What Bird Was Named Bird of the Century
In a nationwide poll conducted in 2005 by the New Zealand documentary series Bird of the Century, the kiwi was declared the country’s Bird of the Century. The contest, organized by the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society and supported by the Department of Conservation, aimed to raise public awareness of native birds and conservation. The kiwi received the most votes across a field of around 100 candidates, beating other popular species such as the kea, tūī, and penguin. This result reflects the kiwi’s status as a taonga (treasured) species and an internationally recognized icon of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Bird of the Century Results at a Glance
| Rank | Bird | Reported Vote Share (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kiwi | Leading plurality | Won the 2005 Bird of the Century title; flightless, nocturnal, national icon |
| 2 | Kea | High single-digit to low teens | Notable alpine parrot known for curiosity and problem-solving |
| 3 | Tūī | High single-digit | Charismatic honeyeater with distinctive white throat tufts |
| 4 | Little penguin / Kororā | Significant minority | Smallest penguin species, coastal and popular with ecotourists |
| 5 | Kōkako | Notable minority | Striking blue-wattled forest bird with melodic song |
Kiwi Profile: Key Attributes
- Common name: Kiwi (English); Apteryx spp. (scientific)
- Conservation status: At risk — declining in the wild due to predation by introduced mammals
- IUCN Red List category (representative species, e.g., North Island brown kiwi): Vulnerable to Endangered depending on subspecies
- Key threats: Stoats, rats, dogs, habitat loss, and vehicle strikes
- Management: Intensive predator control, sanctuaries, translocation, and community-led programs
- Cultural significance: Taonga species central to Māori cosmology and identity; featured in creation narratives and contemporary art
Voting Context and Method
The 2005 Bird of the Century poll was conducted online and by paper ballot across New Zealand, with an estimated 8,000–10,000 votes cast. Voters could nominate any native or naturalized bird, and campaign materials encouraged participants to consider ecology, cultural value, and conservation needs rather than popularity alone. While the contest was nonbinding and not a scientific assessment, it provided a snapshot of public sentiment toward birds at a time when national biodiversity strategies were gaining attention. The campaign highlighted knowledge gaps for many lesser-known species and spurred local conservation advocacy throughout Aotearoa.
Conservation Landscape for New Zealand Birds
New Zealand’s avifauna has been reshaped by centuries of human activity, including Polynesian settlement and European colonization. With a high rate of endemism, many birds are flightless or nocturnal, adaptations that evolved in the absence of mammals. Introduced predators, disease, and habitat change have driven numerous extinctions and ongoing declines. Today, government agencies, iwi, and NGOs prioritize predator-free initiatives, captive breeding, and habitat restoration. The kiwi’s prominence in the Bird of the Century vote underscores its role as a focus for these national efforts; protecting kiwi habitats often benefits a wide suite of other native species.
Why the Bird of the Century Title Matters
Being named Bird of the Century is not a scientific designation but a cultural signal. It elevates public awareness, supports fundraising for conservation programs, and encourages community monitoring. The title has endured in public memory because it coincided with growing interest in ecological restoration and predator control. For schools, tourism operators, and advocacy groups, the kiwi-Bird of the Century link provides a clear entry point for discussing broader issues such as biosecurity, indigenous biodiversity values, and the responsibilities of stewardship.
Quick Comparison: Kiwis and Other Popular Contest Birds
| Bird | Flightless | Nocturnal | Primary Conservation Threats | Iconic Use in New Zealand Culture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kiwi | Yes | Yes | Predation by introduced mammals, habitat loss | National symbol, currency, sport team names |
| Kea | No | No | Persecution historically, lead poisoning, vehicle strikes | Playful alpine parrot, emblem of curiosity |
| Tūī | No | No | Habitat loss, competition from introduced species | Celebrated songster and pollinator |
| Kororā (little penguin) | Yes | No (crepuscular at sea) | Predation, oil spills, disturbance at breeding sites | Coastal tourism mascot in Oamaru and beyond |
Looking Ahead: Continued Relevance
The Bird of the Century framework remains useful for education and outreach, even as new conservation priorities emerge. Advances in predator technology, genetic rescue, and landscape-scale restoration add nuance to how the kiwi and other priority species are managed. Public support generated by the original contest continues to underpin funding and volunteer action. Understanding the ecological realities behind the vote helps align expectations with what can be achieved through science-led, culturally informed conservation.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which bird won New Zealand Bird of the Century?
The kiwi won the 2005 Bird of the Century title after receiving the most votes in a nationwide poll organized by the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.
Was the Bird of the Century vote scientific?
No. It was a public engagement exercise intended to raise awareness about native birds and conservation, not a scientific evaluation of species importance or ecological value.
What are the main threats facing kiwi in the wild?
Predation by introduced mammals—especially stoats—is the primary threat, compounded by habitat fragmentation, vehicle strikes, and, in some areas, dog predation.
How can people support kiwi conservation in New Zealand?
Support community trapping programs, contribute to accredited sanctuaries, choose certified predator-safe tourism operators, and advocate for continued government investment in predator-free initiatives.
Have other polls challenged the kiwi’s Bird of the Century status?
Subsequent surveys and media lists have highlighted other beloved species, but the 2005 result remains the most widely recognized formal “Bird of the Century” outcome in New Zealand.