Australia has spoken — the Tawny Frogmouth is officially the Australian Bird of the Year 2025. After years of coming close to victory, this quiet, camouflaged bird has finally soared to the top, proving that elegance and mystery can outshine bright feathers and loud calls.
🌏 The Annual Bird Showdown
Every two years, Australians vote for their favourite bird, celebrating the country’s unique wildlife and raising awareness about conservation. From the tiniest fairywren to the mighty wedge-tailed eagle, the competition always sparks excitement and debate.
This year, over 300,000 bird lovers took part in the nationwide poll, turning what began as a simple vote into a cultural moment that unites nature enthusiasts, conservationists, and everyday citizens.
🪶 The Winner: The Ever-Patient Tawny Frogmouth
The Tawny Frogmouth isn’t your typical show-off bird. It doesn’t sing loudly, flash bright colours, or perform dramatic courtship dances. Instead, it sits still, blending seamlessly into tree bark — an expert in disguise.
Its trademark wide “frog-like” mouth helps it snatch insects mid-flight at night, and its calm, almost wise look has earned it a devoted fan base. Despite ranking second several times in previous polls, the Frogmouth finally took the top spot in 2025, a victory that feels like justice long overdue.
💥 Top Contenders
The 2025 poll had an impressive lineup of finalists — each with a unique charm and story.
| Rank | Bird | Key Feature |
| 1 | Tawny Frogmouth | Silent hunter with unmatched camouflage |
| 2 | Baudin’s Black Cockatoo | Endangered beauty of the southwest |
| 3 | Gang-gang Cockatoo | Quirky, crest-shaking bird from the bush |
| 4 | Willie Wagtail | Australia’s cheerful and curious tail-wagger |
| 5 | Bush Stone-Curlew | Eerie calls that echo through the night |
Each finalist reminded voters of Australia’s incredible diversity — from the familiar backyard visitors to the rare and threatened.
⚙️ Why the Frogmouth Deserved the Win
The win is more than symbolic. It’s a moment that highlights the importance of protecting nocturnal and lesser-known species. The Tawny Frogmouth thrives in cities, suburbs, and forests alike, but it faces growing threats from habitat loss, vehicle strikes, and pesticide use.
Its victory shines a light on these challenges — showing that conservation isn’t only about rare species, but also about those we often overlook.
📍 Where You’ll Find the Winner
The Tawny Frogmouth can be spotted almost everywhere in Australia except dense rainforests and the farthest deserts. During the day, it remains nearly invisible, mimicking the colour and texture of a tree branch. At night, it comes alive — silently gliding through the dark in search of moths, beetles, and spiders.
If you’re lucky, you might even hear their deep, soft call echoing through your backyard.
🔧 Conservation Outlook
The Bird of the Year poll isn’t just about fun — it’s about awareness. Each vote sparks curiosity and conversation about habitat destruction, climate change, and the birds that need our help the most.
The Frogmouth’s win reminds us that even the most adaptable species depend on healthy trees and ecosystems. Protecting green spaces, reducing light pollution, and keeping older trees intact are small actions that can make a big difference.
💬 Public Reaction
Social media flooded with love for the sleepy-eyed winner. Memes, sketches, and photos of Frogmouths perched on backyard fences took over feeds across the country. Australians celebrated a bird that, in its quiet way, represents calm resilience — a fitting symbol for the nation’s connection with nature.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Tawny Frogmouth didn’t just win a title — it won hearts. Its patience, mystery, and resilience captured the spirit of Australians who admire strength in subtlety.
In a world full of noise and colour, the Frogmouth reminds us that sometimes, the quietest voices deserve to be heard the loudest.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is the Australian Bird of the Year 2025?
The Tawny Frogmouth was crowned the Australian Bird of the Year 2025, finally taking the top spot after years of near wins.
Why was the Tawny Frogmouth chosen?
It won for its calm beauty, unique camouflage, and symbolic reminder to protect Australia’s nocturnal wildlife.
Who organises the Bird of the Year poll?
The poll is organised by The Guardian Australia in partnership with BirdLife Australia to promote bird conservation awareness.
Where can Tawny Frogmouths be found?
They live across most of Australia — in forests, parks, and even suburban backyards — blending perfectly into trees during the day.
Are Tawny Frogmouths endangered?
Not yet, but they face rising risks from habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and pesticide exposure.
When was the first Bird of the Year poll held?
The first nationwide vote was launched in 2017, and it’s since become one of Australia’s most-loved wildlife events.
