The pīwauwau/ rock wren has been announced as New Zealand’s 2022 Bird of the Year winner.
The small, yellow bird if found mainly in the mountain areas of New Zealand and is so small it weighs about as much as a mellow puff.
The tiny bird defeated the little blue penguin, with nearly 3000 voters putting it in the top spot. The kororā came in third spot.
However, competition spokesperson Ellen Rykers said the kororā actually had more number one votes but with the transferable voting system (people can vote for up to five birds) the pīwauwau emerged as winner.
More than 52,000 people from New Zealand voted.
Rock wrens are endangered and were threatened by rats, stoats and mice which would raid their nests.
