The Hausrotschwanz, a graceful songbird, has been named Bird of the Year 2025, receiving 30.2% of votes in a public poll organized by the Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU). This recognition highlights the bird's challenges, mainly due to habitat loss from house renovations and declining insect populations, despite its status not being considered endangered.
Originally found in mountainous regions, the Hausrotschwanz has adapted to urban environments, often nesting near human dwellings. However, the dwindling availability of nesting sites poses a significant threat to this building-nesting species. Furthermore, as an insectivore, the decline in insect populations has put additional pressure on its survival.
The election saw an impressive participation of over 140,000 individuals, underscoring the public's interest in avian conservation. The Hausrotschwanz succeeded the Lapwing, Bird of the Year 2024, in this annual tradition, which has been raising awareness for bird protection for over half a century. Since 2021, the selection process has included public voting, reflecting a broader engagement with nature.
NABU's bird protection expert, Martin Rümmler, expressed enthusiasm over the high voter turnout, which he believes signifies a growing public concern for birds and natural preservation. Competing against the Long-eared Owl, Black Woodpecker, Black Stork, and Crane, the Hausrotschwanz's victory is a testament to its symbolic representation of the struggles faced by building-nesting and insect-eating species. The bird predominantly winters in North Africa or the Middle East, with some remaining in Germany during the colder months.
