Wikipedia:Main Page history/2017 February 17

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Illustration of a female Newton's parakeet

Newton's parakeet (Psittacula exsul) is an extinct species of parrot that was endemic to the Mascarene island of Rodrigues in the western Indian Ocean. Several of its features diverged from related species, indicating long-term isolation and adaptation on Rodrigues. Around 40 centimetres (16 in) long, Newton's parakeet was roughly the size of the rose-ringed parakeet, a close relative and probable ancestor. Its plumage was mostly greyish or slate blue, although most species in its genus are green. Little is known about its behaviour; it may have fed on nuts of the bois d'olive tree, along with leaves. It was very tame, and was able to mimic speech. Newton's parakeet was first written about by the French Huguenot François Leguat in 1708, and was mentioned only a few times by other writers. The bird became scarce due to deforestation and perhaps hunting, and was probably wiped out by a series of cyclones and storms that hit Rodrigues in the late 19th century. Only two specimens remain, both from the 1870s. (Full article...)

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Anisa Mohammed in 2014
Anisa Mohammed

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February 17: Independence Day in Kosovo (2008)

Damage caused by the 2006 Southern Leyte landslide
Damage caused by the 2006 Southern Leyte landslide

Wally Pipp (b. 1893) · Geronimo (d. 1909)

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The Nebula Award for Best Script was given each year by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America for science fiction or fantasy scripts for movies or television episodes released in English in the United States or on the internet during the previous calendar year. It was awarded annually from 1974 through 1978, and from 2000 through 2009. It was presented under several names; in 1974, 1975, and 1977 the award was for Best Dramatic Presentation, while in 1976 the award was for Best Dramatic Writing. The award was discontinued in 2010 and replaced with The Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation; this award, though not a Nebula, is presented at the Nebula Awards Ceremony and follows Nebula rules and procedures. During the 15 nomination years, 14 awards for Best Script have been given, including the special award given to Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope in 1978 but not including 1977, since no nominee was given the award. No winner was declared that year as "no award" received the highest number of votes. With three awards The Lord of the Rings film trilogy earned the most awards or nominations of any franchise. (Full list...)

Today's featured picture

The Rocket

The Rocket is an oil painting on canvas completed in 1909 by the American artist Edward Middleton Manigault. It depicts a fireworks display over the Hudson River, as well as a boat full of spectators. The work is now held in the Columbus Museum of Art.

Painting: Edward Middleton Manigault

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