This Is The Most Important Thing You'll Vote For This Year. Well...
Ryan Barrell— The Huffington Post UK
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The majestic red-breasted Robin was voted the UK's favourite in the 1960s, but now a famous ornithologist is asking the British public to elect an official national bird.
The European Robin has long been considered a representation of the nation, but has never officially been named our national bird. Potential usurpers to the it's legacy in the upcoming vote include the Mute Swan, the Red Kite and the Puffin.
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Wren(02 of10)
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Blue Tit(03 of10)
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Puffin(04 of10)
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Kingfisher(05 of10)
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Red Kite(06 of10)
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Barn Owl(07 of10)
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Blackbird(08 of10)
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Hen Harrier(09 of10)
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Robin(10 of10)
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Leading ornithologist David Lindo, aka The Urban Birder, is spearheading the push for a new national bird after the Robin's half-century reign.
The 10 birds on the shortlist were chosen from a group of 60 original contenders last year. If voters choose the Mute Swan, we would share the same national bird as Denmark. Likewise, the common Blackbird is also Sweden's official feathered friend.
"I feel embarrassed as someone who lives in the United Kingdom that we don’t have a national bird," Lindo said.
"The US has had one since 1776, while places like Sweden, Latvia, Bhutan, Jamaica, Mexico all have one and we haven’t. We’re supposed to be the national leaders when it comes to being animal lovers. It’s high time we put our money where our mouths are."
One of the bird's on Lindo's list is the Hen Harrier, which preys on grouse. They are often illegally trapped or killed to maximise grouse population for hunting, meaning they face extinction in the UK.
"It would be fantastic if the hen harrier did become the national bird because it would increase its chances of survival," he said.
"It could put more pressure on people to do something, since the campaign against illegally hunting it seems to have had little effect."
Lindo predicts a win for the Robin, but at this stage it could be anyone's race.