Game for a laugh! That’s the green woodpecker or “yaffle”, whose country name refers to its mocking voice. A familiar sight in parks and woodland, the yaffle is neglected by birdkeepers because it drills wooden housing to bits. Yet it’s a bird of character and one of the few birds that specialises in eating ants. The yaffle is on our cover this week, while inside stories include this month’s Border canary bulletin and the tale of “Granny” the boss Belgian canary; a Q&A on budgie show prep and a historic “story of the blues”; plus expert insight on hawfinches, softbills, parrots and birds of prey, as well as news and early show reports.

Game for a laugh! That’s the green woodpecker or “yaffle”, whose country name refers to its mocking voice. A familiar sight in parks and woodland, the yaffle is neglected by birdkeepers because it drills wooden housing to bits. Yet it’s a bird of character and one of the few birds that specialises in eating ants. The yaffle is on our cover ....