Belarus chooses Bird of the Year 2026

The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Scientific and Practical Center for Bioresources, the Smart Press information portal, and the Wild Nature company are organizing the election of the Bird of the Year 2026.
The research institution reported:

— Anyone can nominate their candidate for the vacant position of "Bird of the Year — 2026" in Belarus. It is important that the nominee for the honorary title has not previously held the title of "Bird of the Year". To vote, you need to fill out a special electronic form. Five candidates will be selected from the submitted nominees to participate in the public vote. The deadline for submitting applications is July 13, inclusive.

Specialists also emphasized that for the nominated species, at least one problem or issue should be identified that can be addressed through a public campaign.

The Bird of the Year in Belarus has been chosen annually since 2000. Previously, this title was awarded to the white stork, white wagtail, golden oriole, house sparrow, barn swallow, great grey owl, lapwing, nightingale, great egret, greylag goose, common kestrel, Eurasian curlew, common swift, hoopoe, common cuckoo, long-eared owl, common goldeneye, crested lark, European goldfinch, greater spotted eagle, western capercaillie, European nightjar, marsh tit, European turtle dove, hooded crow, and Eurasian whimbrel.