The hoopoe starling (Fregilupus varius) is a bird species that lived on the Mascarene island of Réunion and became extinct in the 1850s. Its closest relatives were the also-extinct Rodrigues starling and Mauritius starling from nearby islands. It was first mentioned during the 17th century and long thought to be related to the hoopoe, but it was confirmed as a starling in a DNA study. It was 30 cm (12 in) long with primarily white and grey plumage, with darker brown and grey on its back, wings and tail and a light crest that curled forwards. Males are thought to have been larger and had more curved beaks, and juveniles were more brown than the adults. The starling was omnivorous and foraged near the ground, as indicated by its robust feet, claws and jaws. The flocks inhabited humid areas and marshes. The birds may have gone extinct due to disease, deforestation, and competition with introduced species, as well as being hunted by humans. Nineteen specimens exist in museums.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoopoe_starling

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1902:

A group of Russian explorers led by Baron von Toll left their camp on Bennett Island and disappeared without a trace. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_polar_expedition_of_1900%E2%80%931902

1921:

The Chicago Theatre, the oldest surviving grand movie palace, opened. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Theatre

1940:

The North American P-51 Mustang, one of the most effective fighter aircraft for the Allies during World War II, made its first flight. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_P-51_Mustang

2001:

President George W. Bush signed the Patriot Act into law, significantly expanding the authority of law enforcement agencies in fighting terrorism in the United States and elsewhere. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriot_Act

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

sheepshank: (nautical) A type of knot which is useful for shortening a rope or taking up slack without cutting it. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sheepshank

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. Thoughts are things! And powerful things at that, when mixed with definiteness of purpose, and burning desire, can be translated into riches.   --Napoleon Hill https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Napoleon_Hill