New Zealand Crowns ‘Bird of the Century’ Championed by John Oliver: The Pūteketeke Takes the Crown
In a surprising turn of events, the Australasian crested grebe, affectionately known as the pūteketeke or the ‘puking’ bird, has been crowned New Zealand’s Bird of the Century. The winner of the poll, organized by the conservation charity Forest and Bird, received over 290,000 votes, with comedian and talk show host John Oliver playing a significant role in its victory.
The pūteketeke’s rise to the top was attributed to its unique appearance, endearing parenting style, and, interestingly, its propensity for vomiting. Forest and Bird noted that the bird began as an outsider but gained popularity due to its charming characteristics, ultimately winning the hearts of voters.
New Zealand’s national symbol, the kiwi, secured the second spot with 12,904 votes, followed by the kea, a highly intelligent species of parrot, in third place with 12,060 votes. Forest and Bird acknowledged John Oliver’s influential role in the poll, citing his “high-powered campaign,” which even led to online voting systems crashing.
The annual competition, initiated in 2005, aims to raise awareness about New Zealand’s native birds, many of which face threats of extinction due to habitat loss and human activities. Despite occasional controversies, such as allegations of voter fraud in 2020 and the crowning of a bat as the winner in the following year, the competition continues to draw attention to the importance of bird conservation.
The pūteketeke, native to New Zealand, is a water bird recognized for its peculiar noises, distinctive black and white plumage, and colorful head plumes. These birds, once nearly hunted to extinction in the United Kingdom during the 19th century, are still under threat today, with estimates suggesting fewer than 1,000 birds in existence.
John Oliver actively supported the campaign by purchasing billboards in various locations, including New Zealand, Japan, and Wisconsin, with humorous slogans like “The Lord of the Wings,” a playful nod to New Zealand’s association with the Lord of the Rings movies. Oliver expressed his affection for the pūteketeke, describing them as “weird puking birds with colorful mullets,” showcasing the bird’s unique and endearing qualities.
The victory of the pūteketeke in the Bird of the Century poll serves not only as a celebration of a distinctive avian species but also as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect New Zealand’s rich biodiversity.