Bird of the year is back! The Guardian/BirdLife Australia poll for 2021 will begin on 27 September with a list of 50 shortlisted species.
In 2017 the magpie fought off strong support for the white ibis to win. In 2019 the highly endangered black-throated finch, which is under threat from the expansion of the Adani Carmichael coalmine, triumphed after backing from a highly organised online campaign.
This year there will be a special focus in the shortlist on the birds many of us are likely to see in lockdown in our backyards and while out for exercise, as well as a few endangered species specially selected by BirdLife Australia to draw attention to their plight.
We are also providing an opportunity for readers to get in early and nominate their favourites to add to the shortlist.
Tell us in the comments below the bird you’d like to see on this year’s list or nominate your bird on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #BirdOfTheYear.
