The 1st Bird Illustration Competition 2027 is an international illustration contest organised as part of the 22nd Extremadura Birdwatching Fair (FIO) in Spain. Artists are invited to create illustrations of birds, drawing on scientific observation, natural history or more imaginative approaches. The theme is open to local and migratory species, as well as any other birds of ornithological interest, provided their essential characteristics are accurately represented.
The competition has four categories. Scientific Illustration (F1) focuses on anatomical accuracy and the visual communication of information about birds, including their behaviour, identification and life cycles. Naturalist Illustration (F2) calls for detailed depictions of birds in their natural surroundings, while Conceptual Illustration (F3) welcomes abstract and creative interpretations. Young Illustrators (F4) is reserved for artists aged 12 to 18. Adult participants may enter more than one eligible category, submitting a different illustration for each.
Traditional and digital techniques are accepted, with entries submitted as A3-sized JPG files in RGB colour mode, no larger than 5 MB. Each work must include a description of up to 200 characters in English or Spanish explaining its scientific, educational or cultural value. Illustrations cannot contain signatures, initials or text, and filenames must begin with the relevant category code, followed by a title or pseudonym rather than the artist's name. Entries are judged anonymously, with artistic quality, originality, scientific accuracy where relevant, and their contribution to bird conservation awareness among the assessment criteria.
Entry fee: Free to enter.
Eligibility
Open to professional and amateur illustrators worldwide aged 12 and over, with the Young Illustrators category for ages 12–18 and the adult categories for participants over 18; all entries must be original, unpublished, not previously entered in another competition and created without AI assistance, while organisers, sponsors and companies involved in organising the competition are excluded.
Prize
The winners of Scientific Illustration (F1), Naturalist Illustration (F2) and Conceptual Illustration (F3) will each receive €800, while the Young Illustrators (F4) winner will receive illustration materials worth €200. The total prize value is €2,600, and the jury may also award special mentions. Twelve selected illustrations, including winning and finalist works, will be professionally printed and exhibited during the Extremadura Birdwatching Fair, held from 26 to 28 February 2027 in Monfragüe National Park, Spain. The awards ceremony will take place on 27 February 2027. Cash prizes will be paid by bank transfer and are subject to applicable tax withholdings.