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>
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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>
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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>
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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>
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