16 Aug 2025

Ellen Rykers - Bird of the Year

From Saturday Morning, 8:37 am on 16 August 2025

Kiwis love our birds. Each year, thousands of New Zealanders take part in Forest & Bird's campaign to bring awareness to the challenges these feathery friends face and to see who comes out on top as the coveted Bird of the Year.

From John Oliver and rumours of Russian interference to controversial mammalian infiltration, this beautifully illustrated book profiles more than 80 native birds - and one bat. 

Bird of the Year is written by award-winning journalist and former campaign lead Ellen Rykers. The book swoops into the competition's backstory while showcasing incredible illustrations from more than a dozen top wildlife artists.

Photo: Penguin Random House

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