We value birds in many ways: culturally, artistically, philosophically and economically. Throughout history, many of our most enduring cultural symbols have been birds, from Horus the Egyptian god of creation, often depicted as a falcon, to Quetzalcoatl, based on the Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno, who dominated the traditions and beliefs of the Maya and Aztec Indians of Central America. Birds feature strongly in the world’s painting, poetry and music. Italian painters of the Renaissance used the European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis as a religious symbol, while in music, numerous composers and songwriters have drawn inspiration from birdsong. Birds have played a key role in many important scientific developments; for instance, Darwin’s studies of finches in the Galápagos proved instrumental in shaping his thoughts on evolution through natural
selection.