A bat has been named as New Zealand's bird of the year in a controversial decision.
A bat
The long-tailed mammal has clinched the title in an online poll after contest organisers included the animal to raise its profile as a critically endangered species.
The move has ruffled feathers, with outraged bird-lovers describing the result as a "total farce" and a "stolen election" on Twitter.
Some on social media saw the victory as a much-needed PR boost for bats after the animals were blamed for causing the coronavirus pandemic.
But environmental group Forest and Bird, which organises the competition every year, said that the bat's inclusion was not a bid to restore its image following the global health crisis.
Spokesperson Laura Keown said in a statement: "A vote for bats is also a vote for predator control, habitat restoration, and climate action to protect our bats and their feathered neighbours!"