Cage and Aviary Birds #6443 4th November 2026

Fairly exclusive as zoo exhibits, the world’s malkohas are a species group to relish. They are big, bright cuckoos, essentially, plus a dash of magpie panache thrown in and minus the classic cuckoo habit of brood parasitism. Several species feature in this week’s cover story and, as ever with Bill Naylor’s profiles, we should all learn something new from the world of birds. That also applies to Paul Donovan’s exploration of they way some birds have learned to use tools. Species that live on islands seem particularly good at this! In addition, we learn about the history of Jersey CBS and the glorious past and current plight of the crested canary. Stuart Mason spells out the month’s priorities in the Border room, Neil Cawley recounts highlights from his budgie Odyssey, Donald Skinner-Reid sales round the birdy Bass Rock, and we reveal the second half of the Avian Draw prizes. Something for everyone!