Australian Bird of the Year 2025: The Final Countdown Begins
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A record-breaking 313,000 votes have been tallied as Australia prepares to crown its Australian Bird of the Year for 2025 on Thursday. Bird enthusiasts can follow a live stream of the biennial event between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM AEDT, available on Guardian Australia’s website, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
The highly anticipated announcement follows a close race, with the poll officially closing at 6:00 AM on Wednesday. In a tradition designed to heighten suspense, the public tally board was hidden from view on the final day of voting. Guardian Australia’s live blog will provide real-time coverage starting at 11:30 AM.
Top Contenders Vie for the Crown
As of Monday, the top 10 birds vying for the prestigious title were:
- Tawny frogmouth
- Baudin’s black cockatoo
- Gang-gang cockatoo
- Willie wagtail
- Bush stone-curlew
- Southern emu-wren
- Laughing kookaburra
- Little penguin
- Spotted pardalote
- wedge-tailed eagle
However, experts caution that the final results could hold surprises. History suggests that late surges in support can dramatically alter the standings.
A History of Upsets and Conservation Concerns
The tawny frogmouth has consistently proven popular, securing second place in the last three competitions and leading the vote count in the late stages of the 2023 contest.Yet,it was ultimately overtaken by the swift parrot on the final day – a testament to the unpredictable nature of the poll.
This year, all eyes are on Baudin’s black cockatoo, a newcomer to the competition that held second place as of Monday. This striking bird, characterized by its dark plumage and distinctive white cheek patches, is found exclusively in southwestern Western Australia. However, its future is uncertain, with conservationists raising alarms about the impact of planned bauxite mining expansions on its habitat in the northern jarrah forests.
The gang-gang cockatoo, known for its unique call resembling a creaky door, has consistently placed third in recent years. This year, the species has garnered support from prominent figures including Guardian Australia’s editor, Lenore Taylor, autonomous senator David pocock, and Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadi.
Notably,the Australian magpie – the inaugural winner in 2017 – failed to secure a place in the top 10 this year,marking a important shift in voter preferences.
Joining a Legacy of Champions
The 2025 champion will join a distinguished group of past winners, including the Australian magpie, the black-throated finch, the superb fairy-wren, and the swift parrot. The outcome of this year’s poll underscores the growing public engagement with bird conservation and the vital role these creatures play in the Australian ecosystem.
Matilda Boseley sports homemade pelican outfit to talk bird of the year on ABC – video
The announcement on thursday promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a captivating competition, highlighting the beauty and fragility of Australia’s avian biodiversity.
