Rare alpine species captures narrow win over kororā penguin after campaign marked by controversy
The pīwauwau rock wren, a diminutive mountain-dwelling underdog, has come out on top in New Zealand’s annual bird of the year competition after a hard-fought campaign again marked by controversy.
The rare alpine species – which weighs about as much as a MallowPuff biscuit – beat out a number of higher-profile and charismatic competitors.