Irresistibly characterful, hornbills are among the most popular species in larger zoos and collections and their king is the majestic great hornbill. Native to South Asia, this species is a flagship bird of many zoos, one of those birds we all need to see in our lifetime. Bill Naylor describes the extraordinary life history of this species, in which the female seals herself in a nest cavity for months, and finally emerges fresh as a daisy! Almost exotic is the delightful pin-tailed whydah of Africa, though this week we meet one slightly closer to him: in Surrey, in fact – and his name is Geoff! Expert support comes from writers on British birds, canaries (Yorkies and Fifes), budgies and pigeons – both fancy and racing.

Irresistibly characterful, hornbills are among the most popular species in larger zoos and collections and their king is the majestic great hornbill. Native to South Asia, this species is a flagship bird of many zoos, one of those birds we all need to see in our lifetime. Bill Naylor describes the extraordinary life history of this spe....