The intrigue, drama and memes are what's being teased in a promotional video by Forest and Bird as Bird of the Year returns for 2022.
While it is still months away - voting for the highly anticipated contest opens at 9am October 17 and closes at 5pm October 30 - work is underway to tease this year's competition.
Forest and Bird spokesperson Ellen Rykers said they're excited to bring another "banger battle of the birds".
This year Forest and Bird are appreciating the underappreciated with this year's theme being 'underbirds'.
"We want to channel that love to some of our feathered friends that may be overshadowed by their flashier, chonkier or louder cousins."
Rykers said Forest and Bird's election remains "fundamentally democratic" and encourages those who are voting to research their candidates.
But the drama has already begun with two birds pulling out of this year's election.
2021's winner Pekapeka has taken a bow after a "very long year" of completing Bird of the Year duties.
And the kākāpō too has taken its hat out of the ring in hopes to spend more time with family.
"Skraark! After two successful terms as your bird of the year, we are taking a step back from politics to focus on family," says kākāpō spokesbird Sirocco.
The kākāpō has not ruled out a return to politics, it added.
Here's Forest and Bird's list of certified 'underbirds':
- Reef heron: Matuku moana
- Subantarctic skua: Hākoakoa
- Long-tailed cuckoo: Koekoeā
- Red knot: Huahou
- Spotless crake: Pūweto
- Black-fronted tern: Tarapirohe
- Banded rail: Moho pererū
- Subantarctic snipe: Tutukiwi
- Grey duck: Pārera
- Scaup: Pāpango
- New Zealand dabchick: Weweia
- Pipit | Pīhoihoi
- Whitehead: Pōpokotea
- Australasian crested grebe: Pūteketeke
- Fernbird: Mātātā
- Shore plover: Tchūriwat’, Tuturuatu
- Pied shag: Kāruhiruhi
- Wrybill: Ngutu pare
- Pīwauwau: Rock wren
- Kakī: Black stilt
