Can you name a bird that loves our mountains so much that it never retires below the bush-line? Look no further than New Zealand’s true alpine bird species! Weighing less than an AA battery and laying eggs the size of 10c coins, these tiny rock bobbers defy all laws of survival and demonstrate true mountain bravery.
The pīwauwau/ rock wren is the winner of the Bird of the Year contest for 2022.
The winner of the country's most popular competition was announced on Morning Report today.
By yesterday three frontrunners had emerged, the pīwauwau / rock wren, the kea, and kororā / the little blue penguin.
The diminutive alpine dweller narrowly defeated the little blue penguin to take the top spot, with nearly 3000 voters putting it in the top spot.
Pīwauwau campaign leader Stephen Day said the bird had definitely flown under the radar up until now.
"Unless you'd spent some time in the mountains, you'd probably never heard
of a rock wren until two weeks ago. It's a true underbird."
The two-time champion kākāpō was barred from the ballot, as the organisers, Forest and Bird, decided to focus on the underbirds.
Last year's competition proved controversial, with a win by the long-tailed bat.
Kororā PremiereKororā / the little blue penguin is the runnerup this year
For more information - go to www.birdoftheyear.org.nz
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