ALL ABOUTSWITZERLAND | SWISS BIRDLIFE | ||||||
News Weather Webcams Name/Abbr. | Facts Government Cantons History | Geography Mountains Nature Cities | Languages Religions People Sports | Economy Workplace Education Science | Tourist Info Travelguide Destinations Transport | Architecture Monuments Glaciers Hiking | Arts Music Literature Photos |
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 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 |
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
Short quotations allowed but with precise declaration of origin (Link).
Reproduction of substantial parts and pictures in printed or electronic form only with explicit written consent by the editor.
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | www.all-about-switzerland.info © 2005-2010 All Rights Reserved | Editor |
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? ›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? ›- 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? ›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.
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.
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.
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? ›- 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.
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? ›- 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.
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%).
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? ›- 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.
American Robin
Found throughout North America, this familiar orange-breasted thrush may be the most abundant bird in the U.S. and Canada.
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.
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 | Binomial Scientific Name |
---|---|
Carolina Chickadee | Poecile carolinensis |
Red-Cockaded Woodpecker | Leuconotopicus borealis |
Fish Crow | Corvus ossifragus |
Seaside Sparrow | Ammodramus maritimus |
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.