Build a collection of birds from around the world!

This project recreates the iconic look of three birds from around the world: the European Goldfinch, the Golden-Headed Quetzal from Central and South America and the Lilac-Breasted Roller from southern and eastern Africa.

European Goldfinch (Carduelis Carduelis)

The European Goldfinch is a small bird (12–13 cm – 4.7–5.1 in – long with a wingspan of 21–25 cm (8.3–9.8 in), native to Europe, North Africa and western and central Asia, although it has been introduced to other parts of the globe such as America and Oceania. It has a pretty colour scheme consisting of white, black, red and yellow.

Due to the thistle seeds it eats, it is symbolically associated with the crown of thorns. This is why goldfinches are often depicted in Italian Renaissance paintings of the Madonna and Child. I chose this bird because it is the main subject of the famous “The Goldfinch” by Carel Fabritus (1654).

Depicted in the model is a male European Goldfinch sitting on a fallen branch in a forest with rocks, foliage, mushrooms and lichen, typical of autumn forests throughout Europe.

Golden-Headed Quetzal ( Pharomachrus Auriceps)

The Golden-Headed Quetzal is a subspecies of the quetzal, a bird native to the forests of Central and South America. It is quite large and has a striking iridescent red, green, black and golden plumage.

The Quetzal is very culturally significant for the ancient Maya and Aztecs. Their feathers were considered luxury goods to represent high status and are often seen in the headdresses of the emperors and other costume elements. One of the most significant Aztec gods, Quetzalcóatl, literally translates to “snake with quetzal feathers”. Kukulkan, the Maya equivalent of Quetzalcóatl, has a temple dedicated in its honour in Chichen Itza, which produces the sound of the quetzal with the echo of a clap.

The model depicts a male Golden-Headed Quetzal sitting on a tree branch in the rainforest. The jungle floor has a lush green colour and features Amazon Lilies (Urceolina Amazonica). The bird doesn't actually have a golden head, but Lego pieces allow it, so the Golden-Headed Quetzal finally has a shiny head!

Lilac-Breasted Roller (Coracias Caudatus)

The Lilac-Breasted Roller is a bird that resides in southern and eastern Africa. It is famous for its unique mix of purple, green, blue and brown plumage. They reside in savannas and open woodlands. These birds are carnivores, and eat arthropods and small vertebrates. They are the unofficial national bird of Kenya.

The model depicts a Lilac-Breasted Roller perching on a mound of dirt. Behind the model is a small skeleton of one of its victims.

With this model, I tried to represent three very different birds from around the world, each with their unique history with local cultures, unique colours, sizes and diets. I think I was able to pack a lot with a small piece count and I hope you like this model!