New Zealand’s tiny gothic black robin crowned Bird of the Year 2026
New Zealand’s karure, or black robin, was crowned the country’s 2026 Bird of the Year after a record turnout of more than 105,000 votes (about 88% from NZ). The tiny, black, shy bird on the remote Chatham Islands beat out past winners like the kakapo and kārearea, highlighting a remarkable conservation comeback from five birds in 1980 to roughly 350 adults today. Conservationists say the recovery remains fragile and warn that establishing a third island population is needed for long-term growth, as the annual contest aims to raise awareness about native wildlife and its threats.
