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>
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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>
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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>
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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>
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