New Zealand Bird of the Year Election Highlights Unique Species

This year’s Bird of the Year competition in New Zealand saw some spirited contenders, including playful parrots, melodious songbirds, and adorable puffball robins. The title went to an enigmatic falcon, who seems to have lost sight of its former prey.

The indigenous Māori name for the New Zealand Falcon, Kalealea, was announced as the winner on Monday. However, this annual contest, organized by the conservation organization Forest & Bird, offers more than just a straightforward online vote.

In this competitive election, human campaign managers advocate passionately for their favorite birds. Enthusiasts engage in lively meme battles, poster campaigns, and even dance routines decked out in bird costumes to rally support.

“Bird of the Year has evolved from a simple email poll in 2005 into a highly anticipated cultural event,” noted Nicola Toki, CEO of Forest & Bird. “There’s a significant message behind the memes and mayhem.”

The Contest Brings Joy to Bird Lovers

The focus of the contest is on New Zealand’s native bird species, with a staggering 80% identified as being at risk in some way. This has sparked a deep fascination among New Zealanders, leading to a devoted fan base.

Aside from two bat species, birds predominantly represent the fauna of a nation lacking native land mammals. They are celebrated in art, jewelry, and songs, and the term “kiwi” has become an international icon synonymous with New Zealanders.

Some of the beloved birds include alpine parrots known for their antics with tourists and pigeons that can be found tumbling from trees after overindulging on berries.

Toki remarked, “This is not a land of lions, tigers, or bears. The birds here are both strange and wonderful, often unexpected in other countries.”

A Campaign Without Scandals

This year’s vote attracted over 75,000 participants from a nation of 5 million, a long way from the fewer than 900 votes cast in the inaugural contest two decades ago.

John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, even jumped in as a campaign manager in 2023, which likely contributed to the record voter turnout. His bird, the Pteketeke, or Australian crested grebe, achieved a stunning victory with 290,000 votes.

Past elections have not been without their issues. In 2021, Batt won the title, despite not being an actual bird, leading to some controversy.

The 2018 vote faced a foreign influence scandal when an Australian comedian allegedly cast hundreds of fraudulent votes. Voters are now required to verify their email addresses for authentication.

This year’s poll saw 87% of votes cast by those within New Zealand, and it appears the falcon’s over 14,500 votes were legitimate.

A Mystical and Elusive Winner

The majestic Kārearea can fly at speeds exceeding 124 mph and is known for diving to capture its prey, often smaller birds. As an endemic species, it faces threats from habitat loss and electrical hazards.

Phil Bradfield, a councillor with the Kārearea Falcon Trust in Marlborough, described them as “mystical birds” that often go unnoticed because they tend to blend into their surroundings.

Estimates suggest there are between 5,000 and 8,000 New Zealand falcons left, but the exact figure remains uncertain. Bradfield emphasized that the “fast, fierce, and unique” raptor was a fitting choice for this year’s title.

Celebrating Underappreciated Birds

Some campaigns were hopeful that their less popular birds would succeed, even if their victory seemed unlikely. One such species, represented as the “ugly bird,” was acknowledged for its unremarkable appearance.

This year marked a shift, attracting all 73 bird competitors and introducing campaign managers who willingly supported candidates unlikely to triumph.

Mark Daalder led a grassroots effort for the Takapu, or Australian cormorant, garnering 962 votes, explaining that advocating for a lesser-known bird provided a satisfying experience as each vote reflected the campaign’s hard work.

Polls Carry Underlying Messages

Despite the record voter turnout, Toki highlighted concerns that New Zealanders are becoming increasingly anxious about preserving endangered species. Protecting them from predators like cats and rats incurs significant costs.

“Successive governments in New Zealand have collectively reduced funding for conservation efforts, which are crucial to our economic prosperity,” she remarked, referencing the nation’s tourism, which often centers around its stunning natural landscapes.

“Visitors come here to experience our unique birds and their habitats,” she added. “They’re not here to visit a mall.”