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...)

Anita Kiki Gbeho

• ... that Anita Kiki Gbeho (pictured) is still working for the United Nations in Somalia, even though her boss was lucky to escape assassination?
• ... that Frank Frazetta's Egyptian Queen is the most expensive work of comic art ever sold at auction?
• ... that Genghis Khan declared himself to be "the punishment of God" after capturing the city of Bukhara in 1220?
• ... that Alexander Bannwart got into a fistfight with the pro-war senator Henry Cabot Lodge over America's proposed entry into World War I?
• ... that "Silly Boy Blue" reflected David Bowie's fascination with Tibetan Buddhism?
• ... that Encanto character Bruno Madrigal was originally named Oscar, but his name was changed due to the number of real-life Oscar Madrigals in Colombia?
• ... that the residents of Derasar collect rainwater in taankas since the village experiences eleven months of drought a year?
• ... that to promote the Paramount Hotel, its operator mailed out apples?

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.

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.