what is the national bird of barbados

The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) or Jawurrachi in the Wiyot language, is a charismatic and recognizable seabird in Humboldt county. Brown pelicans often dwarf their seabird neighbors, but are actually the smallest species of pelican on Earth. These birds like to stick close to the shoreline and dont stray more than 20 miles away from land. Brown pelicans can spot fish in the water from 60-70ft overhead, and will use their characteristic long beak and throat pouch to dive in and scoop up prey. Brown pelicans are beloved by people in coastal regions all over their range. They are the state bird of Louisiana, and are the national bird of Barbados, Turks and Caicos, and other Caribbean islands.

Photos: Tom Benson and Mick Thompson on Flickr Sources: Wikipedia Brown Pelican

List of symbols edit

The mythological sea god Neptune is depicted by the trident at the center of the flag. The current coat of arms replaced the previous colonial seal, which contained the trident in its original, intact form. The left and right shafts of the trident, which were used in the national flag, were then created to resemble broken waves, signifying Barbados’s breakaway from its constitutional and historical ties as a former colony.

In Barbados, the three trident points stand for the three tenets of democracy: “government of, for, and by the people.” The broken trident is positioned within a vertical gold band that is vertical in the middle, symbolizing the beaches of Barbados. Barbados’ sea and sky are symbolized by vertical bands of ultramarine (blue) on either side of the gold band.

The design for the flag was created by Grantley W. Prescod and was selected following a public competition held by the government of Barbados. Over a thousand entries were received. [3].

In Humboldt County, the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), also known as the Jawurrachi in the Wiyot language, is a striking and well-known seabird. Although brown pelicans are the smallest species of pelican on Earth, they frequently dwarf their seabird neighbors. These birds prefer to stay near the coast and rarely venture farther than 20 miles from it. Brown pelicans have a distinctive long beak and throat pouch that they use to dive in and scoop up prey. They can see fish in the water up to 60 to 70 feet overhead. People all throughout their range who live in coastal regions adore brown pelicans. They are the national bird of Barbados, Turks and Caicos, and other Caribbean islands, as well as the state bird of Louisiana.

Photos: Tom Benson and Mick Thompson on Flickr Sources: Wikipedia Brown Pelican

Golden Shield edit

Two “Pride of Barbados” flowers (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and the “bearded” fig tree, which was prevalent on the island during the British colonization and may have contributed to Barbados’ naming, are depicted in the Golden Shield of the coat of arms.

FAQ

Does Barbados have a national bird?

Brown pelicans are beloved by people in coastal regions all over their range. They are the state bird of Louisiana, and are the national bird of Barbados, Turks and Caicos, and other Caribbean islands.

What is the animal symbol of Barbados?

Heraldry. The coat of arms depicts two animals which are supporting the shield. On the left is a “dolphin” which is symbolic of the fishing industry. On the right is a pelican which is symbolic of a small island named Pelican Island that once existed off the coast of Bridgetown.

What is Barbados National Flower?

The National Flower of Barbados is the Pride of Barbados (Dwarf Poinciana or Flower Fence). References to this flower were recorded as early as 1657. It is a shrub and is often pruned into a low hedge.

What is the national tree of Barbados?

The Golden Shield of the Arms carries two Pride of Barbados flowers (the National Flower) and the Bearded Fig Tree (Ficus Citrifolia) which was common on the island at the time of its settlement.