Bird Art Contest 2026–27
International Youth Bird Art Competition
Free Entry – K–12 Students – Worldwide
Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation® Program invites young artists from around the world to participate in the Bird Art Contest 2026–27, an interdisciplinary competition that connects art, science, writing, and wildlife conservation.
The contest was previously known as the Songbird Art Contest. Beginning in 2026, the program has expanded to include all wild bird species, not just songbirds.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open worldwide to K–12 students ages 5–18.
There are five grade divisions:
- Kindergarten: Ages 5–6
- Grades 1–3: Ages 6–9
- Grades 4–6: Ages 9–12
- Grades 7–9: Ages 12–15
- Grades 10–12: Ages 15–18
Each student may submit one entry.
Theme
The artwork must feature a wild bird in its natural habitat.
All wild bird species are now eligible, including:
- Songbirds
- Raptors and birds of prey
- Eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls
- Ducks, geese, and swans
- Herons, cranes, and other wading birds
- Gulls, pelicans, and other seabirds
- Flightless birds such as ostriches, emus, and penguins
Domesticated or captive birds are not eligible.
Students in Iowa and South Carolina may be subject to additional state-specific species and submission requirements.
Accepted Art
Artwork must be the student’s own original, hand-created 2D artwork.
Accepted media include:
- Paint
- Colored pencil
- Pencil
- Pastel
- Chalk
- Marker
- Collage
- Other hand-created 2D media
Maximum artwork size:
11 × 17 inches
AI and Computer-Generated Art
AI-generated artwork is not allowed.
Computer-generated or computer-edited artwork is also not eligible.
The artwork must be created by the student by hand.
Students may use photographs as references, but copying a photograph or another artist’s artwork substantially is prohibited.
Creative Writing
For U.S. students in Grades 4–12, a creative writing piece must accompany the artwork.
The writing:
- Must fit on one side of one page.
- May be typed or handwritten.
- May take the form of a story, poem, comic, journal entry, interview, or magazine article.
Creative writing is optional and not required for K–3 students or international participants.
Awards
The contest offers a wide range of national, international, state, and specialty awards.
Annual Awards
- Best in Show: One award
- Art of Conservation Award: One award
- International Bird Art Award: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each grade division
- U.S. National Bird Art Award: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each grade division
- U.S. State Bird Art Award: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each grade division
Additional Specialty Awards recognize outstanding artwork in specific fields or areas of conservation.
The program also presents the Richard M. Hart Educator of the Year Award to recognize an outstanding educator.
Students may also download a signed certificate for the contest year.
Judging
Artwork is judged by a panel of artists, scientists, and educators.
Winners are selected in five grade divisions for each participating state and country.
First-place winners from U.S. state divisions advance to the U.S. National Judging.
Entry Fee
FREE
There is no entry fee to participate.
Deadline
November 30, 2026
Winners are expected to be announced in late winter 2027.
International Eligibility
The contest is open worldwide to K–12 students.
Some U.S. states have additional rules for their state-hosted programs. International students must follow the international submission requirements and may not mail physical artwork.
Official Competition Page
Bird Art Contest 2026–27 – Official Website
Organizer: Wildlife Forever – Art of Conservation® Program
Eligibility: Worldwide
Age: 5–18
Grade: K–12
Entry Fee: Free
Entries: 1 per student
Deadline: November 30, 2026
Artwork: Hand-created 2D art
AI: Not allowed