Long-tailed bat named NZ's bird of the year, the first non-bird to win the title

The pekapeka-tou-roa or the long-tailed bat has been named New Zealand's bird of the year, making it the first non-bird to win the coveted title. – Photo: Ian Davidson-Watts, via Forest and Bird

A tiny bat took off with New Zealand's bird of the year award this week, making it the first non-bird to win the coveted title that is closely watched in the Pacific island nation.

The pekapeka-tou-roa or the long-tailed bat, which is about the size of a thumb, was added to the competition this year to help raise awareness of the mammal as it faces extinction.