New Zealanders choose endangered black robin as Bird of the Year
Record numbers of New Zealanders voted for the critically endangered black robin to win the annual Bird of the Year title this month.
Voting results and runner-ups
The black robin received more than 26,000 votes in the competition. It beat the kakapo and the karearea falcon to take first place. The falcon finished in third position behind the parrot.
Population recovery history
Only five birds remained in 1980, including a single breeding female. Conservation efforts have allowed the population to grow to about 350 individuals today. The species currently lives on the remote Chatham Islands.
Organizer response to claims
Forest and Bird reported that voter numbers soared this year. Rebecca Hatch stated that the high turnout was not due to foreign interference. She noted that 105,000 people chose their favorite bird in total.
2 outlets, different leads
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Phys.org
New Zealanders pick endangered black robin as Bird of the Year
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South China Morning Post
Black robin rules roost in New Zealand’s Bird of the Year vote
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.