The New Zealand falcon has claimed the annual Bird of the Year title with 21 percent of valid votes. The fast predator, known by its Māori name kārearea, reaches up to 200 km/h in a dive. It thrives in dense forests but remains under threat with only 5,000 to 8,000 left in the wild.
Two decades of competition
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the contest, which raises awareness for endangered native birds. Each of the 73 contenders had a volunteer campaign manager, who used memes, reels and posters to attract voters.
“Behind the memes and mayhem lies a serious message,” said Nicola Toki, chief executive of conservation group Forest & Bird. “This year’s top ten birds reflect the statistics. Eighty percent of them are at risk.”
Toki stressed that some contestants face critical danger. Both the kākāpō and the karure black robin have fewer than 300 individuals left. “Habitat destruction, climate change and predators push many species toward extinction,” she said. “But awareness remains a powerful tool.”
Record turnout and creative campaigning
More than 75,000 people voted this year, setting a new record. Birds even took part in a debate, with campaign managers making their case before the public. The kārearea will now feature in a new waiata, a Māori song to honour its victory.
The kea followed in second place with 12,506 votes, while the black robin took third with 11,726. The black robin nearly won last year but lost to the shy yellow-eyed penguin, the hoiho.
The kākāpō also competed again. Known as the world’s fattest parrot, it has twice been crowned champion. In 2022 it was excluded from the competition to give others a chance.
Other strong performers included the takahē, once believed extinct but later rediscovered, and the ruru or morepork, a small and mysterious owl.
Birdle and international spotlight
This year voters could also enjoy Birdle, a bird-themed version of the web game Wordle. The competition has drawn international attention in recent years. Comedian John Oliver once backed the endangered pūteketeke with global stunts, including wearing a bird costume and funding billboards in New Zealand, Japan, France and the UK.
The contest has also faced controversy. Allegations of voter fraud and foreign interference have emerged. Outrage broke out in 2021 when a bat unexpectedly took the crown.
A celebration beyond borders
More than 70 species competed this year, with conservation statuses ranging from stable to severe decline. Predators and habitat loss remain the main threats.
New Zealand is not alone in this idea. Australia also runs a Bird of the Year competition, which continues through October.
