National Bird of Afghanistan

National Bird of Afghanistan

The national bird of Afganistan is the Golden eagle. These birds are found throughout the northern hemisphere. They prefer to live in mountainous areas and canyons. Afghanistan’s national bird, the Golden eagle was chosen as the because of its long life, great strength, and majestic looks, and also because it was then believed to exist only on this continent. The royal and majestic bird is considered as the national bird of Afghanistan.

While you’ve got the answer to the question: “What is the national bird of Afganistan?” definitely you’ve more questions about golden Eagle. Before answering those common questions, we’ll represent about some basic facts of the Golden eagle.

Facts about Afghanistan’s national bird

  • Common Name: Golden eagle
  • Scientific name: Aquila chrysaetos
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves
  • Diet: Carnivores
  • Found in: Mexico, western North America, Alaska, Asia, northern Africa, and Europe.
  • Habitat: Live and nest near coastlines, rivers, lakes, wet prairies, and coastal pinelands
  • Average Length: 70 – 84 cm;
  • Average Weight: male 3.5-4 kg; female 4.5-5 kg
  • Average Lifespan: 20 years (In the wild)
  • Average Speed: 20-40 mph in normal flight and can dive at speeds over 100 mph.

The golden eagle is North America’s largest bird of prey. Also found in Mexico, some part of western North America, Alaska, Asia, northern Africa, and Europe. It can grow to a length of 3 feet, with a wingspan of 6 to 7 feet. Its plumage is dark brown with flecks of gold coloring around the head and neck. The golden eagle has brown eyes, a yellow beak, and talons that grow to 3 inches. Golden eagles’ legs are feathered down to their talons. They typically live between 15 to 20 years but have been known to live as long as 30 years.

Like all raptors, golden eagles are carnivores and formidable hunters. They are large and powerful enough to take down an adult deer, but they typically feast on rodents, rabbits, reptiles, birds, fish and occasionally carrion or stolen prey from other birds. Their superb eyesight allows them to easily track down unwary prey. They can swoop down on their quarry at speeds up to 150 miles per hour, and the striking force of their powerful talons have been compared to the force of a bullet.

A brief history of the national symbol of Afghanistan relates that it has been changed for about thirteen times since 1900’s to the date. The first emblem of Afghanistan showed a gate in the center of four flags. This emblem was the part of the flag of Afghanistan from 1900-1919. After this, they were changed with time to time by expressing different signs and became a part of the national flag of Afghanistan.  During 1974-1978, in this era of about four years, an eagle was a portrait of the national emblem of Afghanistan with few words in Pushto (Afghan National Language) was written at the bottom with a prominent word of “AFGHANISTAN”. From this emblem, it was considered that the Golden Eagle took the position of national bird symbol of Afghanistan.

References:

  1. Facts about Golden eagle” – nationalpedia.org
  2. Facts about Golden eagle”-  interesting-animal-facts.com
  3. Details about Golden eagle” – nationalgeographic.com
  4. Details about Golden eagle” – animals.mom

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