What's in the issue

To populate a mixed aviary takes some planning - but get it right and you’re in for years of enthralling pleasure. We take a case study of a particular size of aviary and advise on two alternative mixtures of species that could live harmoniously there. Plan A is tailored to beginners, Plan B for the more experienced keeper. Both are in for a lot of fun. Then at the exotic end of the scale we whizz round the currently quiet UK softbill scene and cast our eyes abroad for some colourful inspiration. We also report an intriguing case of aberrant plumage in the pagoda starling and learn how to hand-rear a penguin! Border canaries, native and zebra finches and a spot of science round out this week - never forgetting DEFRA, naturally.