As part of the 60 years of independence events it has been decided to select a national bird. The national bird will chosen with the participation of citizens, soldiers, pupils, students, academics and nature patrollers. Throughout the project, the nominated birds will be presented via different media channels, such as the internet, newspapers and on TV.

Many countries in the world have a bird that is regarded as the national bird, representing the particular nation, its values, character and population. In the USA for example, each state has a bird which represents it, on stamps, coins, credit and phone cards etc. The USA is represented by the bald eagle (mistakenly referred to as the American eagle). Japan chose the Crane as its national bird.

This issue has educational, environmental, symbolic and ideological significance, particularly among pupils. The selection of Israel's national bird will promote and intensify the awareness and knowledge of the country's citizens with the bird life in Israel and abroad.

The project is driven by the Society for Protection of Nature in Israel, the Israeli Ornithological Center, the International Center for the Study of Bird Migration, Latron, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Education.  

The ten final nominees are:

1. Bulbul Yellow-vented
2. Lesser Kestrel
3. Hoopoe
4. European Goldfinch
5. Griffin Vulture
6. Spur-winged Plover
7. Graceful Warbler
8. Palestine Sunbird
9. White-breasted Kingfisher
10. White-breasted Kingfisher
11. Barn owl

Voting started in the education system on 5.3.08 in a model election event at Blich high school in Ramat Gan, as practiced in "real" political elections. The polls will be open in the education system during the "Sending love to the environment week" between March 30^th and April 4^th 2008.

Enter the Ministry of Education site for additional information:

http://noar.education.gov.il/

http://meyda.education.gov.il/