The ''Unclean Hoopoe'' Named As Israel's National Bird

[DeSwiss]

Israel names biblically banned Hoopoe national bird

Thu May 29, 11:22 AM ET



JERUSALEM (Reuters) - It may not be kosher, but the Hoopoe was chosen Thursday as Israel's national bird.

The Hoopoe, or "Duchifat" in Hebrew, is listed in the Old Testament as unclean and forbidden food for Jews.

President Shimon Peres declared the pink, black and white-crested bird the winner of a competition timed to coincide with Israel's 60th anniversary. It beat out rivals such as the Yellow-vented Bulbul and the Palestine Sunbird.

The Book of Leviticus groups the Hoopoe with birds such as the eagle, vulture and pelican that are "abhorrent, not to be eaten."

Israel is a main crossroads for birds migrating between Europe and Africa. Some 155,000 Israelis cast ballots in the national bird vote.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080529/od_nm/israel_bird_odd_dc">LINK

- Hmmmm, that's funny. He doesn't even look Jewish.....
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DeSwiss


http://atheisttoolbox.com/">The Atheist Toolbox

[TomInTib]

1. Leviticus got it right about the pelican

Probably the only thing I have ever eaten that I would never eat again.

And I have eaten just about anything I have ever been presented with.

But that little Hoopoe is one strange-looking animal.

[uberllama42]

2. I have always thought that the whole institution of national symbols was gratuitous

Is the country really any better of with the Hoopoe having won this vote? I guess I just don't understand patriotism.

[greyl]

3. Try to look at it through the Hoopoe's eyes. nt