{"id":4130,"date":"2025-02-15T11:53:40","date_gmt":"2025-02-15T11:53:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parquediscovery.pt\/de\/?p=4130"},"modified":"2025-05-20T14:23:17","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T13:23:17","slug":"unclean-birds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parquediscovery.pt\/en\/unclean-birds","title":{"rendered":"Unclean Birds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the lists of birds that were not to be eaten (Lev 11:13-19; Deut 14:11-18), the phrase “according to its kind” appears four times. This can be understood either as “all kinds of” \u2013 in which case the names are more like collective terms, similar to modern ornithological family classifications<\/em> \u2013 or as “of the kind of” \u2013 in which case specific species are mentioned as representative examples of all similar birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gulls<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hebrew word shachaf<\/em> (\u201cthe slender one\u201d) is most likely a collective term for gulls (Larinae<\/em>). The Greek laros<\/em> in the Septuagint (LXX) clearly refers to them (Lev 11:16; Deut 14:15). The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis<\/em>) is native to all Israeli coasts and also found around the Sea of Galilee. Other species prefer even warmer areas and are found around the Red Sea and further south, for example, the Slender-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus genei<\/em>), Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus<\/em>), and White-eyed Gull (Ichthyaetus leucophthalmus<\/em>). The Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus<\/em>), which is widespread in Germany and well-known to North Sea vacationers, winters in Israel, as do the Little Gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus<\/em>), Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus<\/em>), and Common Gull (Larus canus<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Although Israel has 315 kilometers of coastline and several good natural harbors, Jewish nautical ventures were mostly joint operations with the more experienced Phoenicians. Nonetheless, seabirds like the Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis<\/em>) were certainly known to them.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cormorants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The word shalak<\/em> means “to cast down” and refers \u2013 like the Greek katarrakt\u0113s<\/em>, \u201cthe one that plunges down\u201d \u2013 to the hunting method of the Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo<\/em>). This swift swimmer dives headfirst into water, catching fish with its rough, hooked bill \u2013 once it grips, there\u2019s no escape. The term “Sturzpelikan\u201d (plunging pelican) is barely used outside the Elberfelder translation but captures the meaning well (Lev 11:17; Deut 14:17). In Israel, the cormorant is now only a migratory visitor or winter guest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With a curious little hop, the cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo<\/em>) begins its underwater hunt. Once submerged, nearby fish have little to laugh about \u2013 lightning-fast and accurate, it strikes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ibises<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s unclear which bird yanshuf<\/em> refers to (Lev 11:17; Deut 14:16; Isa 34:11). The Greek ibis<\/em> in the LXX suggests some species of ibises (Threskiornithidae). The Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus<\/em>) is the best known. It used to be found in Egypt and possibly Israel but today lives only south of the Sahara. It needs access to water and is not typically a ruin-dweller (as Isa 34:11 describes). Also in the ibis family is the Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita<\/em>), rare in Israel but native to the wider Middle East and comfortable in ruins. It is known by many names: Crested Ibis, Mane Ibis, Hermit Ibis, Stone Ibis, Monk Raven, or Forest Hoopoe \u2013 making it a strong candidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Something about the Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita<\/em>) seems off; it looks like it’s wearing a mask. Scholars thought it was a mythical creature for centuries.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Swamphens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hebrew tanshemet<\/em> is rendered porphyrion<\/em> in the LXX, referring to the Purple or African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis<\/em>) (Lev 11:18; Deut 14:16). The name derives from the verb nasham<\/em>, meaning \u201cto snort\u201d (cf. Isa 42:14), matching the bird\u2019s long, nasal trumpet calls that can make quite a racket at night. It is now rare in Israel but was once widespread. Oddly, the word appears again in Leviticus 11:30, clearly referring to a different creature. There, the LXX translates it as chamaileon<\/em>. Chameleons do emit a soft hissing sound when annoyed, but whether this justifies calling them \u201csnorters\u201d remains unclear. Additionally, the Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus<\/em>) and Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra<\/em>) are frequently seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio<\/em>) is known for its brilliantly iridescent plumage and nighttime trumpet concerts. You\u2019d expect webbed feet in marsh birds, but these walk more than swim, fishing everything usable from the mud with their agile clawed toes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Herons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The anafa<\/em> is rendered herodios<\/em> in the LXX (Lev 11:19; Deut 14:18). This Greek term today refers to the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea<\/em>) or the Great Egret (Ardea alba<\/em>). However, neither breeds in Israel. The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis<\/em>) and Little Egret (Egretta garzetta<\/em>) are truly native. All three share heron traits: slender bodies, long necks and legs, and pointed bills. They wade in shallow water, spearing fish, amphibians, and reptiles to swallow whole. Since the food law mentions \u201call kinds,\u201d it likely includes all three \u2013 possibly even the Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax<\/em>), which resembles a smaller version of its more elegant relatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Few birds are as adaptable as the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis<\/em>), found on every continent except Antarctica. It thrives in open areas \u2013 marshes, pastures, or savannas alike \u2013 and is often seen riding on the backs of cows, horses, camels, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and virtually any grazing animal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hoopoes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hebrew dukhifat<\/em> clearly refers to the Hoopoe (Upupa epops<\/em>). The Greek epops<\/em> in the LXX (Lev 11:19; Deut 14:18) is also part of its Latin species name. The name often imitates its call, recognizable in various languages: English “hoopoe,” French “Huppe,” Dutch “Hop,” Portuguese “Poupa,” and even Arabic “hudhud” with a bit of imagination. It\u2019s surprising how well-known this bird is, despite few people having seen one in the wild. Its elegant head with a distinctive feather crest and long, curved bill is unmistakable. It has long been a resident of the Levant and was chosen as Israel\u2019s national bird on the 40th anniversary of statehood!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Hoopoe (Upupa epops<\/em>) looks like a proud Native American chief with its raised feather crown. It makes a stunning picture \u2013 if only it didn\u2019t smell so bad!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, its reputation is mixed. It looks beautiful but emits a breathtaking stench. Regional names like \u201cdung bird\u201d (Palatinate), \u201cpoop rooster\u201d (Switzerland), \u201cstink rooster\u201d (Alsace), \u201cmanure cock\u201d (Brandenburg), and \u201cstink-sticker\u201d (Tyrol) suggest no one liked its smell. It was long believed this came from its messy nests, but later studies showed its preen gland secretes a foul-smelling substance with antibacterial properties, protecting it from infection and deterring predators. Everything around it takes on this odor, and it defends itself by hurling nesting material at intruders. That\u2019s why most zoos avoid displaying it \u2013 but in Germany, it can be admired in the zoos of Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Augsburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is frequent ridicule that the atalleph<\/em> (\u201cbat\u201d) is supposedly listed as a \u201cbird\u201d in the Bible. But note: it appears at the very end of the list of \u2018of\u2019<\/em> (\u201cflyers\u201d): \u201c\u2026and the bat\u201d (Lev 11:19; Deut 14:18). In the context of dietary law, this order makes sense. It\u2019s na\u00efve to expect modern taxonomy in the Bible and conclude that the ancients couldn\u2019t tell the difference. It\u2019s safe to assume they knew bats lack feathers, beaks, nests, and eggs. But since they share flight as their main feature, they\u2019re not more out of place among flying creatures than ostriches, who can\u2019t fly but share all other bird traits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even today, not everything is argued taxonomically. A perfect example: New Zealanders voted the long-tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus<\/em>) their \u201cBird of the Year 2021\u201d \u2013 not by mistake. The name may derive from ataf<\/em> (\u201cto wrap, envelop\u201d), as bats hang from ceilings wrapped in their wings. Today, Israel is home to 31 bat species, 30 of which are insectivores. They play a key role in pest control and are protected by conservation laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A bat is no more a bird than a whale is a fish. In simplified groupings, both often end up where biologists wouldn\u2019t put them. The Greater Mouse-eared Bat (Myotis myotis<\/em>) is among the species native to Israel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avivi, E: The Bats of Israel Yesterday and Today: 1989-90<\/em>. BATS Magazine 2012<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barkhausen, B: Spott im Internet: Neuseeland w\u00e4hlt Fledermaus zum \u201eVogel des Jahres\u201c<\/em>. Redaktions Netzwerk Deutschland (RND) 02.11.2021; https:\/\/www.rnd.de\/panorama\/spott-im internet-neuseeland-waehlt-fledermaus-zum-vogel-des-jah res-GW2J55A3DVBAFNQW6PF5O7EASI.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

F\u00e4hnders, T: Neuseeland w\u00e4hlt Fledermaus zum \u201eVogel des Jahres\u201c<\/em>. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 01.11.2021; https:\/\/ www.faz.net\/aktuell\/gesellschaft\/tiere\/vogel-des-jahres neuseeland-waehlt-fledermaus-17612874.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

haGalil: \u201eDuchifat\u201c: Wiedehopf ist Nationalvogel<\/em>. Offizielle Bekanntmachung der Botschaft des Staates Israel, 30.05.2008<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J\u00fcrgensen, H: Wie Israel auf den Wiedehopf kam<\/em>. Osthol steiner Anzeiger 27.01.2011; https:\/\/www.shz.de\/1109321<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mart\u00edn-Vivaldi,M; Pe\u00f1a, A; Manuel, J: Antimicrobial chemicals in hoopoe preen secretions are produced by symbiotic bacteria<\/em>. Proceedings of Biological Sciences 2010; 277(1678):123-30; doi: 10.1098\/rspb.2009.1377<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Redaktion: Waldrabe<\/em>. Pierer\u2019s Universal-Lexikon, Bd. 18, S. 804) Altenburg (Pierer) 1864; http:\/\/www.zeno.org\/Pierer-1857\/A\/Waldrabe<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Image Credits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wikipedia: Yellow-legged Gull in flight \/ Michael Elleray \/\/ Boat ride with gull \/ Annatsach \/\/ Northern Bald Ibis full view \/ Robert F. Tobler \/\/ Purple Swamphen in pond \/ Hobbyfotowiki \/\/ Hoopoe full view \/ Artemy Voikhansky \/\/ \/\/ Greater Mouse-eared Bat \/ C. Robiller<\/p>\n\n\n\n

andere Lizenzen: Cormorant diving \/ Joanna Lentini \/\/ Cattle Egret on cow \/ shutterstock_2076569890.jpg \/ Chase D\u2019animulls<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In the lists of birds that were not to be eaten (Lev 11:13-19; Deut 14:11-18), the phrase “according to its kind” appears four times.
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