John Oliver's Campaign Leads to Pūteketeke Being Crowned New Zealand's Bird of the Century

The Australasian crested grebe, or pūteketeke, has been crowned New Zealand's bird of the century after a campaign led by British-American comedian John Oliver. Known for its unique mating rituals, including the "weed dance" and the "ghostly penguin," the pūteketeke gained global attention after Oliver appointed himself as its campaign manager. The bird, which carries its young on its back and induces vomiting to expel parasites, received the highest number of votes in the competition organized by environmental group Forest & Bird. The North Island brown kiwi and the clever kea came in second and third place, respectively. The contest aims to raise awareness about the conservation of New Zealand's native bird species.