Birdlife South Africa

For nearly two decades, BirdLife South Africa has selected a Bird of the Year to highlight and champion one of the country’s many extraordinary avian species. This annual initiative raises awareness about the importance of bird conservation and provides insight into the unique characteristics of the chosen species. In 2025, the spotlight falls on the Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus), an iconic bird known for its symbiotic relationship with large herbivores and its vital role in the ecosystem.