1. Flag of St. Helena, United Kingdom
St. Helena is one of the most remote islands in the world, located in the South Atlantic ocean and accessible only by boat. The crest found on the island's flag includes a depiction of the St. Helena Plover, considered Critically Endangered with an estimated population of 200-250. This wading bird is endemic to the island, meaning it is not found anywhere else. It is 1 of 400 endemic species of animals and plants that call St. Helena home.
Fun fact: the St. Helena Plover, like many waders, will feign injury in order to draw predators away from their nests.
2. Flag of Dominica
The Imperial Amazon or Sisserou Parrot is an Endangered species that is endemic to the Caribbean island of Dominica. Only 250-350 individuals remain. As is the case with many endangered birds, its population has been affected by human encroachment, deforestation and illegal trade. In this case, the decline in numbers has also resulted from hurricanes.
Fun fact: Imperial Amazons mate for life, many remaining faithful even after their mate has died.
3. Flag of Uganda
In the centre of Uganda's flag is the Grey Crowned Crane, the country's national bird. It has an estimated population of 30,000-50,000. This is considerably higher than the the last two birds on this list, but the species is classified as Endangered because of its rapid decline in numbers, its population dropping from 100,000 in the last 30 years.
Fun fact: the Grey Crowned Crane is one of only two crane species in the world whose toes are suited for roosting in trees.
4. Flag of Taymyr, Russia
Taymyr is a region in the far north of Russia and is the primary breeding area for the Red-breasted Goose, also known as the Siberian Goose. Because this goose has only few wintering locations and its food supply at these locations has been threatened by human activity, its numbers are declining and the species is considered Endangered.
Fun fact: Red-breasted Geese often build their nests close to the nests of falcons and owls, using these birds of prey as protection from would-be predators.
5. Flag of Ciskei, South Africa
The Blue Crane, also known as the Paradise Crane and Stanley Crane, is the national bird of South Africa, where 99% of its population lives. The current population is estimated to be 20,000 and the species is listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and poisoning from agricultural land (usually deliberate to prevent the birds from destroying crops).
Fun fact: Blue Cranes have long black feathers at the ends of their wings that look like tail feathers when their wings are folded. Their actual tail feathers are much shorter.
