Mascots represented by the national birds of three World Cup countries. The upcoming FIFA World Cup will be held on a grand scale, featuring 48 nations and 104 matches. Among these 48 participating countries, France uniquely has a domesticated bird as its national symbol—the Gallic rooster. Australia’s national bird is the Emu, and New Zealand’s is the Kiwi, both flightless birds. Paraguay’s Bellbird is known as the bird with the loudest call in the world. Every four years around June and July, the entire world gets immersed in the football frenzy. The most widely watched sporting event returns once again, now on an even larger scale with 48 nations competing across 104 matches.
The World Cup atmosphere feels almost like a festival, with everyone supporting their teams and hoping for victory. Personally, I have been an England supporter for many years, always wishing for their win, though the chances are always unpredictable. While awaiting the tournament and reviewing the match schedules, an unusual curiosity arose in my mind: what are the national birds of all these many countries? Since I spend my life around birds, my mind naturally gravitates towards them, regardless of the situation. Exploring that curiosity uncovered many fascinating facts. Some national birds of these countries are fascinating and, in some cases, are even endangered.
Today, let us explore this unique aspect of the World Cup. Starting with one of the most distinctive national birds that may be known to all World Cup viewers—the Gallic rooster of France. This rooster symbolizes French national pride and bravery. The scientific name of the rooster is Gallus domesticus, where Gallus refers both to the rooster and to the inhabitants of the ancient Gaul region of France. The Romans originally called the inhabitants of Gaul by this name, which they later embraced. Among the 48 nations playing in this World Cup, France is the only country whose national bird is a domesticated species.
