Raptors, or birds of prey, are prominent among these feathered symbols. Stylized raptors grace a number of symbols in the Middle East. War-like raptors find their opposite in the dove, a universal symbol of peace. Several species of doves have been adopted as national symbols, mostly in the Caribbean, with a couple more adopted by Wisconsin and the Japanese prefecture of Saitama. Birds boasting bright colors or spectacular plumage are common national symbols in the tropics, from Guatemala s quetzal to India s peacock to New Guinea s bird of paradise.
Parrots are common symbols in the Caribbean.
Game birds are prized as food items, while many tropical species are also brightly colored. Besides India s peacock, these include a number of pheasants adopted as symbols by nations in tropical Asia. Grouse, ptarmigan, quail and turkeys are symbols of some U.S. states, one Canadian province, and several Japanese prefectures. Large, long-legged birds are popular symbols. Cranes are important symbols in Japan and China as well as Africa and even Australia.