The turbo chook is in running for top spot in Australian Bird of the Year competition

Possibly one of our state’s most notorious feathered friends, the turbo chook, is in the running to be named Australian bird of the year. How you can help secure its spot in the competition.

Wild Island exhibition and event co-ordinator Caroline Davies Choi holds a picture of a Native Hen by artist Geoff Tuck at Salamanca. Picture: Chris Kidd

The iconic Tasmanian turbo chook is in the running to claim the Australian bird of the year but it needs Tasmanian votes to help it secure the title.

Bird Life Australia’s biannual competition took flight on Monday and a line-up of 50 birds will be voted on each day until one native Australian bird is crowned the nation’s favourite species on October 6.

The five birds with the least votes each weekday will be eliminated, and fans are hoping the Tasmanian native hen – known for its distinctive sprinting gait and raucous call – makes it to the top.

Wildlife writer and keen bird watcher Don Knowler said the flightless bird plays a significant role in Tasmania’s tourist industry, as bird watchers from around the country travel to Tasmania to spot the 12 birds endemic to the state.

Native hen. Picture Chris Kidd

“They want to tick off all the species in Australia, so thousands of people come here every year to look for the Tasmanian native endemic birds,” Mr Knowler said.

“The turbo chook is one of them.”

Mr Knowler said Tasmanians could help secure the national vote by getting behind the protected native bird in the competition.

Exhibition and events co-ordinator for Wild Island Caroline Davies Choi said the red-eyed hen has become a popular feature of Tasmanian artwork and can be found on pins, stickers and paintings throughout the Hobart store.

“It’s grown in popularity and it’s become a real icon now,” Ms Davieschoi said.

“It don’t know what has triggered that shift but I think it’s always been a much adored bird in Tassie.”

The superb fairy-wren was named the 2021 bird of the year but there is suspicion the Australian magpie may swoop in and secure the 2023 title.

To vote, go to birdlife.org.au for voting directions.

Originally published as The turbo chook is in running for top spot in Australian Bird of the Year competition