Tawny Frogmouth: 2025 Bird of the Year
By: Joni Boyd
After years of near-misses, the tawny frogmouth has finally claimed the crown as 2025 Australian Bird of the Year.
In the biennial poll run by The Guardian and BirdLife Australia, more than 310,000 votes were cast in this year’s contest.
This victory is all the more satisfying because the frogmouth has placed second three times before, in 2019, 2021 and 2023.
In this year’s final tally, it received 11,851 votes, beating out Baudin’s black cockatoo (7,688 votes) and the gang-gang cockatoo (6,256) for the title.
The tawny frogmouth is a nocturnal, camouflaged bird often mistaken for an owl.
Because it blends into tree bark and perches motionless, many people don’t notice it, even though it’s more widespread than assumed.
Its plumage helps it vanish into trunks and branches during daylight, a clever survival strategy.
Sean Dooley, from BirdLife Australia, said the public’s response “has been really joyful,” (The Guardian).
But the poll isn’t just about fun, it shines light on the threats faced by our birdlife, such as habitat loss, deforestation and development pressure.
What is the Aussie Bird Count (and why it matters)
Immediately following the Bird of the Year poll is Aussie Bird Count, Australia’s largest citizen science event.
Right now, people are invited to spend just 20 minutes observing and tallying birds in their backyard, local park, schoolyard or balcony.
The goals are simple but powerful:
- To build a national snapshot of bird populations
- To help conservationists understand trends in birdlife
- To raise awareness that one in six Australian birds is at risk of extinction (Aussie Bird Count)
It’s easy to join: register, pick a spot, count what you see in 20 minutes, and submit your results via the Aussie Bird Count app or website.
Schools, councils, community groups and individuals are all encouraged to take part.
Because birds react to changes in habitat, climate and human impact, those counts help scientists, land managers and communities make better decisions to protect our feathered neighbours.
The joy and purpose behind counting birds
These two events, Bird of the Year and Aussie Bird Count, are more than contests.
They celebrate Australia’s native birds, inspire connection with nature, and invite everyone into caring, noticing and stewardship.
BirdLife Australia notes that as Bird of the Year unfolds, people are also drawn to the species in the Top 10, some of which are endangered, such as the southern emu-wren.
By voting, noticing and sharing, millions help spotlight species that might otherwise remain hidden from public view.
When more people get involved in the count, the data improves.
That means better understanding of habitat loss, climate pressures, declining species, and where conservation efforts can focus.
As we listen for frogmouth calls or spot winged visitors in our yards, we begin to see how every creature, big or small, matters.
Let’s celebrate the 2025 Bird of the Year and commit to keeping count, because nature is worth noticing.
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.
Feature image: Canva
