What does your Bird of the Year vote say about you?

Wednesday, 11 October 2017

The Kea is sitting pretty in the competition this year. Could this finally be its year?

It's a New Zealand election like no other: Forest and Bird's annual Bird of the Year contest is back.

The intense rivalry between our native avian species is hotter than ever.

The Kererū has drawn a lot of votes this year too.

But what do your bird choices say about you?

We had the good folk at Forest and Bird don their psychologist hats to break down some of the choices and provide some analysis.

The ruru is in the running for bird of the year, but it's a tough race.

**READ MORE:

* Kokako wins Bird of the Year title

The white-faced heron: Someone is prepared to commit voter fraud for this bird.

* Are we winning the battle for our birds?

* Fraudulent Bird of the Year votes ruffle feathers**

Fairy tern

A total beach babe who loves to lounge in the warm sand. If you vote for the fairy tern then odds are you're found throughout the summer at the beach, wearing cut-off denim shorts, boasting beach blonde hair and perhaps too much eyeliner.

Riroriro

If you've voted for the grey warbler then odds are that you punch above your weight. You're pint-sized but fierce, with a voice that can be heard from miles away. You're probably an attention seeker who loves your voice to be heard and you just love to sing, no matter who is listening.

Kea

Kea are reckless and cheeky: The clown of the South Island's mountain slopes. If you're into this bird then you probably respect a bit of anarchy and a bit of raucousness. Maybe you've been guilty of petty vandalism in a past life? Or perhaps you just like being the centre of attention and maybe you find yourself in a bit of hot water from time to time. You probably eat too much junk food.

Rock wren

You, like the little rock wren, love the alpine slopes and the adrenaline that comes with that. Your wardrobe is full of activewear and you escape to the mountains at every opportunity.

Rockhopper penguin

These penguins look like rock stars and are named after their ability to tackle mountains. If you love this bird, you are determined and have a lot of moxy. People see you coming from a mile away and once you've set your eyes on the prize, everyone has to get out of your way. You're model material.

Wrybill

Wrybills aren't the best looking bird and are the only bird in the world with a bent beak. They might sometimes even be mistaken for a gull by those not in the know. Those voting for the wrybill probably love being in groups, and are fiercely protective of their family. These birds camouflage perfectly with their rocky riverbed habitats. If you're voting for the wrybill then you're not always honest, and you're good at getting away with it.

Kiwi

Kiwi are nocturnal, little flightless rockstars of the New Zealand native bird scene. If you have voted for this bird, then you're probably fiercely patriotic. Despite the kiwi being an obvious choice, you love emblems and symbols. You're the one most likely to be found doing a shirtless haka in an overseas backpackers somewhere tropical. You're a real party animal that comes out only at night.

Ruru

These owls are talented night musicians. If you're keen on the ruru then you might be the type of person who is up all night partying and sleeping in during the day.

Shore plover

Shore plovers refuse to let go, having been on the brink of extinction many times, but they keep coming back. If you like the Shore Plover then you are a battler, too, hanging in the fight until all odds seem to be stacked against you.

Kereru

Known for being clumsy, drunk half the time and just a little bit glamorous, Kereru are likely to attract votes from those who are charming, social butterflies? Do you like getting drunk and passing out in trees? This is the wood pigeon for you.

Fantail

Fastidious and very, very house proud, those who like the piwakawaka also like their homes just so. You're probably brave and friendly and can't sit still, fidgeting your way through different homes, jobs, relationships and life in general.