National Birds(国鸟)

　　Many countries have adopted birds that are native to the country or which migrate[1] through the region. Often they are chosen for their beauty, rarity, or some other special feature. Some birds have been incorporated onto national flags or emblems.

　　许多国家采用本国土生土长的鸟类或在国内迁徙的候鸟为标记。它们往往是因形象美、稀有或其他特点而入选。有些鸟还被作为国旗或国徽的组成部分。

Australia (澳大利亚)

　　The black swan of Australia is revered as it is one of the only three swan species in the Southern Hemisphere. It all black with white wing feathers and a red beak.

　　澳大利亚的黑天鹅受到人们的尊崇，因为它是南半球仅有的三种天鹅中的一种，它黑身，白翅，且有红喙。

Papua New Cuinea (巴布亚新几内亚)

　　The flag of this country carries the silhouette[2] of a bird of paradise, which is native to New Guinea. These birds are famed for their dazzling plumage and courtship displays.

　　巴布亚新几内亚的国旗上载有该国本土生长的极乐鸟的侧影。极乐鸟因华丽耀眼的羽毛和求偶时的殷勤而闻名。

The United States（美利坚合众国）

　　The bald eagle was adopted as the national emblem of the United States in 1782. It was chosen because it is such a powerful, noble-looking bird.

　　美国的白头鹰因其体魄强健、长相高贵，于1782年被选为国家的象征。

Uganda(乌干达)

　　The national flag of Uganda in East Africa shows an African balearic crane, also known as a crowned crane. They are residents of this region and are held in special regard because of their striking appearance and amazing dance. 东非乌干达的国旗上有只非洲巴里阿利鹤，或称王冠鹤。它们在当地土生土长，由于形象出众，舞姿奇妙，而受到人们的特别喜爱和保护。

Egypt (埃及)

　　Egypt's national flag shows a bird of prey, which symbolizes strength. Kestrels[3] were held sacred in Ancient Egypt, and were often mummified.

　　埃及国旗上有一只食肉猛禽，它象征着力量。在古埃，茶隼被视为神物，常被制成木乃伊。

注释：

1． Migrate：移动、迁徙。这个词与鸟类迁徙和移民有关。相关的词还有emigrate（迁出）和immigrate（迁入）。比如对于中国人，移民加拿大就是emigrate to Canada，但对于加拿大来说就是immigrate from China to Canada。

2． Silhouette：侧面像、轮廓（也常用profile这个词）。短语in silhouette是“显出黑暗的轮廓”的意思。

3． Kestrels：茶隼（发sun的音）。一种小型的隼。有较长的翼，嘴短而宽，上嘴弯曲并有齿状凸起。它们飞得很快，通常会突然从空中冲向猎物处猎取食物。