The choice of an annual bird has been around for 50 years. The decision used to be made by experts. Now the population was allowed to vote for the second time. The choice was clear.
Berlin / Hilpoltstein – The hoopoe is the “Bird of the Year” in 2022. With almost 32 percent of the votes, it prevailed against the house martin, bloodline, field sparrow and wheatear, such as the Naturschutzbund Deutschland (Nabu) and the Bavarian State Association for Bird Protection (LBV) announced on Thursday.
It is the second time that the two nature conservation associations publicly called for the election of the annual bird. They have been awarding the title for 50 years – so far, however, experts have chosen the bird of the year. In the anniversary year, the population was allowed to vote for the first time and voted for the robin. According to Nabu, more than 142,000 people took part in the virtual election this time.
“The hoopoe is one of our most striking native birds. His spectacular orange-red plumage with the distinctive feather hood has definitely earned him one or two votes, ”said LBV Chairman Norbert Schäffer. The hoopoe also stands for an important nature conservation issue.
Although it is unmistakable, bird fans rarely see the hoopoe: only a few hundred breeding pairs of the bird, which is considered endangered, still live in Germany. According to Nabu, the hoopoe needs open, species-rich landscapes such as vineyards, orchards and embankments. The decline in insects and the loss of natural nesting sites are troublesome for him. dpa
