South Africa’s Bird of the Year campaign is returning for 2027, giving the public another chance to choose a species that will take centre stage in the country’s birding and conservation community.
More than 10,000 people voted last year to crown the striking Black Harrier as Bird of the Year, helping to raise awareness of one of South Africa’s most distinctive and threatened raptors. Although celebrations for the Black Harrier are still under way, attention is already turning to its successor.
The 2027 winner will be decided by public vote via BirdLife South Africa’s WhatsApp channel. Voters will be able to choose one species, even if several of the contenders have a special place in their hearts.
Voting opens on 7 September and closes at 12:00 on 25 September, with the official Bird of the Year expected to be announced shortly afterwards.
To take part in the 2027 Bird of the Year vote, join the BirdLife South Africa WhatsApp channel and make your choice when voting opens.
Voting closes at 12:00 on 25 September 2026
The annual campaign aims to put a spotlight on South Africa’s remarkable birdlife while encouraging a wider public interest in birds and their conservation. For the winning species, the title brings a year of heightened attention, with opportunities to showcase its ecology, conservation challenges and the habitats on which it depends.
