or like to compare themselves to, migrating birds.
This metaphor is especially common among
ex-Yugoslavians. It has often been used in literature,
political speeches, pop culture and the media.
Bogomir Doringer approached the Natural History Museum in Vienna with an unusual request: to select birds whose narrative and history could be compared to “Gastarbeiters'” past. The museum's experts suggested an initial selection for the showcase at the exhibition,
but also introduced some unexpected comparisons.
The term "invasive species" came across as important and was not to be ignored. An invasive species4# is a plant, fungus, or animal species that is not native to a specific location (an introduced species), and which has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy or human health. We have also added birds to the vitrine that never go home, who stay in the new territory and become part of its ecosystem. Sometimes they stay because the quality of life is better, or because their original habitat has changed and no longer provides them with the necessary quality of life.
Streptopelia decaocto, the Eurasian Collared Dove might be the most interesting example. This bird came from Asia via the Balkans and laid its first egg in Austria in 1940. It is considered one of the most beautiful doves today, a real Viennese bird.
Streptopelia Decaocto, the Eurasian Collared Dove might be the most interesting example. This bird came from Asia via the Balkans and laid its first egg in Austria in 1940. It is considered one of the most beautiful doves today, a real Viennese bird.
The Eurasian golden oriole breeds throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It migrates to parts of central Africa for winter, travelling as far south as Kenya and Tanzania. During the breeding season, the Eurasian golden oriole inhabits forest and large parks.
The cuckoo is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nest of other species and will provide no parental care of its young. The cuckoo arrives in Europe during the second part of April from Africa south of the Sahara, and leaves in August.
The European Starling is a bird of lowlands, found mainly on non-mountainous terrain. Dispersed mainly over its natural region throughout Europe. Starlings were introduced to North America in 1890. Because of their wide range of ecological tolerance, these birds were able to rapidly expand their range across the United States.
The Song Thrush is widespread throughout Europe reaching east to Siberia. Populations in the north of the range are migratory; the wintering areas extend down into North Africa, whereas in central Europe, populations tend to be resident throughout the year. Found in parks, small woodlands, and gardens.
The species is sedentary on Atlantic islands and in some areas in south-western maritime countries but is otherwise strongly migratory. The spring migration starts at the end of February (the timing of this movement being closely related to temperature). The species is typically solitary and usually migrates singly or in groups of 5-6.
Eurasian Jay/ Eichelhäher / Garrulus glandarius. A member of the widespread jay group, it inhabits mixed woodland, particularly with oaks, and is an habitual acorn hoarder. In recent years, the bird has begun to migrate into urban areas, possibly as a result of continued erosion of its woodland habitat.
The species breeds from Europe, Turkey and northwest Iran through western Russia and Kazakhstan to southern and eastern Siberia, Mongolia and northern China. It winters from western Europe, the east Atlantic islands and North Africa through the Mediterranean, Middle East and Iran across northern India to south-east China, the Korean peninsula and southern Japan.
Eurasian Blue Tits, usually resident and non-migratory birds, are widespread and a common resident breeder throughout temperate and subarctic Europe and western Asia. Eurasian blue tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall, or stump, or an artificial nest box.
Pied wagtails A member of the widespread jay group, it inhabits mixed woodland, particularly with oaks, and is an habitual acorn hoarder. In recent years, the bird has begun to migrate into urban areas, possibly as a result of continued erosion of its woodland habitat.
Widely distributed throughout much of Europe, reaching as far east as central Siberia, as well as parts of North Africa and Turkey typically requires the presence of both dense vegetation and open areas. The robin breeds in woodlands, gardens, forest edges, parks and even city centres. The robin is one of the few birds which can be heard singing during the winter.
The blackcap has a widespread distribution, breeding across Europe, Asia and North Africa. It also occurs on islands in the Atlantic Ocean. This species is a partial migrant, with birds from the north and east of the range generally moving southwards to spend the winter in western and southern Europe and in Africa. In contrast, those on the Atlantic and Mediterranean islands usually remain in the breeding areas year-round.