The tawny frogmouth has been named the winner of the 2025 Australian Bird of the Year, after finishing as runner-up in three consecutive competitions. The nocturnal bird, often mistaken for an owl, secured 11,851 votes in the final round, comfortably ahead of the Baudin’s black cockatoo with 7,688 votes and the gang-gang cockatoo with 6,256 votes.
More than 310,000 votes were cast in the biennial poll, which opened on 6 October. The tawny frogmouth led from the start, fending off strong challenges from two cockatoo species. In 2023, the tawny had also led in the final stages but was overtaken by the swift parrot on the last day.
The tawny frogmouth's Latin name, Podargus strigoides, translates to 'gouty old man' and 'owl-like', though it is not an owl but belongs to the frogmouth family, more closely related to nightjars. Bird expert Gisela Kaplan notes the name is 'rather unfairly negative'.
BirdLife Australia's Aussie Bird Count, a national citizen science study, begins on Monday 20 October. Participants are encouraged to spend 20 minutes outdoors observing and recording bird species to help build a national picture of birdlife.
The tawny frogmouth's victory was celebrated with a free downloadable poster featuring artwork by Pete Cromer. The next Bird of the Year competition will be held in 2027.
