What's in the issue

Our cover bird is a toucan - just as charismatic as any hornbill, but less familiar in collections. That’s a shame, because given enough room and company (they’re very social), toucans make wonderfully stimulating subjects. And they aren’t just amusing, they are decidedly intelligent. We focus on one species - the glorious keel-billed - while casting our eye over some of its relatives in this magnificent New World family. In support, we’ve got an assessment of 2025 in the zebra finch world, topical advice for your canary stud, and a round-up of softbills both in collections and the wild (South America in fact!) We hear advice and life lessons from two serious experts on budgies and lovebirds, visit the popular and well-run Guildford bird sale, and revisit the knotty story of how the feral pigeon got it’s name. Plus: DEFRA news (of course).