06/12/2026
Meet your completely-fictional-but-we-wish-it-was-real U.S. Birds National Team!
Up first, the goalie: California Condor. With a massive wingspan of around 9.5 feet, this bird has total command of the box. And talk about cool under pressure... how about the pressure of extinction? In 1982, only 22 condors were left in the wild. But thanks to conservation efforts, the wild free-flying condor population has grown to more than 300!
Next, our star forward: Peregrine Falcon. With lightning fast speed and unmatched precision, opposing teams hate to see Peregrine Falcon coming. The Peregrine Falcon averages 25 to 34 mph in traveling flight and up to 69 mph in direct pursuit of prey. And if its diving from above and in its signature hunting stoop? 200 MPH! ⚡️
At midfield, we have the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. We know midfielders put in work, running up and down the pitch. Not a problem for the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which migrates over 2,000 miles to and from its wintering grounds in Central America (including a 500-mile non-stop flight across the Gulf!).
On defense, we have the Brown Thrasher. The state bird of Georgia, the Brown Thrasher is named for the way it "thrashes" through leaf litter in search of insects. Seems like that could translate into elite soccer dribbling skills? The Brown Thrasher also has a reputation for being an aggressive defender of its nest (and, hopefully, its goal!).
Which other species belong on the U.S. Birds National Team? Tell us in the comments! ➡️