Forest & Bird is celebrating 20 years of Bird of the Year with the launch of a brand-new book.
Bird of the Year: Twenty years of ruffled feathers will be officially released on 19 August, just four weeks ahead of the 20th anniversary Bird of the Year election (voting opens Monday 15 September and closes Sunday 28 September).
Published by Penguin Random House, the book is a riotous and heartfelt journey through two decades of avian antics – from 'batgate' and Russian vote-tampering to the passionate campaigns that have brought obscure species into the national – and international – spotlight.
Bird of the Year: Twenty years of ruffled feathers features more than 80 native birds (and one controversial bat), illustrated by some of the country's top wildlife artists. It dives into past scandals, rivalries, and highlights – with behind-the-scenes insights from campaigners and Forest & Bird staff. It traces the full, feathered history of the competition – from humble email poll to international media sensation.
“Bird of the Year has always been more than just a popularity contest,” says Forest & Bird chief executive Nicola Toki. “It’s a way to spark joy, creativity, and serious conversations about the future of our native species. This book is a beautiful illustration of how – behind the humour – there is a serious message. Four in five of our native land birds are threatened. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world and the 2025 State of the Environment review shows it’s getting worse – not better.”
“But there are some great success stories too – where community effort and smart conservation have brought species back from the brink.”
The book will be available in bookstores nationwide from 19 August, with royalties supporting Forest & Bird’s work to protect native species and their habitats.