Archive · 29 Sep 2025
New Zealand Falcon Wins Bird of the Year Election
New Zealand has an annual contest to vote for their favorite bird.
This year, the winner was a fierce falcon!
The competition is run by a conservation group, and thousands of people vote.
The contest highlights the importance of protecting the country's native birds, as many are in trouble.
People run campaigns, create memes, and dress up in costumes to support their chosen birds.
The falcon's win is a sign that New Zealanders are passionate about their unique wildlife.
This year was notable for a high voter turnout, showing the ongoing popularity of the event, with volunteers putting in the work to campaign for less popular birds too.
The New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea) won New Zealand's Bird of the Year competition.
The contest, run by Forest & Bird, saw over 75,000 votes cast.
The annual event aims to raise awareness for New Zealand's native birds.
The falcon is a threatened species known for its speed.
Campaign managers worked to support a variety of birds, including those less likely to win.
- Who
- New Zealanders, Forest & Bird, and the New Zealand Falcon
- What
- The New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea) won the Bird of the Year contest.
- When
- Annually; the 2024 winner was announced recently.
- Where
- New Zealand
- Why
- To raise awareness and support for New Zealand's native bird species.
- Winning Bird
- New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea)
- Organization
- Forest & Bird
- Voter Turnout
- 75,000+
- Falcon Speed
- 200 km/h+
- Falcon Population
- 5,000-8,000 estimated