Today, Israelis chose the Duchifat, or Hoopoe in English as our national bird.

Some quick research shows that the Hoopoe fills its nest with its own fesces to ward off predators. So basically, to keep itself safe, it has to live in its own crap, along with all the constant bad smell. It also can apparently fling its fesces at its enemies as a sort of projectile. Some more research shows the bird is mentioned in the holy books with King Solomon, and is thus associated with wisdom.

Interesting choice for a bird to represent Israel.