Many countries have adopted birds that are native to the country or which migrate 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鸟类为标记。它们往往是因形象美、稀有或其他特殊特点而入选。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's 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 Guinea (巴布亚新几内亚)

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

　　巴布亚新几内亚的国旗上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而闻名。

　　The United States(美国)

　　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，而受到人们的特别关心。

　　Egypt (埃及)

　　Egypt's national flag shows a bird of prey, which symbolizes strength. Kestrels 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。

　　(文/崔茸茸；英语辅导报新目标八年级版04—05学年度第23期；版权归英语辅导报社所有，独家网络合作伙伴新浪教育，未经许可，不得以任何形式进行转载。)