Hoiho penguin wins New Zealand's Bird of the Year award

The yellow-eyed penguin, also known as the hoiho, has won New Zealand's Bird of the Year contest for the second time, first taking the top spot in 2019. The species, which is considered one of the rarest penguins in the world, has a population that has decreased by 78% over the past 15 years, with estimates suggesting there are only 4,000 to 5,000 individuals remaining in the wild. The campaign for the annual poll saw a significant drop in participation, with over 50,000 votes cast, compared to previous years. The city of Dunedin championed the hoiho's bid for the award, which is notable for its distinctive pale yellow band of feathers linking its eyes.