Voting for the 2025 Australian Bird of the Year is set to conclude at 6:00 AM EAT on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, with the winner expected to be announced on Thursday, October 16, 2025. This biennial competition, a collaboration between Guardian Australia and BirdLife Australia, has seen over 250,000 votes cast, narrowing the field to a final ten contenders.

Notably, the Australian magpie, which won the inaugural poll in 2017, did not make it into the top 10 finalists this year. The competition, which began on October 6, 2025, initially featured a larger pool of native birds, with daily eliminations based on public votes.

Historical and Political Context

The Australian Bird of the Year poll, first launched in 2017, has become a significant national event, blending public engagement with a crucial focus on Australia's native birdlife and conservation. Past competitions have drawn attention to the plight of endangered species, such as the swift parrot, which won in 2023 and highlighted the threats posed by native forest logging to its habitat.

The poll often sparks passionate debate and has, in previous years, even faced accusations of vote-fixing and international interference, as seen with John Oliver's involvement in the 2023 competition. This year, the Baudin's black cockatoo, a newcomer to the poll, has garnered significant support, with advocates hoping its potential win will draw attention to the threat of extinction it faces from planned bauxite mine expansions in Western Australia.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

While the Australian Bird of the Year is a public poll, its outcomes can indirectly influence public discourse and policy discussions surrounding environmental conservation. The attention generated by the competition often highlights species facing significant threats, potentially prompting greater scrutiny of government policies and industry practices impacting bird habitats. For instance, the focus on the Baudin's black cockatoo this year directly links to concerns about mining expansion and its ecological consequences.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

The competition involves various stakeholders, including conservation organisations like BirdLife Australia, media partners like Guardian Australia, and the voting public. Prominent individuals, including Guardian Australia editor Lenore Taylor and independent senator David Pocock, have publicly endorsed their favourite birds, further amplifying the competition's reach and impact. Voters often express strong opinions, with some actively campaigning for their chosen bird to raise awareness about specific conservation challenges.

Evidence and Data

The 2025 Australian Bird of the Year poll has received over 250,000 votes. The competition runs from October 6 to October 15, 2025. The top 10 finalists, as of Monday, October 13, 2025, include the Tawny frogmouth, Baudin's black cockatoo, Gang-gang cockatoo, Willie wagtail, Bush stone-curlew, Southern emu-wren, Laughing kookaburra, Little penguin, Spotted pardalote, and Wedge-tailed eagle. The Tawny frogmouth has consistently placed second in the last three competitions.

Risks and Implications

The competition serves as a vital platform for raising awareness about the fragility of Australia's native birdlife. Many nominated species, such as the swift parrot (2023 winner) and the gang-gang cockatoo (a consistent top contender), are listed as endangered or critically endangered. The public attention generated by the poll can translate into increased support for conservation efforts and pressure on policymakers to address environmental threats like habitat loss and climate change.

Unknowns and Controversies

While the top 10 finalists have been announced, the exact standings of the birds are no longer publicly visible, adding an element of suspense to the final hours of voting. The ultimate winner remains unknown until the official announcement on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Timeline and Next Steps

• Monday, October 6, 2025: Voting for the 2025 Australian Bird of the Year commenced.
• Tuesday, October 14, 2025: The final round of voting for the top 10 birds began, with vote tallies no longer visible.
• Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 6:00 AM EAT: Voting officially closes.
• Thursday, October 16, 2025: The winner of the 2025 Australian Bird of the Year will be announced.

What to Watch

All eyes will be on the announcement of the 2025 Australian Bird of the Year winner on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Beyond the excitement of the competition, observers will be keen to see if the winning bird's conservation status or specific threats gain further national attention, potentially influencing future environmental policy and public engagement in conservation efforts.