The bluebird is an iconic species of bird in Greece, and it is a symbol of hope and freedom. It is found in many areas of the country, from the mountainous forests of the north to the coastal wetlands of the south.
These birds are a source of great pride for the people of Greece, and their presence is a sign of a healthy and thriving ecosystem. Bluebirds have long been regarded as a source of joy and beauty, and they have been celebrated in mythology and art for centuries.
The bluebird in Greek mythology is an emblem of joy, love, and prosperity. Bluebirds are known to live in pairs and they are a symbol of fidelity and partnership.
They are also a reminder of the joys of life, and they can be seen fluttering around gardens, parks, and other green spaces throughout the country.
1. Songbirds
Songbirds are a type of bird that belongs to the suborder Passeri, which is part of the larger order of perching birds. The scientific name for songbirds is Oscines, which comes from the Latin word oscen, which literally means “songbird”.
This is a fitting name, as songbirds are well-known for their singing abilities and melodic calls. Songbirds come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be found in almost every type of habitat, from tropical rainforests to cold tundras.
Some popular songbirds include hummingbirds, larks, thrushes, and finches. They all have their own unique songs, which can be heard during the breeding season. Songbirds are important to many ecosystems.
They feed on insects, fruits, and other small animals, helping to keep insect and rodent populations in check. They also provide food for many predators, such as hawks, owls, and other raptors.
In addition, songbirds help to spread seeds, allowing for the growth of new plants and trees. Songbirds have been admired for centuries and many cultures have celebrated them in art, literature, and music.
To this day, humans are still enamored by the beauty and grace of these birds. So, the next time you hear a melodious song coming from the treetops, take a moment to appreciate the wonderful world of songbirds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Clade | Eupasseres |
2. Kingfisher
Kingfishers are a diverse family of birds, belonging to the scientific family Alcedinidae and the order Coraciiformes. They are generally small to medium-sized and are known for their bright colors, which help them stand out in their natural habitats.
These birds have a cosmopolitan distribution, meaning they have been found on every continent except Antarctica. The majority of species are located in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania, although some species can still be spotted in Europe.
Kingfishers are most commonly found near bodies of water, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. They feed mainly on fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and occasionally small mammals. They have sharp eyesight and can spot prey from a great distance away.
They are also known for their spectacular dives, which they use to catch their food. Kingfishers have adapted to many different types of habitats, from the tropical jungles of the Amazon to the cooler climates of Europe.
They are a very successful family of birds, with many species thriving in their natural habitats. They are a popular subject of scientific study, as their behavior and adaptations provide insight into the wider world of birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
3. Thrush
The thrushes are a type of passerine bird that can be found all over the world. The thrush family, also known as the Turdidae, used to be much larger than it is currently.
This is because biologists have reassigned some of the thrush family’s members to a different group called the Old World flycatchers. These members were previously in a subfamily called the Saxicolinae, and they included the European robins and the chats.
By moving these birds to the Old World flycatcher family, it has allowed for the thrush family to be better understood and studied.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
4. Eurasian Nuthatch
The Eurasian nuthatch, also known as the wood nuthatch, is a small passerine bird found in many parts of the Palearctic and in Europe. It is characterized by its short tail and long beak, and its coloration of blue-gray for its upperparts and black for its eye stripe.
This species of bird is very vocal and can be heard making repeated loud calls. This call is often described as a “dwip” sound. The Eurasian nuthatch is a common sight in western and central Europe, and can also be found in parts of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.
It is a very adaptable species and can be found in a variety of habitats, such as woodlands, pine forests, and parks. It has also been known to make its home near human settlements, particularly rural areas.
The Eurasian nuthatch is a ground feeder and mainly eats insects and other invertebrates, as well as some seeds. It is a common sight in Europe and can be found year-round in many places.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. europaea |
5. Common Wood Pigeon
The common wood pigeon is a recognizable species of dove and pigeon native to the western Palearctic region. It is one of the larger species in the family, with a stocky body and a wingspan of up to 35 inches.
The common wood pigeon is a member of the genus Columba, which includes a number of closely related species, such as the rock dove. The wood pigeon is an iconic bird of the British Isles and is found throughout northern and western Europe, as well as parts of Asia.
The wood pigeon is an important game bird, and its diet consists of grains, seeds, and various fruits. The species is also popular with birdwatchers, as it is relatively easy to spot in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. palumbus |
6. Emberiza
The buntings are a type of songbird that can be found in many parts of the Old World. They belong to the Emberizidae family, which is made up of 45 different species. These birds have short, cone-shaped bills, which they use to feed on different kinds of seeds.
They are known for their brightly-colored feathers, which come in shades of yellow, brown, black, and white. They are also known for their cheerful songs, which they use to attract mates and defend their territories.
Buntings can be found in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to wetlands, and they have even been spotted in urban areas. They are generally seen in small flocks, which helps them find food and stay safe from predators.
Buntings are important to their ecosystems, as they help disperse the seeds of plants, which helps them spread and grow.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Emberizidae |
| Genus | Emberiza |
7. European Roller
The European roller is a species of bird that is unique to Europe and is the only member of its family that breeds there. It is a widely distributed species, and can also be found in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Maghreb.
The European roller prefers habitats with trees, avoiding any terrain that is completely treeless. Its preferred nesting site is often a tree hole, which it uses to make itself a safe home.
The European roller is an important species in its range, as it helps to keep insect populations in check and is an important part of the food web. It is also an important species for local people, as it is often seen as a symbol of good luck when it is seen in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Coraciidae |
| Genus | Coracias |
| Species | C. garrulus |
8. Rook
The rook is a species of bird that belongs to the family Corvidae, which is part of the passerine order of birds. Rooks are found in the Palearctic region, which includes Scandinavia, Western Europe, and Eastern Siberia.
Rooks are generally large, social birds that are primarily black in color. They can be distinguished from other similar species by the presence of a white, featherless area on their face.
Rooks tend to live in large groups, and they are particularly known for their highly developed communication skills and complex social behaviors. They often make loud, repetitive calls, and they are known to use a wide range of vocalizations to communicate with one another.
Rooks also use their beaks to make strong, complex nests that are built high in trees and often house several generations of the species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. frugilegus |
Conclusion
The bluebird is a common sight in the Greek countryside. It is a symbol of joy and good luck, and its beautiful song is a reminder of the beauty of nature. Bluebirds can be seen in gardens, parks, and open fields, and their presence adds a special touch to the Greek landscape.
The bluebird is an important part of Greek culture, and its presence is an important reminder of the country’s natural beauty.