Since 1995 the bird of the year has been chosen annually by the BirdLife Estonia (Estonian Ornithological Society). The tradition helps to draw attention to one certain bird species, to study its habits more widely and to to engage public in the study and protection of the elected species.
In addition, having a specific environmental issue to deal with may provide the reason to choose the bird of the year. Black stork, woodpeckers, goshawk and capercaillie as birds of the year, have helped to draw attention to the need for forest conservation, while corncrake, curlew and turtle dove have encouraged sustainable agriculture.
Bird of the Year 2019 - Nightjar. Photo: Reet Sau.
2019 - Eurasian nightjar 2018 - Western capercaillie2017 - European turtle dove2016 - Great tit2015 - Buzzards2014 - Common kingfisher2013 - Grey partridge2012 - Ringed plovers2011 - Barn swallow2010 - Shrikes2009 - Tawny owl2008 - Black grouse2007 - Swans2006 - Western yellow wagtail2005 - Goshawk2004 - White stork2003 - Magpie2002 - Sparrows2001 - Lapwing2000 - Barn swallow1999 - Spotted woodpeckers1998 - Black stork1997 - Common crane1996 - Eurasian curlew1995 - Corncrake