Nominations have closed, and voting will soon begin for my favourite national popularity contest, Australian Bird of the Year 2025.

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I fear my favourite is unlikely to even make the top 50 list. For a start, it's hopeless at flying, is consistently overweight and has a reputation for not being that bright - although I'd dispute that last criticism.

I hadn't paid the Australian brush-turkey much attention until about a year ago, when I noticed it had moved into my in-laws' inner Sydney neighbourhood.

With its black plumage, red neck and bright yellow caruncle, it seemed completely ou

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