Public votes are in; SA’s birders have chosen their Bird of the Year.
South Africa (6 October 2025) – After opening public votes for the very first time, BirdLife has crowned its Bird of the Year (BOTY), and it’s one that deserves the spotlight – the Black Harrier.
If you’ve been lucky enough to see one slice across the sky, you’ll have an idea of why people call it one of our most elegant raptors. Known locally as the witkruisvleivalk (Afrikaans), mmankgodi-wa-dihlaba (Sesotho), and umamhlangenomnyama (isiZulu), it’s a strikingly beautiful bird! It dons coal-black feathers, a bold white rump, a striped tail, and fierce yellow eyes.
Sadly, it’s also endangered, with only about 1,000 to 2,000 left in the world, most of them right here in South Africa.
You’re most likely to spot a Black Harrier in the fynbos and Karoo of the Western Cape, but they’re also wanderers. Depending on the season, they can turn up as far afield as Lesotho or Namibia, following the rains and the prey that comes with them.
They’re remarkable hunters with fine-tuned abilities to find their catch fast. They fly low and smooth over fields, keeping a sharp eye for rodents, birds, or even the odd reptile. A special facial ruff around their eyes (it’s almost like built-in sonar) helps them hone in on the tiniest rustle in the grass.
“The conservation of this magnificent raptor has been overseen for several years by the members of the Black Harrier Task Force, who have greatly increased knowledge and understanding of the Black Harrier,” shares BirdLife.
By choosing the Black Harrier, SA’s birders have put one of our rarest birds of prey front and centre. The fact that few remain is a concern, and every bit of awareness can tip the scales in their favour.
The public vote was close. BirdLife says that honorary mentions are due to the Bearded Vulture and Botha’s Lark, who are both getting plenty of love in the voting stage, but BOTY 2026 belongs to the harrier.
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