The black currawong (Strepera fuliginosa), also known as the black jay, is a large passerine bird endemic to Tasmania and nearby islands in the Bass Strait. One of three currawong species, it is closely related to the butcherbirds and Australian magpie in the family Artamidae. It is a large crow-like bird, around 50 cm (20 in) long, with yellow irises, a heavy bill, and black plumage with white wing patches. The sexes are similar in appearance. Three subspecies are recognised, one of which, S. f. colei of King Island, is vulnerable to extinction. The black currawong is generally sedentary, although populations at higher altitudes relocate to lower areas during the cooler months. The habitat includes densely forested areas as well as alpine heathland. It is rare below altitudes of 200 m (660 ft). Its omnivore diet includes a variety of berries, invertebrates, and small vertebrates. Less arboreal than the pied currawong, the black currawong spends more time foraging on the ground. It roosts and breeds in trees.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_currawong
_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1775:
The Second Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies adopted the Olive Branch Petition in the hopes of avoiding war with Great Britain. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_Branch_Petition
1841:
Thomas Cook, founder of the travel company Thomas Cook & Son, organised his first excursion, escorting about 500 people from Leicester to Loughborough. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cook
1950:
Korean War: In the first encounter between North Korean and American forces, an unprepared and undisciplined U.S. Army task force was routed at the Battle of Osan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Osan
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
coffee table book: A large book, usually with lavish illustrations, typically displayed on a coffee table. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/coffee_table_book
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
The plan of "counting the chickens before they are hatched" is an error of ancient date, but it does not seem to improve by age. --P. T. Barnum https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/P._T._Barnum