The Latest Watchbird
AFA’s official journal on bird care, breeding, conservation, research and the aviculture community.
IN THIS ISSUE
VOLUME 53 • SPRING 2026
The Colorful World of Unusual Birds
Hornbills, cassowaries, a Florida breeding center tour and conference news.
Inside this issue
Should I Keep a Hornbill?
John Del Rio on hornbills in the wild and in U.S. aviculture.
My Pet Dinosaur, the Cassowary
Cortez Del Rio introduces one of the world’s most remarkable birds.
Inside ARICC
A tour of a Florida breeding center with about 600 aviaries and 250+ species, plus the “Aviculture Unified” gathering.
$10,000 for Wild Parrots
Harrison’s Bird Foods funds AFA’s conservation field projects for 2026–27.
Spring Is for Gardeners
April Blazich on growing greens and edible flowers for your birds.
Aviculture Shines Bright in St. Louis
The 2026 conference, plus a sneak peek of Allison Baird’s auction artwork.
Also inside: President’s Message, In Memoriam: Genevieve Wall, and the AFA 4 Kidz Essay Contest.
Current issues are an AFA member benefit.
ABOUT
About The Watchbird
The Watchbird is the official journal of the American Federation of Aviculture and one of aviculture’s longest-running educational resources. Each issue brings together breeders, keepers, researchers and conservationists to share practical knowledge and news from the bird community.
Since 1974
Published by the AFA
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In Every Issue
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Bird care and husbandry
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Breeding and species information
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Conservation and research
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Legislative awareness
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AFA news and conference coverage
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Member and community stories
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