The Tasmanian turbo chook, a flightless bird known for its distinctive sprinting gait and raucous call, is in the running to be crowned Australian bird of the year.
The competition by Bird Life Australia features 50 birds, with the five birds with the least votes each weekday to be eliminated.
Supporters hope the Tasmanian native hen, which currently has around 400 votes, will make it to the top.
Earlier this year, the bird was thrust into the spotlight by comedians attempting to name Tasmania’s new AFL team the ‘Turbo Chooks’, selling merchandise and raising money for charities in the process.
The superb fairy-wren was named the 2021 bird of the year, but there is a chance the Australian magpie may win the 2023 title.
Tasmanians are encouraged to vote for the turbo chook to help secure the national title by visiting birdlife.org.au before October 6.
