Australian Bird of the Year Poll Nears Conclusion, Finalists Compete for Title
The final 48 hours of voting are underway in the Guardian Australia and birdlife Australia’s Australian Bird of the Year 2025 poll, with ten feathered finalists vying for the coveted title. Voting closes Thursday, October 16th, and the winner will be revealed between 12:30pm and 1:00pm AEDT.
this year’s competition has seen a surge in public engagement, highlighting growing awareness of Australia’s diverse birdlife and the conservation challenges many species face. The poll not only celebrates the nation’s avian fauna but also serves as a platform to raise the profile of threatened birds and the importance of habitat preservation. Coverage of the announcement will be available on the Guardian’s live blog and live stream, begining at 11:30am AEDT.
Among the frontrunners is the gang-gang cockatoo, a perennial contender having placed third in the previous two competitions. The species has garnered significant support from prominent figures including Guardian Australia editor Lenore Taylor, self-reliant senator David Pocock, and gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis.
Though, the threatened Baudin’s black cockatoo, a newcomer to the poll this year, is also generating momentum and could potentially upset the established favorites. The species faces significant threats from mining expansion in Western Australia.
the winner will join a distinguished group of past champions,including the Australian magpie,the black-throated finch,the superb fairy-wren,and the 2023 winner,the swift parrot.
A video featuring Matilda Boseley dressed as a pelican promoting the poll has also gained attention online.
