Wryneck - Liechtenstein

There are several countries in the world without a permanent military force. Liechtenstein abolished its army in 1868 because it was too costly. The National Police Force or “Landespolizei” as it is known locally, is responsible for maintaining law and order in the country. This group numbers less than 150 individuals.

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Jynx torquilla - The wryneck is in residence throughout Europe during the summer months, but migrates to Central Africa or Southern Asia for the winter. Although the wryneck has a slender and elongated body, it is a member of the woodpecker family, a family of birds known for their strong beaks and robust appearance. The wryneck derives its name by having the dexterity to twist and bob its neck back and forth at 180 degrees. It uses this neck twisting feature and its ability to produce a hissing sound to ward off predators.

Sweet Briar - Liechtenstein

Rosa rubiginosa - Sweet briar, also known as eglantine, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and Western Asia. It grows to heights of 2 to 3 meters. The pink flowers give off a strong scent similar to apples. The red fruit is 1 to 2 centimeters in size and is popular for making rose hip tea. A light fuzz, located below each seed pod, can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach if accidentally ingested. Sweet briar is a fast growing plant and considered an invasive weed when introduced to non-native areas.

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Liechtenstein became a principality or “Fürstentum” and a sovereign state within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 through Charles VI’s  unification of the “lordship” of Schellenberg and the county of Vaduz. When Napoleon reorganized his European holdings, Liechtenstein became part of the German Confederation of the Rhine. Following Napoleon’s defeat, Liechtenstein became independent, but entered into an association with the Austrian Empire, a loose union lasting until the end of World War I.