The great cuckoo-dove (Reinwardtoena reinwardti) is a species of bird in the pigeon family. First described by zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck in 1824, it is found on islands from New Guinea to Wallacea in primary forest and the forest edge. It is a large pigeon, and in adults the head, neck, and breast are whitish or blue-grey, the underparts are bluish-grey, the upperparts are chestnut-brown, and the outer wings are black. Females differ from males in having yellower irises and duller orbital skin. Juveniles are mainly dull grey-brown, with dirty-white throats and bellies. The bird feeds on fruit and seeds, usually alone or in pairs, but forms mixed flocks at fruit trees. It will defend fruiting shrubs, an uncommon foraging behaviour among birds. Breeding occurs throughout the year, although timing varies over its range. Nests are platforms made of plant material and the clutch is one white egg. This species is classified as least concern due to its large range and stable population.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_cuckoo-dove

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1788:

Mozart completed his Symphony No. 40, one of his two extant symphonies in a minor key. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_No._40_%28Mozart%29

1898:

Spanish–American War: After more than two months of sea-based bombardment, the United States invaded Puerto Rico. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rico_campaign

1943:

The Grand Council of Fascism voted a motion of no confidence against Benito Mussolini, who was arrested the same day by King Victor Emmanuel III and replaced by Pietro Badoglio. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_the_Fascist_regime_in_Italy

2007:

Pratibha Patil was sworn in as the first female president of India. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pratibha_Patil

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

wreathe: 1. (also figurative) Senses relating to intertwining or twisting. 2. (transitive) 3. To coil, curl, or twist (something); to shape (something) into circles or coils. 4. To adorn (someone or something) with a garland or wreath. 5. Of flowers, leaves, etc.: to form the shape of a wreath around (something). 6. (chiefly passive voice) Often followed by in and the thing encircling: to coil or spiral around, or encircle, (someone or something); (by extension) to cover or envelop (someone or something). 7. (also reflexive, chiefly passive voice) Followed by about, around, or round: to coil, twist, or wind (oneself or something) around a person or thing; (by extension) to cause (oneself or something) to cover or encircle a person or thing. 8. (chiefly passive voice) Often followed by together: to entwine or twist (two or more people or things) together; to intertwine, to interweave. 9. (archaic) To form (a crown, garland, wreath, etc.) by entwining or twisting flowers, leaves, etc., together; also, to entwine or twist (flowers, leaves, etc.) together to form a crown, garland, wreath, etc. 10. (Southeast England) To strengthen (an earthen embankment) with hurdles of wattle. 11. (obsolete) To form (something) by entwining or twisting two or more things together; also, to entwine or twist (something) with another thing. 12. 13. (obsolete, Scotland, figurative) Followed by on: to place (a yoke, symbolizing a burden) on someone's neck. 14. (intransitive) 15. Followed by about, around, or round: to coil, twist, or wind around a person or thing. 16. Of mist, smoke, etc.: to move with a coiling, spiralling, or twisting motion. 17. (obsolete, rare) Followed by with: to become intertwined with something. 18. (obsolete, chiefly Scotland) Of snow: to form drifts. [...] https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/wreathe

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

When as the rye reach to the chin,And chopcherry, chopcherry ripe within,Strawberries swimming in the cream,And school-boys playing in the stream:Then O, then O, then O my true love said,Till that time come again,She could not live a maid.   --George Peele https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/George_Peele