The cherry-throated tanager (Nemosia rourei) is a critically endangered bird native to the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Since its description in 1870, there had been no confirmed sightings for more than 100 years, and it was feared that the species was extinct. It was rediscovered in 1998 in the state of Espírito Santo. By the end of 2023, 20 individuals were known and the total population was estimated to be less than 50 birds. The main threat to its survival is the large-scale destruction of the old-growth rainforest that it requires, and in 2018 it was estimated that the species was restricted to a total area of just 31 km2 (12 sq mi). It has a striking gray, black and white plumage, with a distinctive red throat patch. The yellow or dark amber eyes contrast with a black face mask. Its call is clear and far-carrying. A social species, it lives in flocks of up to eight birds. The birds breed once a year, building a cup nest of beard lichen and spider web; nests contain two or three eggs.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry-throated_tanager

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1934:

At least 10,700 people died when a magnitude-8.0 earthquake struck Nepal and the Indian state of Bihar. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1934_Nepal%E2%80%93India_earthquake

1974:

American serial killer Dennis Rader, also known as the "BTK killer", murdered his first four victims. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Rader

1991:

The Victoria Cross for Australia was instituted, making Australia the first Commonwealth realm with a separate Victoria Cross award in its honours system. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Cross_for_Australia

2009:

US Airways Flight 1549 struck a flock of Canada geese during its climb out from New York City and made an emergency landing in the Hudson River (featured). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Airways_Flight_1549

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

quillon: 1. Synonym of crossguard (“a metal bar fixed between, and at right angles to, the blade and the handle of a sword or other bladed weapon that stops an opponent's similar weapon from sliding along the blade and injuring the hand of the person wielding the sword”) 2. (chiefly in the plural) Either of the two arms of a crossguard. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/quillon

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

In 2020, then-President Donald J. Trump ran for reelection against Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Mr. Trump lost. As alleged in the original and superseding indictments, substantial evidence demonstrates that Mr. Trump then engaged in an unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power.   --Jack Smith https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Jack_Smith_%28lawyer%29