Submission deadline extended to 10th Nov 2026

Do you find wonder in the grace of birds? Are you eager to translate their vibrant colours and dynamic forms onto paper? This is your moment to merge a love for wildlife with creative expression!

The 2026 edition of our youth art contest invites talented young creators to celebrate the breathtaking world of migratory birds. Under this year’s theme of ‘Migratory Birds’, we invite participants to capture the extraordinary journeys of avian travelers that cross vast oceans, towering mountains, and entire continents to visit our landscapes.

Who Can Enter?

• Eligibility: Open to all young creators across India aged 11 to 16 years.
• Entry Fee: Completely free to join!

Submission Guidelines

• Format: Upload your piece via our online entry form as a JPG or PNG file (Maximum size: 2 MB).
• Naming Convention: Save your image file as Species name_your name.
• Details Required: Include a title (optional) and a brief artist’s statement (1-2 sentences sharing your creative inspiration or message).
• Scan Quality: Please scan your physical artwork clearly to ensure the highest quality submission.

Artwork Specifications

• Subject: Select one or two species from below mentioned list of 16 featured migratory birds (maximum two species per participant).
• Allowed Mediums: Watercolours, acrylics, coloured pencils, pastels (oil/dry), charcoal, graphite, ink, crayons, sketch pens, collage, or mixed media.
• Prohibited: Digital art, AI-generated graphics, photographs, and computer-edited modifications are strictly excluded.
• Dimensions & Layout: Must be crafted on A4 or A5 size paper in a vertical/portrait orientation.
• Originality: Artworks must be entirely hand-drawn/painted and free of signatures or names on the front. Plagiarism or close replication of existing photographs/art will lead to immediate disqualification. Your artwork should also be expressed creatively and try to avoid photo- realistic representations of the birds.

Choose Your Subject : Pick your inspiration from this list of 16 incredible migratory species:

• Rosy Starling
• Indian Golden Oriole
• Western Marsh Harrier or Eurasian Kestrel
• Northern Shoveler or Red-crested Pochard
• Grey Wagtail
• Barn Swallow
• Blue-capped Rock-Thrush
• Pied Avocet
• Ruddy Shelduck or Bar-headed Goose
• Eurasian Oystercatcher or Ruddy Turnstone
• European Bee-eater or Blue-tailed Bee-eater
• Black Redstart or Bluethroat
• Demoiselle Crane
• Pied Cuckoo
• European Roller

Rewards & Recognition

• Exhibition (Top 30 Shortlisted): The top 30 shortlisted entries will be showcased at Feather Fest in the Bangalore International Centre (BIC). Shortlisted artists will be requested to send in their physical artwork for the exhibition.

• Calendar Feature (Top 12): From the exhibited works, 12 featured entries (3 Winners + 9 Runners-Up) will be published in the official Early Bird Calendar 2027.

• Top 3 Winners: The top 3 winners will receive exciting prizes alongside their feature in the 2027 Calendar!

• Certificates: All eligible participants will receive a personalized e-certificate of participation to encourage their creative journey.

Pick up your brushes, choose your traveler, and let your creativity take flight!

Copyright remains with the artist, though participants grant Early Bird a non-exclusive license to showcase the works in educational and promotional materials with full credit.