rhône valleys, Engadin, Ticino r b
Tengmalm's owl Aegolius funereus Jura, Alps r b

Forest Birds

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Rhône valley, Ticino e B
Common swift Apus apus all over Switzerland below 1600 m [5200 ft],
Engadin
a m
Alpine swift Apus melba Scattered colonies all over Switzerland r m
Hoopoe Upupa epops isolated habitats: Rhône valley, Lake Geneva, Ticino, Grisons, Thurgau e m
Wryneck Jynx torquilla alpine and prealpine valleys,
almost extinct in Mittelland
r m
Grey-headed woodpecker Picus canus northern Mittelland e B
Green woodpecker Picus viridis all over Switzerland
below 2200 m [7200 ft]
used to be frequent, now rare
r b
Black woodpecker Dryocopus martius all over Switzerland
below 2200 m [7200 ft]
r b
Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus major all over Switzerland
below 2200 m [7200 ft]
f b
Middle spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus medius northern and western Switzerland
below 700 m [2300 ft]
r b
Lesser spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus minor Mittelland, Rhine & Rhône valleys r b
Three-toed woodpecker Picoides tridactylus northern rim of Alps r b

Singing Birds

Larks

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Crested lark Galerida cristada once Mittelland, now extinct - -
Wood lark Lullula arborea Jura, Rhône valley r m
Sky lark Alauda arvensis all over Switzerland a m

Swallows

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Sand martin Riparia riparia Mittelland, crowded colonies in gravel pits r m
Crag martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Alps, Jura r m
Barn swallow Hirundo rustica Mittelland, Jura,
Rhône & Rhine valleys, Ticino
a m
House martin Delichon urbica Mittelland, Jura,
Rhône & Rhine valleys, Ticino
a m

Pipits and Wagtails

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Tree pipit Anthus trivialis Alps, Jura a m
Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis Jura, northern Alps r m
Water pipit Anthus spinoletta Alps a b,m,w
Yellow wagtail Motacilla flava Mittelland & Rhône valley
isolated colonies
r m
Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea all over Switzerland f b,m,w
White wagtail Motacilla alba all over Switzerland
below 2000 m [6500 ft]
a m

Wrens

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Wren Tryglodytes tryglodytes all over Switzerland
below 2200 m [7200 ft]
a b

Accentors

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Hedge accentor Prunella modularis all over Switzerland
below 2200 m [7200 ft]
a b,w
Alpine accentor Prunella collaris Alps f b

Warblers

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Grasshopper warbler Locustella naevia Mittelland r m
Savi's warbler Locustella luscinioides Mittelland r m
Marsh warbler Acrocephalus palustris Mittelland r m
Reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Mittelland f B
Great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Mittelland, Ticino r B
Icterine warbler Hippolais icterina Mittelland, Rhine valley r m
Melodious warbler Hippolais polyglotta Lake Geneva, Rhône valley, Ticino r m
Lesser whitethroat Sylvia curruca Alps, northern Switzerland r B
Common whitethroat Sylvia communis southwestern & northern Switzerland r B
Garden warbler Sylvia borin all over Switzerland
below 2000 m [6500 ft]
f m
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Mittelland, Ticino,
Rhine & Rhône valleys
a m
Bonelli's warbler Phylloscopus bonelli Jura, pre-Alps, alpine valleys, Ticino f m
Wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Jura, Mittelland, Ticino,
Rhine & Rhône valleys
f m
Common chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Jura, Mittelland, Ticino,
Rhine & Rhône valleys
a m
Willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Jura, Mittelland, Rhine valley f m

Crests

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Goldcrest Regulus regulus all over Swizerland
below 2000 m [6500 ft]
a b
Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus all over Swizerland
below 1800 m [5900 ft]
a m

Flycatchers, Redstarts, Chats and Trushs

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata all over Swizerland
below 1500 m [4900 ft]
f m
Collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis Ticino e m
Pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Mittelland f m
Black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros all over Switzerland
below 2600 m [8500 ft]
a m
Common redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Mittelland, Jura,
Rhône & Rhine valleys, Ticino
f m
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Alps, pre-Alps, Jura f m
Common stonechat Saxicola torquata Lake Geneva, Jura,
Rhône & amp; Rhine valleys, Ticino
r m
Northern wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Alps above 1600 m [7200 ft], Jura heights a m
Robin Erithacus rubecula Mittelland, Jura,
Rhône & Rhine valleys, Ticino
a b,m,w
Rufous nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Mittelland, Rhône valley f m
Rock thrush Monticola saxatilis Alps r m
Blue rock thrush Monticola solitarius Ticino r b,m
Ring ouzel Turdus torquatus Alps, Jura heights a m
Blackbird Turdus merula all over Swizerland
below 1800 m [5900 ft]
a b
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris all over Swizerland
below 1800 m [5900 ft]
except southern Ticino
f b,m,w
Song thrush Turdus philomelos all over Swizerland
below 2200 m [7200 ft]
a m
Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus all over Swizerland
below 2200 m [7200 ft]
a b,m

Tits

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus Jura, Mittelland, Ticino,
Rhine & Rhône valleys
r b
Marsh tit Parus palustris Jura, Mittelland, Ticino,
Rhine & Rhône valley
f B
Willow tit Parus montanus Jura, pre-Alps & Alps f B
Crested tit Parus cristatus all over Swizerland
below 2200 m [7200 ft]
f b
Coal tit Parus ater all over Swizerland
below 2000 m [6900 ft]
a b
Blue tit Parus caeruleus Jura, Mittelland, Ticino,
Rhine & Rhône valleys
a b
Great tit Parus major Jura, Mittelland, Ticino,
Rhine & Rhône valleys
a b

Nuthatchs

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
European nuthatch Sitta europaea Jura, Mittelland, Ticino,
Rhine & Rhône valleys
f b

Creepers

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria Jura, Alps r b,w
Eurasian treecreeper Certhia familiaris all over Swizerland
below 2200 m [7200 ft]
f B
Short-toed treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla Mittelland, Jura, Ticino f b

Dippers

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Dipper Cinclus cinclus all over Switzerland r b,w

Orioles

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Golden oriole Oriolus oriolus Mittelland, Ticino,
Rhône & Rhine valleys
r m

Shrikes

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Red-backed shrike Lanius collurio all over Swizerland
below 1800 m [5900 ft]
f B
Woodchat shrike Lanius senator once Mittelland, Ticino,
Rhône & Rhine valleys
now almost extinct
e m
Great grey shrike Lanius excubitor once Mittelland
now extinct
- b,m,w

Buntings

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella all over Swizerland
below 1400 m [4600 ft]
a b,m
Cirl bunting Emberiza cirlus selected habitats near great Lakes or rivers r m
Rock bunting Emberiza cia Valais, Ticino and Poschiavo r m
Ortolan bunting Emberiza hortulana Valais r m
Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Mittelland r m
Corn bunting Miliaria calandra selected habitats near great Lakes or rivers r m

Finches

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Snow finch Montifringilla nivalis Alps above 1800 m [5900 ft] f b
Common chaffinch Fringilla coelebs all over Swizerland
below 2200 m [7200 ft]
a b,m
European serin Serinus serinus all over Swizerland
below 1400 m [4600 ft]
f m
Citril finch Serinus citrinella Jura, Alps f b,m
Green finch Carduelis chloris all over Swizerland
below 1500 m [4900 ft]
a b
Gold finch Carduelis carduelis all over Swizerland
below 1600 m [5200 ft]
f m
Siskin Carduelis spinus Jura, Alps r b,m,w
Linnet Carduelis cannabina all over Swizerland
below 2400 m [7800 ft]
except for eastern Mittelland and Ticino
r B
Common redpoll Carduelis flammea Jura, Alps
except for eastern Mittelland and Ticino
r m,w
Common crossbill Loxia curvirostra all over Swizerland
below 2400 m [7800 ft]
except for areas without coniferous forests
r B
Common bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula all over Swizerland
below 2200 m [6500 ft]
f b,w
Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Mittelland, northern Jura,
Rhône & Rhine valleys
r b,m

Starlings

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Common starling Sturnus vulgaris all over Swizerland
below 1200 m [3900 ft]
a m

Sparrows

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
House sparrow Passer domesticus all over Swizerland
below 1400 m [4600 ft]
a b
Italian sparrow Passer hispaniolensis italiae Ticino a b
Tree sparrow Passer montanus all over Swizerland
below 1000 m [3300 ft]
f b

Crows, Choughs and Nutcrackers

Species Latin name Habitats Abun-
dance¹
Type²
Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius all over Swizerland
below 1600 m [5200 ft]
f b
Magpie Pica pica Mittelland, Engadin,
Rhône & Rhine valleys
f b
Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes Jura, pre-Alps & Alps f b,w
Yellow-billed or alpine chough Pyrrhocorax graculus Alps f b
Red-billed chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Valais r b
Eurasian jackdaw Corvus monedula Mittelland, Rhine valley r b,m,w
Rook Corvus frugilegus colonies at Lake Neuchâtel, Aare, Basel r b,w
Carrion crow Corvus corone corone all over Swizerland
below 1600 m [5200 ft]
a b,w
Hooded crow Corvus corone cornix Ticino f b,w
Common raven Corvus corax all over Swizerland
below 2600 m [8500 ft]
except for northeastern Mittelland and Geneva
r b

Environmental Threats to Birds

Many lake shores have been altered by human influence: wetlands and rush areas are much smaller today due to building homes,industrial plants, roads and railway lines. Some species are endangeredor even extinct due to scarcity of food or breeding-places.The most popular loser is the white stork, who disappeared fromSwitzerland in 1950, but has returned thanks to intense efforts.

Hydraulic engineering in the 19th century and the first half of the20th century aimed at reducing inundations, getting more arable landand using water power to produce electricity. Vast wetland areasalong rivers and brooks providing natural habitats for birds have beendestroyed. Since the 1970's this tendency has been stopped, somebrooks and rivers are given more space again (renaturalization projects).

Intensified livestock breeding (cows, pigs) producing large amounts ofdung and increased use of fertilizers in agriculture as well as washingwith industrial detergents in households have led to a tremendous increasein phosphate concentration in the 1950's and 1960's up to 500 mg/m³.In many lakes seaweed growth increased dramatically, depriving lowerwater layers of oxygene and changing life conditions for fish and waterbirds substantially.In most, but not all Swiss lakes the concentration of phosphates has been reduced again by consequent sewage treatment and strict regulationson dung usage below the critical value of 30 mg/m³ by the end ofthe 20th century.

While global climate change towards higher temperatures and less intenseagriculture due to rural exodus has allowed some species of birds to settlein higher alpine and prealpine regions not so overcrowded by humans(+ 10 species in the Alps and in Jura), up to 10 species have disappearedin the boomtown suburban areas.

Literature

  • H. Schmid, R. Luder, B. Naef-Daenzer, R. Graf & N. Zbinden: Schweizer Brutvogelatlas. Verbreitung der Brutvögel in der Schweiz und im Fürstentum Liechtenstein 1993-1996. Sempach: Schweizerische Vogelwarte, 1998
  • C.A.W. Guggisberg, Robert Hainard, Ernst Zimmerli: Unsere Vögel. Bern: Hallwag, 1977


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FAQs

What is the most common bird of prey in Switzerland? ›

The Buzzard is perhaps the most common bird of prey in Switzerland. Most often seen when it is circling overhead, it is easily told by its darker secondary feathers under the wings, often showing a very clear "thumb-patch" at their outer edge.

How many birds are in Switzerland? ›

The avifauna of Switzerland included a total of 439 species as of 2022 according to the Swiss Ornithological Institute (Schweizerische Vogelwarte) with supplemental additions from Avibase. 10 have been introduced by humans.

What's the national bird of Switzerland? ›

Turaco- This is the national bird of Switzerland. Turaco is a limited bird species, usually found in either Switzerland or southern Africa. It is easily distinguished by its primary feather pigments: purple, green, and blue.

How many breeds of birds are there in the world? ›

How many species of bird are in the world? Currently, there are 10,824 species of bird described in the world, depending on the source of information. However, this does not imply there are "ONLY" 10,824 species of bird. It means that scientists have either described or recognized "ONLY" 10,824 species of bird.

What is the most common animal in Switzerland? ›

The red deer is the country's most abundant ungulate or hoofed mammal. It is another creature that was blown out in the 19th century throughout swathes because of overhunting. However, as hunting declined and their natural predators left, deer have recovered vast nation parts.

What country has the most birds of prey? ›

China and Russia contain the most Raptors MoU species, although they are not yet signatories to the agreement. Raptor species that require forest are more likely to be threatened and declining than those that do not.

Which country has the most birds in the world? ›

Colombia

Where in the world has the most birds? ›

Not surprisingly, South America (often called the "Bird Continent") is the location of the country containing the most bird species: Colombia boasts 1,884 bird species, which is 16.9% of global total.

Where is the largest bird population in the world? ›

The Guinness world record for the largest number of species of birds is held by South America, often referred to as the “bird continent.” There are over 3,000 species of birds in South America, one-third of which lives in the Amazon rainforest.

What foods is Switzerland famous for? ›

Switzerland's national dishes
  • Cheese fondue. A cheese fondue – the name comes from fondre, the French for 'to melt' – can be made in lots of variations and with different cheese mixtures. ...
  • Rösti. Rösti is a kind of potato cake served as a main course or side dish. ...
  • Raclette. ...
  • Muesli.

What is Switzerland's national food? ›

Rosti. The Swiss answer to potato lakes or hash browns, rosti is the national dish of Switzerland. Thinly slices potatoes are fried in oil. The classic rosti is only potato, but you'll also find eggs, bacon, apple, and cheese mixed in.

What is the number 1 bird in the world? ›

Domestic chicken

What is the most common bird breed? ›

Parakeets (AKA Budgies or Budgerigars)

Parakeets are perhaps the most popular type of pet bird the world over. They are exceptionally affectionate and friendly companion birds when properly trained and cared for.

What is the most common bird in the world? ›

The house sparrow is the most widely distributed wild bird in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica.

What animals are only found in Switzerland? ›

Animals that are built to navigate rocky terrain, colder climates, and high altitudes can be seen across the mountainous country of Switzerland. Notably, the Alpine ibex, chamois, mountain hare, golden eagle, and Alpine marmot.

What is the most common meat in Switzerland? ›

Pork is the most popular meat

Pork remains the most popular meat variety in Switzerland, but pork consumption is decreasing. Pork comes from seven- to eight-month-old fattening pigs. More than 90% of the pork consumed in Switzerland is produced domestically.

Are there any wild bears in Switzerland? ›

Today, at least one brown bear is seen in Switzerland every year. Mostly in the southern cantons of Tessin and Grisons. As you would expect, being in the wild, mountainous Northern Italy border region. And, there is also the protected and very wild area in Eastern Switzerland where the Swiss National Park is located.

What is the strongest bird in the world? ›

1. Harpy Eagle. Harpy eagles can lift sloths and monkeys over 30 lbs each. The harpy eagle is by far one of the strongest birds on Earth.

Which country has the most beautiful birds in the world? ›

Papua New Guinea. There are some Bird-of-Paradise species that can only be found in Papua New Guinea, which makes the country one of the most special birdwatching destinations.

What is the most feared bird of prey? ›

#1 Great Horned Owl

This is one of the most dangerous birds because of its talons, curved sharp beak, and its aggressive way of hunting.

What region of US has most birds? ›

Targeting US States with the most bird species diversity

So, based off the species diversity map, the Texan Gulf Coast, California and Arizona are the top three hotspots with up to 250 species each. These states should be top of your destination priority if you want to make serious progress with your life list.

Which country has the least birds? ›

It's also worth noting that even in Antarctica where there's no human population, Birds such as penguins, petrels, and albatross can be found. Guam has the least birds due to the brown tree snake eating them all. Apparently Iceland has few trees compared to most countries and some islands in Scotland don't either.

What country has the most colorful birds? ›

According to the study, the most colorful birds live mostly in dense and humid forests in the Amazon, West Africa and Southeast Asia. A black-chinned mountain tanager (Anisognathus notabilis), a bird endemic to the high-altitude forests of Colombia and Ecuador.

What's the fastest flying bird? ›

But first, some background: The Peregrine Falcon is indisputably the fastest animal in the sky. It has been measured at speeds above 83.3 m/s (186 mph), but only when stooping, or diving.

How many birds are in the US? ›

There are 2,059 bird species in the continent of North America, according to data from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This number is also supported by the National Audubon Society.

Which bird is often called the men over? ›

The frigatebird is sometimes called the "man-o-war bird" because it harasses other birds until they regurgitate recently captured food, which the frigatebird snatches in midair. Learning how to chase other birds and steal meals takes practice.

What was the largest bird to coexist with humans? ›

Elephant birds probably stood nearly 10 feet (3 meters) tall and weighed over a thousand pounds (half a metric ton), according to BBC Earth.

What are two things Switzerland is known for? ›

Six things Switzerland is famous for
  • Heidi. The world is not short of classic orphan stories – Oliver Twist, Harry Potter and Mowgli all spring to mind – but Heidi tops them all. ...
  • Fondue. ...
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Watches. ...
  • Fasnacht. ...
  • Christmas markets.
Nov 6, 2020

Why is Switzerland the most loved country? ›

An exceptional quality of life. In terms of quality of life, Switzerland consistently ranks high in international rankings. For example, according to the United Nations Development Program's (UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI), which measures health, living standards and education, Switzerland ranks first.

What do Swiss eat for breakfast? ›

In Switzerland, breakfast typically includes bread, butter or margarine, marmalade or honey, maybe some cheese or cereals, plus milk, cold or hot chocolate, tea or coffee. Lunch may be as simple as a sandwich or a birchermüesli or it could be a complete meal.

What do they drink in Switzerland? ›

Beer is a popular alcoholic drink in Switzerland, both lager and dark beers are enjoyed. White wine is popular because it is traditionally served with fondue. Most of the wines produced in Switzerland tend to be white, however, there are other good varieties in the country.

What is the most popular meal in Switzerland? ›

Typical Swiss food
  • Cheese fondue. Melted cheese with bread cubes. ...
  • Raclette. Melted cheese served with "Gschwellti" (jacket potatoes), cocktail gherkins and onions as well as pickled fruit.
  • Älplermagronen. A kind of gratin with potatoes, macaroni, cheese, cream and onions. ...
  • Rösti. ...
  • Birchermüesli. ...
  • Swiss chocolate. ...
  • Swiss cheese.

Are people in Switzerland healthy? ›

Most reported being healthy

91% in Switzerland described their health as good, very good or excellent. On this measure Switzerland ranked first alongside New Zealand and Australia. At the same time 49% reported suffering from one or more chronic diseases. This percentage was higher than in 2016 (48%) and 2010 (44%).

Do you tip in Switzerland? ›

In Switzerland, the guest is not obliged to tip. In many restaurants, however, it is customary to pay a tip. This amounts to approximately 10 percent or it is rounded up to a round amount.

What vegetables do they eat in Switzerland? ›

Vegetables: celeriac, radishes, cauliflower, onions, cabbage, fennel, chillies, cucumbers, tomatoes, napa cabbage, courgette, Savoy cabbage, summer squash, spinach, leek, pumpkin, beans, potatoes, broccoli, aubergines, celery, sweet corn, carrots. Lettuces: rocket, iceberg.

What is the most beautiful bird in the world? ›

The three species of the peacock, Pavo cristatus, Pavo muticus, and Afropavo congensis inevitably make the list of the most beautiful birds in the world.

What bird has the best life? ›

Top Bird Lifespans
  • Laysan albatross: 65+ years and still living (the oldest living wild bird on record)
  • Arctic tern: 34 years, 0 months.
  • Brown pelican: 27 years, 10 months.
  • Great horned owl: 27 years, 7 months.
  • Mute swan: 26 years, 9 months.
  • Red-tailed hawk: 25 years, 9 months.
  • Great blue heron: 23 years, 3 months.
Dec 17, 2020

What is the most common bird in America? ›

American Robin

Found throughout North America, this familiar orange-breasted thrush may be the most abundant bird in the U.S. and Canada.

What bird lays the most eggs? ›

Some birds lay more eggs than others. Ostrich can lay over 50 eggs per nest, pictured here. Photo by Aditya Sridhar via Birdshare. Different species of birds lay different numbers of eggs per clutch, but pretty much all birds lay at most one egg per day.

What is the easiest bird to breed? ›

One of the all-time best birds to breed is the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), also known as the budgie or parakeet. These lovely little Australian birds have been the mainstay in the pet bird market for decades. They are an ideal bird for someone just starting out in bird ownership or bird breeding.

What is the rarest bird in the United States? ›

1. California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)

The California Condor isn't just the largest bird in North America, it's also the rarest. Although these Critically Endangered birds once roamed much of prehistoric North America, their population dwindled to a mere 22 birds in the 1980s.

What's the loudest bird? ›

The White Bellbird holds a Guinness Book of World Records entry as the loudest bird in the world. A member of the cotinga family, the White Bellbird shares its clan with cocks-of-the-rock, umbrellabirds, and philas.

Which bird is only found in the USA? ›

Endemic Birds Of The United States
Endemic Birds of the United StatesBinomial Scientific Name
Carolina ChickadeePoecile carolinensis
Red-Cockaded WoodpeckerLeuconotopicus borealis
Fish CrowCorvus ossifragus
Seaside SparrowAmmodramus maritimus
11 more rows

Which bird of prey lives in Swiss mountains? ›

In 1986, the vulture was reintroduced to Alpine territory. Despite a successful reintroduction, the Bearded Vulture is not yet out of danger. Indeed, the species is still threatened by human activity (high-voltage lines, mountain recreation). It is one of the rarest birds of prey in Europe.

What eagles live in Switzerland? ›

The Golden Eagle is the only large predator in Switzerland to have survived the days of ruthless persecution during which the Bearded Vulture, the lynx, the wolf and the brown bear were exterminated. Meanwhile, the population of the Golden Eagle has recovered and is now almost saturated in the Alps.

Are there eagles in Switzerland? ›

For a long time, it was prized prey for hunters. When it was eventually made a protected species throughout Switzerland in 1953, there were very few eagles left in the Swiss Alps. Their numbers have since recovered, and Switzerland is now home to approximately 320–350 eagle pairs.

What was the Viking bird of prey? ›

By far the bird most associated with the Vikings is the raven. Ravens were symbols of Odin, and imagery of their feasting on the bodies of the battle-slain are ubiquitous in Norse poetry.

What is the biggest bird of prey alive today? ›

The Andean condor is the largest living bird of prey.

What is a black bird with a yellow beak in Switzerland? ›

The Alpine chough (/ˈtʃʌf/) or yellow-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) is a bird in the crow family, one of only two species in the genus Pyrrhocorax.

What is the black bird with white beak Switzerland? ›

Although the coot is not particularly conspicuously coloured, the rail is very easy to identify. Both males and females have a completely black plumage and are not distinguishable from each other. The coot therefore does not show any sexual dimorphism. Beak and blaze (forehead shield) are white.

Are there large predators in Switzerland? ›

Fox is the largest predator of the Swiss National Park after the almost complete disappearance of wolf, lynx, and bear. They are well-adapted and are widely found in the region. Fox feeds on mice, ungulate carcasses, marmots and worms.

Are there any natural predators in Switzerland? ›

Due to the absence of other predators, such as the wolf, lynx, and bear, the fox serves as the main predator in much of Switzerland generally and Swiss National Park in particular. Much like marmots, foxes live and hunt in small family groups, eating most carcasses, small rodents, worms, and marmots.

Are there bears in Switzerland? ›

Today, at least one brown bear is seen in Switzerland every year. Mostly in the southern cantons of Tessin and Grisons. As you would expect, being in the wild, mountainous Northern Italy border region. And, there is also the protected and very wild area in Eastern Switzerland where the Swiss National Park is located.

Which country has the biggest eagles? ›

The giant Philippine eagle is the critically endangered Iconic Species of the Philippines & Sulu Sea Tropical Forests Bioregion (IM15).

Are wolves in Switzerland? ›

There are thought to be approximately 30-35 wolves in Switzerland, with a well-established pack in the Calanda region that has been producing pups each year.

What country has the most golden eagles? ›

Golden eagles are most common in the western half of North America, specifically Canada, the United States, and Northern Mexico.

Who is the Viking god of birds? ›

Odin sends Huginn and Muninn out at dawn, and the birds fly all over the world before returning at dinner-time. As a result, Odin is kept informed of many events. High adds that it is from this association that Odin is referred to as "raven-god".

What is Freya's bird? ›

Freyja is the owner of the necklace Brísingamen, rides a chariot pulled by two cats, is accompanied by the boar Hildisvíni, and possesses a cloak of falcon feathers.

What bird is a Valkyrie? ›

The Valkyries are most associated with birds, in particular black ravens. In Norse mythology, ravens would often accompany the Valkyries on the battlefields and when the Valkyries took away their chosen soldiers, the ravens would feast on the remaining bodies.

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