Great tit named Estonia's bird of the year 2016
Great tit, one of the most common and visible birds in Estonia, has been named the bird of 2016 by the Estonian Ornithological Society.
Starting from January, the ornithological society will run a variety of activities and a public outreach program to raise awareness of the great tit, as well as other members of the tit family.
Great tit was chosen for its frequent and year-round presence at urban areas and people's gardens. With its distinctive black head, white cheeks, olive vest and yellow belly, the tit is an easily recognizable little bird.
Parus major (Photo: Tiiu Kammiste/minupilt.err.ee)
The ongoing year 2015 is dedicated to buzzards. Estonia's Bird of the Year 2014 – the common kingfisher project – was named one of the green deeds of the year by the Ministry of Environment. Following the beginning of the annual tradition in 1995 with corncrake, years have also been dedicated to partridge, plovers, barn swallow, and many others.
The tradition helps to draw attention to certain bird species and their needs, like forest conservation or sustainable agriculture, as well as to study their habits more widely and to provide information to a larger audience, the society explains on their website.
Editor: M. Oll
