The superb fairywren has been voted bird of the year for 2021, narrowly defeating the tawny frogmouth in a nail-biting finish.

The winner of the Guardian Australia/Birdlife Australia poll was announced on Friday after more than 400,000 votes were cast during the 10-day competition.

The beloved small bird, which is showing signs of decline in its traditional habitat in urban areas, won with 13,998 votes, just ahead of the popular tawny frogmouth on 13,332.

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The gang-gang cockatoo, which had strong backing from Canberra residents and those concerned about its likely endangered status, placed third with 12,836 votes.

The superb fairywren emerged as a clear favourite over the two weeks of the poll, regularly topping the daily count.

The male birds are recognisable by their blue feathers and the species has become famous for its polyamory and passion for sharing household labour.

Males leave the territory during the day and perform courtship displays to other females, but it is the females that ultimately control mate choice as well as the nest.

Holly Parsons is BirdLife Australia’s urban birds program manager and a superb fairywren supporter.

“It’s really exciting to see a bird that so many people love and appreciate take out the top prize,” she said.

“What’s great is that this is a bird that people can help at home. You can plant shrubs for them and create great habitat in your space to help these birds.”

“The great thing about the bird of the year is that it has been a great way to celebrate the amazing diversity of Australia’s birds, and keep a national conversation going for almost two weeks!

Source
The Guardian