Nominations have closed, and voting will soon begin for my favourite national popularity contest, Australian Bird of the Year 2025.

I fear my favourite is unlikely to even make the top 50 list. For a start, it's hopeless at flying, is consistently overweight and has a reputation for not being that bright - although I'd dispute that last criticism.

I hadn't paid the Australian brush-turkey much attention until about a year ago, when I noticed it had moved into my in-laws' inner Sydney neighbourhood.

With its black plumage, red neck and bright yellow caruncle, it seemed completely out of place in a city dominated by the much-maligned white ibis, or bin chicken. That is, until I watched it routinely using the pedestrian crossing to cross the road. And they say it's not smart.

As Sydney's

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