What is Finland’s national bird?
The national bird of Finland is the whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus). This majestic bird was chosen as the national bird in 1981, and since then it has been an important symbol in Finnish culture and nature. The choice of the whooper swan as the national bird was based on its beauty, impressive nature and significance in Finnish folklore.
Characteristics of the Whooper Swan
The whooper swan is a large and white water bird, known especially for its long neck and strong, trumpet-like voice. The length of an adult whooper swan is about 140-160 cm and the wingspan can be up to 2.4 meters. The bird usually weighs 7-14 kg. The whooper swan’s beak is yellow-black, which easily distinguishes it from other swan species.
Habitat and distribution
Mute swans nest mainly in Northern Europe and Asia. In Finland, they thrive especially in lakes, marshes and other areas near water bodies. Whooper swans are migratory birds and spend their winter in Western Europe, especially in the British Isles and the North Sea coast.
The significance of the whooper swan in Finnish culture
Lalujoutsen has deep roots in Finnish culture and folklore. It appears in many folk tales, poems and songs. The song swan often symbolizes purity, beauty and peace. The status of the national bird has strengthened its importance in Finnish identity and nature conservation.
Mute swan protection
The whooper swan was close to extinction in Finland at the beginning of the 20th century, but thanks to effective conservation measures, the population has recovered significantly. Today, the whooper swan is a protected species, and its hunting is prohibited. The protection of the whooper swan is an important part of Finland’s nature conservation policy, and preserving its habitats is a key goal.
Summary
The whooper swan is Finland’s national bird, and it is an important symbol in Finnish culture and nature. Its beauty, impressive nature and importance in folklore make it a valued and loved bird. The protection of whooper swans and the preservation of habitats are important goals so that this majestic bird can continue to live in Finnish nature.
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