A photographer in Hefei City, east China's Anhui Province, has captured rare clear images of a fairy pitta in a forest in Feidong County.
The fairy pitta is a globally vulnerable species and has been listed under China's second-class state protection.
Named for its strikingly colorful plumage featuring at least eight colors, the shy and highly alert bird is easily disturbed. Its presence also signals healthy local ecology, as it requires pristine habitat conditions.
Rare fairy pitta captured on film in Anhui
The mother of Cape Verde's heroic goalkeeper said she's bursting with joy after her 40-year-old son helped Cape Verde, an African island nation, secured a historic draw with Spain in 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Vozinha, who was known off the field as Josimar Jose Evora Dias, produced one of the finest performances of his career, helping Cape Verde secure a 0-0 result in its first appearance at a FIFA World Cup game.
As his teammates celebrated the landmark achievement, Vozinha explained why tears had filled his eyes after the final whistle.
"I cried because I grew up with my grandparents, and unfortunately, they were not here; they died a few years ago," he said. "They were everything for me, for my life. I also cried because my mum didn't manage to be here because of the visa."
A reporter of China Global Television Network (CGTN) met with the mother and brother of Vozinha in Mindelo hours before she boarded her flight to the United States to watch her son compete in the World Cup.
"There are no words to explain it. I can't even describe it. I don't even know how to put this feeling into words. I'm bursting with joy, and at the same time, I feel something deep inside me, a happiness that comes from within. He knows it, the whole world knows it, and all of Cape Verde knows it. Oh god, I can feel it. I just want to give him a big, tight hug. I feel anxious inside. But above all, I'm happy. I'm grateful for this experience and I'm here to support Cape Verde and support my son," said Ana Evora, Vozinha's mother.
"Everything has changed, even for our country. Cape Verde and the Cape Verde people are now seen in a different light. More opportunities have opened up for us. And when it comes to him, what can I say? The last time I looked, he had already reached 12 million followers. There is no question that his life has changed. That much is undeniable," said Davidson Evora, Vozinha's brother.
Facing one of the tournament favorites, Vozinha produced a series of saves that frustrated Spain, the reigning European champion, and secured the first World Cup point in Cape Verde's history. The result was celebrated across the Atlantic archipelago and among Cape Verde communities abroad.
Vozinha has spent more than a decade guarding the national team's goal. He was already an established international when many of his teammates were beginning their careers, becoming a symbol of continuity as Cape Verde gradually strengthened its place in African football.
Mother of Cape Verde's heroic goalkeeper expresses pride in her son
