The national bird of Brazil is the Sabiá-Laranjeira (Turdus rufiventris), a species of thrush also known in English as the Rufous-bellied Thrush. This melodious songbird was officially designated as the national bird in 2002. The selection recognized the bird’s widespread presence and its deep-rooted cultural significance across the country.
The Sabiá-Laranjeira: Appearance and Natural Environment
The Sabiá-Laranjeira is a medium-sized passerine, typically measuring about 25 centimeters (10 inches) in length. Its upper parts, including its head and back, are a modest olive-brown or grayish-brown color. The bird’s common name, Sabiá-Laranjeira, which translates to “orange thrush,” comes from its most distinctive feature.
The underparts of the bird display a contrasting, bright reddish-orange or rufous color, which is most prominent on its belly. It has a pale throat that is finely streaked with brown and a bill that is dull yellow with a dark tip. This species shows little sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look nearly identical in plumage.
One of the bird’s defining characteristics is its melodic song, often described as a rich, flute-like carolling. This vocalization is typically heard in the early morning before dawn or late in the afternoon. The male uses this loud, lilting series of varied phrases to attract a mate and maintain its territory.
The Sabiá-Laranjeira is one of the most widely distributed birds in Brazil, found across the east and southeast, from Maranhão down to Rio Grande do Sul. Its broad range reflects its high adaptability, thriving in diverse environments. It occupies forests, woodlands, orchards, and agricultural areas, but it is equally common in urban parks, gardens, and city centers.
Symbolism in Brazilian Culture
The Sabiá-Laranjeira holds a special place in the national imagination. It was chosen as a national symbol not for its rarity or spectacular plumage, but because it is a familiar presence to both rural and urban populations. This commonality allows it to act as a deeply unifying and recognizable symbol of Brazilian ornithological fauna.
Its influence is particularly strong in Brazilian literature and poetry, where its song is often used to evoke powerful human emotions. Famous poets, such as Carlos Drummond de Andrade, have immortalized the thrush in their works. The bird’s voice is frequently linked to the Brazilian concept of saudade, a profound feeling of melancholic longing or nostalgia.
The Sabiá-Laranjeira is also culturally associated with the arrival of the spring and rainy seasons. Its most persistent and complex singing occurs during the breeding period, which aligns with the beginning of spring in the Southern Hemisphere, running from approximately August to December. This connection solidifies its role as a harbinger of renewal and life. The bird’s designation ensures that its ecological importance and cultural narrative are recognized and protected as part of the country’s natural heritage.