Key events
Thanks for joining us
And that’s where we’ll end this live blog today. Thank you so much for chatting with us and talking about birds. What better way to celebrate than with a spring lunch?
If you still haven't had your fill, you might find all our stories, videos and more about the birds of 2025 are here. What if your favorite bird missed? Well, fear not, the bird of the year will return in 2027 – and if the tawny can finally do it, then any bird can. See you then!
If you've realized after being Bird of the Year that you actually think birds are amazing and you're now starting to notice how many different species there are around you, let me recommend you get involved with BirdLife Australia. Australian Bird Count.
This is a major national scientific study of birds that will begin this coming Monday, October 20th. Simply sitting outside for 20 minutes, wherever you are, can give you a national picture of the prevalence and diversity of birds in Australia.
Go to Australian Bird Count website for full details on how to register and take part.
Bright facts! The Latin name for tawny frog mouths is Podargus strigoidesalthough, as tan expert Gisela Kaplan explains in her book (which I highly recommend reading), this is a rather undeservedly negative name:
“Podargus” is a Latin term for “gouty old man,” and this appears to refer to their short legs and limping, shuffling gait. “Strigoides”, which means “owl-like”, is a little more scientific.
Despite being nocturnal, tawnies are certainly not owls (although, as the name suggests, they are definitely mistaken for one). Nowadays, frogmouths are considered a separate family of birds, but in any case they are more closely related to nightjars.
Like many of us, I have a real soft spot for tawny frogmouths and know the local family very well, as I wrote about here:
Here's how the ratings broke down in the final vote:
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Yellow-brown frog mouth
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Boden's black cockatoo
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Gang-gang cockatoo
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Willy Wagtail
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Bush curlew
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Kurriter
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Southern Emu Wren
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Spotted pardalote
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Wedge-tailed eagle
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Little penguin
In honor of the 2025 bird, we've put together this beautiful poster featuring the work of Pete Cromer, which you can download for free here:
Rufous Frogmouth – Bird of the Year 2025
Voters have finally declared the tawny frogmouth bird of the year after pushing it into second place three times in a row.
More than 310,000 votes had been cast since polls opened on October 6 and the tawny was in the lead from the start, despite being hotly and persistently pursued by two cockatoos: Boden's black cockatoo and the ever-popular Gang.
However, the tawny frogmouth's victory was far from guaranteed. He finished second in 2019, 2021 and 2023. He also led the voting in the final stages of the 2023 competition, only to see a fast parrot fly past on the final day.
This year, the tawny received 11,851 votes in the final round, placing it overall in first place, ahead of Boden's black cockatoo, which came second with 7,688 votes, and Gang, who came third for the third time with 6,256 votes.
Read the full story here:
So guys, the moment is almost here. Guardian Australia editor Lenore Taylor joined the live broadcast. We're almost there.
Guardian Australia's Matilda Bosley wasn't the only fan Australian pelican “She was also nominated by Mary from Queensland. She told us:
The spectacular Australian pelican is an amazing bird. With a wingspan of up to 3 meters, it is Australia's largest flying bird and has the longest beak in the world! It has a stunning lifestyle, nesting communally on remote islands or vast inland wetlands. He hangs out with his mates and fishes together. Spectacular bird!
There were many birds that you all liked that didn't make it into the top ten. Here are some of them.
Shmelks from Victoria nominated bird apostle:
They look straight out of Angry Birds and walk around in chatty little gangs. Talkative, bold, clownish behavior and just about the funniest thing you will see. It's a real treat when they swarm your camp.
Wannabeabago of Lismore, New South Wales, spoke in favor of yellow-tailed black cockatoo:
This is such a majestic bird. I love the sound of his scream as he flies overhead… it gives me goosebumps. It's shyness… it's really beautiful. It needs protection.
Currawong Anthony received from Erskineville nomination:
Because every night at sunset they greet me and everyone on our street with their beautiful calls.
Zoe from Scotts Head, NSW supplied Pied Oystercatcher forward:
They live along our beach, so they make me happy every day when they look busy and important.
Top 10 Highlights: Wedge-tailed Eagle
One of the world's largest birds of prey – pairs have been spotted working together to kill kangaroos – the wedge's reputation as a sheep killer is somewhat exaggerated, but we are still seeing horrific mass poisonings. Once the pursuit stops, these impressive beasts begin to return.
Reader Alex from New South Wales explained what makes them so great:
The wedge-tailed eagle is majestic and wise. He soars high above the chaos below, combining strength and grace. It brings a deep connection to the land and a responsibility to protect it. He offers protection and guidance.
And we're back! Ugh!
We may have a slight audio glitch during the live broadcast – hang in there guys, I'm told it's being fixed.
Top 10 Highlights: Spotted Pardalote
They are not very famous, but once seen, these little gems truly captivate those who notice them. They quietly feed on eucalyptus leaves, but nest in tunnels that they dig to escape larger, more aggressive species. They have a sweet but surprisingly loud call, which some say sounds like they are saying “Miss Piggy”.
Reader by name I love Pardalot in Victoria appointed a pardalote, saying:
Small in size but huge in size, the Spotted Pardalote's beautiful plumage and calls are quite worthy of recognition.
Top 10 Highlights: Tawny Frogmouth
Poor old tawny frogmouth has been a bridesmaid for the last three bird of the year votes. What does this charming and charismatic doll have to do to cross the line? Quite common in Australia, it appears as a piece of dead wood to avoid detection during the day. But enough people noticed it that researchers named it the most Instagrammed bird in the world.
SallimSidney, to put it simply in his nomination:
Look, it's amazing!
This year really feels like it's dark time – perhaps best summed up by this Instagram account. Justice for frog mouthsthis appeared immediately after the survey began.
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