We are excited to officially announce our 2026 Bird of the Year:
The Carolina Wren!

Why we love this bird:

“They are ubiquitous, charming, and so friendly. We enjoy watching them build nests & raise families most years. They are part of our culture!” – Diane S.

“Gutsy little bird brimming with character and a voice to match!” – Keith E.

“Their enormous voices from their tiny bodies fill the landscape with cheerful sounds as they flit around checking out everything in the yard.” – Mark S.

“A curious and “chipper” little bird, this little wren is ubiquitous around Texas where it makes itself at home right on your porch so you can enjoy watching it raise its young. And that song! You can practically hear it across the county.” – Laura W.

“A perky little bird with a big voice. Never intimidated about speaking its mind and always eager to let the world know it’s around. Small in size, but mighty in personality — a true standout in any flock.” – Martha B.

“Who can resist a vote for the ubiquitous Carolina Wren, a chatty, irrepressible backyard resident that nests in extraordinary nooks and crannies and grabs bugs around the windows? After all, it’s not really a full spring morning without a good wren scolding or two.” – Jim D.

“Small package but a big voice. Carolina wrens have the energy and personality we need in the next year.” – Liliana N.

Loud, bold, and impossible to ignore, the Carolina Wren is a small bird that packs a huge punch of personality. In 2026, let us all take a page from our bird of the year, and use our voices to incite the change we wish to see in the world.

Thank you to everyone who voted, and for Alex Moreland and Kevin Urrutia-O’Reilly for bringing this year’s bird to life through this incredible illustration!

Merchandise featuring our 2026 bird will be available by April; stay tuned for more details.