Johannesburg - Those who know nothing about birds may have never heard of the Cape Robin-Chat, but according to conservation group BirdLife South Africa, it has been voted the country’s favourite bird.
During the past three months, the organisation’s online poll registered votes from almost 10 000 people, with 11.5 percent going towards the orange-breasted little critter.
Trailing the Robin-Chat in votes were the Cape Parrot, the African Fish-Eagle, the Woodland Kingfisher and the African Penguin.
The Marabou Stork – not the prettiest or most graceful bird – came last in the popularity contest, with just nine votes.
BirdLife SA said it had shortlisted 52 species out of South Africa’s 846 for the poll, and a number of celebrities, sports people and organisations had campaigned for their favourite birds.
Sadly for those who love a good bucket of KFC, the chicken was not part of the poll, as according to the organisation, “chickens did not count”.
To view the results, see www.birdlife.org.za/vote.
The Star