Wikipedia:Main Page history/2011 October 26

the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

Today's featured article
The Northern Bald Ibis is a migratory bird found in barren, semi-desert or rocky habitats, often near running water. This 70–80 cm (28–31 in) glossy black ibis has an unfeathered red face and head, and a long, curved red bill. Unlike other members of the ibis family, it does not wade. Breeding takes place in colonies on coastal or mountain cliff ledges, where it typically lays 2–3 eggs in a stick nest, and feeds on lizards, insects, and other small animals. The Northern Bald Ibis was once widespread across the Middle East, northern Africa, and southern Europe, with a fossil record dating back at least 1.8 million years. It disappeared from Europe over 300 years ago, and is now considered critically endangered. There are believed to be about 500 wild birds remaining in southern Morocco, and fewer than 10 in Syria, where it was rediscovered in 2002. To combat these ebbing numbers, recent reintroduction programs have been instituted internationally, with a semi-wild breeding colony in Turkey, as well as sites in Austria, Spain, and northern Morocco. (more...) Recently featured: HMAS Australia – The Political Cesspool – Calabozos Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Did you know...
From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that the village of Pangani (village and river pictured) on the Pangani River's left bank, had a reputation for a high incidence of fevers? ... that T Peter Brody invented the thin-film transistor active matrix display, the predominant flat panel display technology in use today? ... that the North American mushroom species Tylopilus tabacinus has an odor that has been described variously as indistinct, fruity, fishy, or pungent? ... that during a 1963 presidential visit to Brazzaville, the Guinean president Sékou Touré called for the overthrow of the Congolese government? ... that Darren Brooks is the only basketball player in Missouri Valley Conference history to be named both its Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons? ... that the eponymous bird in Paul McCartney's song "Bluebird" has been interpreted as a metaphor for love? ... that the 2011 Lufeng city riot occurred in a town promoted as a model of harmoniousness? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (pictured) is re-elected for a second term. Floods in central Thailand reach Bangkok, affecting more than two million people. A 7.2-magnitude earthquake strikes the eastern Turkish city of Van, leaving hundreds of people dead or missing. Italian motorcycle racer Marco Simoncelli dies after an accident at the Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix. The Rugby World Cup concludes with host nation New Zealand defeating France in the final. Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud dies in New York. Basque separatist group ETA announces a cessation of armed activity. Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
October 26: Diwali (Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism, 2011); National Day in Austria (1955); Angam Day in Nauru; feast day of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki 1881 – The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, one of the most famous gunfights in the history of the American Old West, took place in Tombstone, Arizona, between the faction of Wyatt Earp and Ike Clanton's gang. 1942 – World War II: The Imperial Japanese Navy won a Pyrrhic victory in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. 1947 – Maharaja Hari Singh, ruler of Kashmir and Jammu, executed the Instrument of Accession to accede the princely state to the newly created India. 1985 – The Australian government returned ownership of Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, to the local Pitjantjatjara people. 2000 – Laurent Gbagbo (pictured) became the first President of Côte d'Ivoire since Robert Guéï was thrown out of power during the 1999 Ivorian coup d'état. More anniversaries: October 25 – October 26 – October 27 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now October 26, 2011 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

The Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans) is a parrot native to eastern and south-eastern Australia which has been introduced to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. It grows to about 36 cm (14 in) long, much of which is tail, with males larger than females. Of the five subspecies, two of them are not actually coloured crimson.

Photo: JJ Harrison

Recently featured: Crab feeding on sea urchin – Burnley, Lancashire, England – Swamp Wallaby joey

Archive – More featured pictures...

Other areas of Wikipedia

Community portal – Bulletin board, projects, resources and activities covering a wide range of Wikipedia areas.
Help desk – Ask questions about using Wikipedia.
Local embassy – For Wikipedia-related communication in languages other than English.
Reference desk – Serving as virtual librarians, Wikipedia volunteers tackle your questions on a wide range of subjects.
Site news – Announcements, updates, articles and press releases on Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation.
Village pump – For discussions about Wikipedia itself, including areas for technical issues and policies.