Tawny Frogmouth Crowned 2025 Australian Bird of the Year
The Tawny Frogmouth has been recognized as the 2025 Australian Bird of the Year. This achievement follows its previous runner-up positions in 2019, 2021, and 2023. The announcement came after an impressive public voting turnout, which exceeded 310,000 votes, starting on October 6.
2025 Bird of the Year Results
The Tawny Frogmouth topped the final round with a commanding lead, securing 11,851 votes. The results are as follows:
- 1st Place: Tawny Frogmouth – 11,851 votes
- 2nd Place: Baudin’s Black Cockatoo – 7,688 votes
- 3rd Place: Gang-gang Cockatoo – 6,256 votes
- 4th Place: Willie Wagtail – 4,947 votes
- 5th Place: Bush Stone-curlew – 4,370 votes
- 6th Place: Laughing Kookaburra – 4,361 votes
- 7th Place: Southern Emu-wren – 4,323 votes
- 8th Place: Spotted Pardalote – 3,474 votes
- 9th Place: Wedge-tailed Eagle – 3,470 votes
- 10th Place: Little Penguin – 3,268 votes
The Tawny Frogmouth: A Unique Australian Bird
Found exclusively in Australia, the Tawny Frogmouth adapts to various habitats, except dense rainforests, alpine moors, and treeless deserts. These nocturnal birds are known for their territorial nature and lifelong mating habits. Their nesting typically occurs on large horizontal branches of older trees.
Despite being mistaken for owls, Tawny Frogmouths are more closely related to nightjars. Their distinctive mottled grey and russet feathers help them blend into their surroundings, making them hard to spot.
Public Engagement and Conservation Implications
This year’s poll saw a vibrant public response. Sean Dooley from Birdlife Australia stated the event was “joyful and celebratory.” He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the conservation status of various species, particularly the endangered Baudin’s Black Cockatoo.
Researchers advocate for the Baudin’s Black Cockatoo to be classified as critically endangered. This bird, found only in southwestern Western Australia, risks extinction due to deforestation.
Connecting Bird Count with Conservation Efforts
The announcement of the 2025 Bird of the Year coincides with Birdlife Australia’s national survey, the Aussie Bird Count, starting on October 20. This initiative aims to further engage the public in bird conservation.
With the Tawny Frogmouth’s win, attention is drawn not only to its unique characteristics but also to the overall health of Australia’s avian population.
