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The kererū (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) is a species of pigeon native to New Zealand. Described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789, it is a large, conspicuous pigeon, up to 50 cm (20 in) in length and ranging from 550 to 850 g (19 to 30 oz) in weight, with a white breast and iridescent green–blue plumage. Kererū pairs are monogamous, breeding over successive seasons and remaining together when not breeding. Found in a variety of habitats across the country, the kererū feeds mainly on fruits, as well as on leaves, buds and flowers. Its numbers have declined since European colonisation and the arrival of invasive mammals such as rats, stoats and possums, although its populations have recently increased in suburban habitats. Considered a taonga (cultural treasure) to the Māori people, the kererū was historically a major food source in Māori culture. In 2018, it was designated Bird of the Year by the New Zealand organisation Forest & Bird. (Full article...)

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In the news

Cooper Kupp

In American football, the Los Angeles Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl (MVP Cooper Kupp pictured).
Cyclone Batsirai makes landfall in Madagascar, displacing at least 112,000 people and leaving more than 100 others dead.
In association football, the Africa Cup of Nations concludes with Senegal defeating Egypt in the final.
Indian playback singer and composer Lata Mangeshkar dies at the age of 92.

On this day

February 19

Bombing of Darwin

1600 – The stratovolcano Huaynaputina, in present-day Peru, produced the largest recorded volcanic explosion in South America.
1674 – Charles II of England signed the Treaty of Westminster to end the Third Anglo-Dutch War, confirming English and Dutch sovereignty over New Netherland and Surinam, respectively.
1942 – Second World War: In the largest attack mounted by a foreign power against Australia, more than 240 Japanese aircraft bombed Darwin, Northern Territory (pictured).
2012 – Forty-four inmates died during a riot at a prison in Apodaca, Mexico.

Thomas Arundel (d. 1414)
Émilie Gamelin (b. 1800)
Sylvia Rivera (d. 2002)

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Today's featured picture

Django Reinhardt (1910–1953) was a Belgian-born Romani-French jazz guitarist and composer. He was one of the first major jazz talents to emerge in Europe, and has been hailed as one of its most significant exponents. This photograph of Reinhardt was taken in the jazz club Aquarium in New York around November 1946.

Photograph credit: William P. Gottlieb; restored by Adam Cuerden

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