Ask the Internet this question and you quickly get stuck in the weeds of biodiversity, poultry and ubiquitous species. However, we want to know the most popular bird in Asia, in Australia, in Africa, et cetera… Why do we want to know this? Clickbait and beautiful pictures are very good reasons and come to think of it, that’s it. We want clicks and we want awe. So we asked SkyNet aka Artificial Intelligence.
Here are the most popular birds, listed in order of the continents’ sizes:
In Asia the Common Myna is a widely recognized species, especially in urban environments. The bird has been taken to other continents where the species has adapted well to cities and villages. It’s in at least one of your non-Asian tropical bird books.
The Red-billed Quelea is Africa’s most abundant wild bird. Due to its feeding habits, it is “often discussed in agriculture (crop damage) and wildlife contexts“. I just think it is super-cool to see massive flocks of these little birds. But then, I’m not growing millet.
Start your comments, dear American readers. The Mourning Dove is highly abundant and frequently mentioned on social media, but is it really a popular bird? It is delicious…
Less debate for the South American answer to the question. The Andean Condor is undoubtedly iconic, and a symbol of the Andes. The bird is culturally significant in its homerange, and (consequentially?) appropriated by Paul Simon. South Africans: you can hit that ‘like’ button now!
The Emperor Penguin is a great candidate for most popular bird of the world. It is frequently featured in documentaries and other media. Motivational posters are its favourite biotope further north from the breeding grounds in Antarctica.
The European Robin is – guess what – Europe’s favourite bird. It is the one and only Robin.
Wearing out an already worn-out cliché, the Laughing Kookaburra is the popular bird “down under”. The species is iconic, widely known for its call and appearance. It has also featured in various Tarzan movies and other biologically challenged motion pictures.
Birds chosen for this article have been based on mentions in popular publications and social media. All pictures from Wikimedia Commons, credits can be checked by clicking the photographer’s name. The House Sparrow has been photographed by our very own Kai Pflug.
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