Do you love birds? Do you enjoy creating with colours, shapes, and textures? Here’s your chance to bring both passions together!

The Flights of Imagination art contest invites children and young people aged 11–16 years to create original, hand-made artworks celebrating the beauty of Indian birds. This contest offers a unique opportunity to spotlight some of India’s most captivating bird species.

Who Can Enter : Open to all children and young people in India, aged 11–16. Free to enter!

How to Submit

• All entries must be submitted via the online entry form
• Artworks should be in JPG or PNG format. Max size allowed 2 MB
• Scan your artwork for best quality.
• Name the artwork image file as “Species name_your name”
• Each entry should include: A title (optional) & a short artist’s statement (1–2 sentences about your artwork or message)

Artwork Guidelines

• Pick one or two species from the list of 16 featured Indian birds and create a unique, hand-created artwork featuring the bird.
• Maximum two species per participant.
• Mediums allowed: Acrylic, crayons, charcoal, coloured pencils, collage, graphite, ink, pastels (oil or dry), sketch pens, watercolours, or mixed media.
• Not allowed: digital art, AI-generated work, photographs, or computer-edited pieces.
• Artwork must be A4 or A5 size, vertical orientation.
• Work must be original, hand-created, and free of names or signatures on the front.
• Plagiarism warning: copying or closely replicating other artworks or photos is not allowed and will result in disqualification.
• Copyright remains with the artist. By entering, participants grant Early Bird a license to display artworks in publications, calendars, and educational materials (with full credit to the artist).

 Choose Your Bird

1. Amur Falcon
2. Bar-headed Goose
3. Barn Owl
4. Black-winged Stilt
5. Crimson-backed Sunbird OR Green-tailed Sunbird
6. Greater Flamingo
7. Indian Courser
8. Indian Pitta
9. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher OR Collared Kingfisher
10. Pied Cuckoo
11. Red-headed Vulture
12. Red-whiskered bulbul OR Ruby-throated Bulbul
13. Plum-headed Parakeet OR Long-tailed Parakeet
14. Indian Spot-billed Duck
15. Verditer Flycatcher
16. White-naped Woodpecker

 Recognition & Opportunities

• 12 Winners will receive exciting prizes and have their artwork featured in the Early Bird Calendar 2026.
• 10 Runner ups will receive complimentary gifts, and may be showcased in Early Bird publications.
• Exhibition: Winning artworks will be displayed during the Young Birder’s Celebration in November at Bangalore International Centre. Winners will be expected to send the physical artwork for the exhibit.
• All participants will receive an e-certificate to encourage their creative journey.
• In addition to prizes, finalists will have the chance to connect with inspiring artists, educators, and conservationists through Early Bird’s Young Birder’s Network.

You’re wild about birds and art — now let your imagination soar. Pick up your colours, choose your bird, and share your vision with the world!

Submission deadline extended to 9th November, Sunday!