30-7-2019 BOTANICO ATLANTICO GIJON, ASTURIAS - EUROPEAN PEACOCK BUTTERFLY (Aglais io)

30-7-2019 TACONES, ASTURIAS - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (JUVENILE) (Larus michahellis)

The yellow-legged gull is a large gull, though the size does vary, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a common gull and the largest males being roughly the size of a great black-backed gull. They range in length from 52 to 68 cm (20 to 27 in) in total length, from 120 to 155 cm (47 to 61 in) in wingspan and from 550 to 1,600 g (1.21 to 3.53 lb) in weight. Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 40.8 to 47.2 cm (16.1 to 18.6 in), the bill is 4.6 to 6 cm (1.8 to 2.4 in) and the tarsus is 5.6 to 7.5 cm (2.2 to 3.0 in). Adults are externally similar to herring gulls but have yellow legs. They have a grey back, slightly darker than herring gulls but lighter than lesser black-backed gulls. They are much whiter-headed in autumn, and have more extensively black wing tips with few white spots, just as lesser black-backed. They have a red spot on the bill as adults, like the entire complex. There is a red ring around the eye like in the lesser black-backed gull but unlike in the herring gull which has a dark yellow ring.

31-7-2019 SEGOVIA, ESPANA - BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus)

The booted eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus, is a medium-sized bird of prey, with a stature comparable to the common buzzard. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger, weighing approximately 840–1,025 grams, while males are lighter at 510–770 grams. The species measures around 40 cm in length and boasts a wingspan ranging from 110 to 132 cm. It is characterized by two distinct plumage morphs: a pale variant with light grey feathers and a darker head and flight feathers, and a darker morph with mid-brown plumage and dark grey flight feathers.

When identifying the booted eagle, look for the white markings on the wings, often referred to as "landing lights," which are visible when the bird is in flight. The pale morph is dominant, but the darker morph can be more prevalent in certain eastern populations. The call of the booted eagle is a distinctive shrill "kli-kli-kli."

The booted eagle favors wooded, often hilly landscapes with some open areas. It breeds in rocky, broken terrain but is adaptable during migration, utilizing a variety of habitats except dense forests.

This raptor has a wide distribution, breeding in southern Europe, North Africa, and across Asia, with a disjunct breeding population in southwestern Africa. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, while the southern African populations are sedentary.

The booted eagle is typically observed flying at low altitudes, making it quite conspicuous. It is often seen in pairs or as solitary individuals. The species is known for its sophisticated courtship rituals involving elaborate flight displays.

The booted eagle's vocalization is a piercing "kli-kli-kli," which can be heard during its flight.

Monogamous by nature, the booted eagle lays 1-2 eggs in a nest constructed from sticks and lined with green leaves, either in a tree or on a crag. The female incubates the eggs for about 45 days, while the male provides food. After hatching, the female continues to guard the nest and the young, with the male supplying all the nourishment until the chick fledges after 70-75 days.

The dark morph of the booted eagle may be confused with other local medium-sized birds of prey due to its coloration and size.

The booted eagle hunts small mammals, reptiles, and birds, often stooping from flight with wings folded and feet extended to capture its prey. In Southern Africa, birds are the most common prey, although frogs are also suggested to be an important dietary component elsewhere.

The booted eagle is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, there is a notable lack of research on this species, particularly the Southern African populations, which were only discovered in the 1980s. Changes in climate and human land use may influence migration patterns, underscoring the need for further study to understand the ecology and conservation status of this species.

30-7-2019 BOTANICO ATLANTICO GIJON, ASTURIAS - BEAUTIFUL DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (MALE) (Calopteryx virgo)

The beautiful demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) is a species of damselfly belonging to the family Calopterygidae. It is found in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is often found along fast-flowing waters.

Females can lay up to 300 eggs at a time on floating plants, such as water-crowfoot. Like the banded demoiselle, they often submerge underwater to do so, and the eggs hatch around 14 days later. The larvae are stick-shaped and have long legs. They develop over a period of two years in submerged vegetation, plant debris, or roots. They usually overwinter in mud or slime.

The larvae of the beautiful demoiselle develop over 10 to 12 stages, each of which ends with a moult. The body length varies and depends on environmental conditions. In the final stage (F-0-stage), larvae are 3.5–4.6 millimetres long and weigh about 4 milligrams, slightly smaller than those of the banded demoiselle. The larvae of the beautiful demoiselle can be recognized by the bristles of the gills on their abdomen.

The body of the larvae shows only a relatively small adjustment to the fast-flowing waters of their habitat. The body is not flattened, but it is very slim, and the legs are long and end with strong claws. Because they reside within the water, and mainly in quiet areas, the danger of being swept by the flow is relatively low. If this happens, they stretch out to grab onto passing vegetation or substrate.

30-7-2019 BOTANICO ATLANTICO GIJON, ASTURIAS - EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

The European robin (Erithacus rubecula), known simply as the robin or robin redbreast in Great Britain and Ireland, is a small insectivorous passerine bird, a member of the chat subfamily of the Old World flycatcher family. It is a plucky little bird, with a length of about 12.5–14.0 cm and a weight of 16–22 g. Both sexes are similarly adorned with an orange breast and face, lined with grey, brown upper-parts, and a whitish belly.

Adult robins can be identified by their orange breast and face, bordered by a bluish-grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly is whitish. The bill and eyes are black. Juvenile robins are distinguishable by their spotted brown and white plumage, with patches of orange gradually appearing as they mature.

The European robin is a bird of diverse habitats, found in woodlands, gardens, and parks across its range. It is particularly associated with areas where the soil is dug or disturbed, allowing it easy access to its invertebrate prey.

This bird has a wide distribution across Europe, extending east to Western Siberia and south to North Africa. It is sedentary in most of its range except the far north, where it is migratory.

The robin is diurnal and is known for its boldness in human presence, often seen investigating gardeners at work. It is territorial, with males known to fiercely defend their territory. The robin's diet is primarily composed of insects and worms, but it will also consume berries and fruit, especially in autumn and winter.

The robin's song is a delightful fluting warble, more plaintive during the winter months. Both sexes sing, with the male's song typically starting before dawn and ending after dusk. Urban robins may sing at night, possibly to avoid noise pollution during the day.

Robins are versatile in their choice of nesting sites, often opting for unusual locations such as nooks in machinery or even discarded clothing. They typically lay two or three clutches of eggs per season, with the eggs being cream, buff, or white and speckled with reddish-brown.

The European robin is unique among the Erithacus genus, with its closest relatives being the Japanese robin and the Ryukyu robin, which are now placed in a different genus.

Robins primarily feed on insects, spiders, and worms. During colder months, their diet is supplemented with berries and fruit. They are also known to visit bird tables for seed mixtures and suet.

The European robin is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable and possibly increasing population. It does not face any significant threats that would warrant concern for its long-term survival.

30-7-2019 TAZONES, ASTURIAS - LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus)

The lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) is a large gull, distinguishable by its size and the coloration of its plumage. It is smaller than the European herring gull and exhibits a range of mantle colors across its subspecies, from dark grey to jet black.

Adult lesser black-backed gulls have yellow legs and a yellow bill with a red spot. Their wings and back are either black or dark grey, depending on the subspecies. In winter, the head becomes greyer. Juveniles display scaly black-brown upperparts and a distinctive wing pattern. They can be differentiated from juvenile herring gulls by their darker, unbarred tertial feathers.

This species is found along coasts and lakes, where it breeds and feeds. It has adapted to urban environments in some cities, nesting alongside herring gulls.

The lesser black-backed gull breeds on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and is migratory, wintering from the British Isles to West Africa. It has expanded its range to North America, particularly along the east coast, where it is now present year-round in increasing numbers.

These gulls are social birds, breeding colonially. They exhibit a fixed action pattern during feeding, where the young peck at the red spot on the adult's bill to induce regurgitation.

30-7-2019 ISABEL CATOLICA PARQUE GIJON, ASTURIAS - CAPE BARREN GOOSE (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)

The Cape Barren goose, known scientifically as Cereopsis novaehollandiae and colloquially as the pig goose, is a large, predominantly terrestrial bird endemic to southern Australia. It is a unique species within the Anserinae subfamily, not closely related to other geese.

Adults are robust, measuring 75–100 cm in length and weighing 3.7–5.2 kg, with males typically larger than females. Their plumage is primarily pale grey with a brownish hue. The head is small relative to the body, with a distinctive pale whitish patch on the forehead and crown. The bill is short, black, and triangular, featuring a prominent pale yellow-green cere. The breast and back feathers have pale edges, while the wings have brownish grey spots near the tips of the upperwing coverts and scapular feathers. Flight feathers are grey with black tips, and the tail feathers are black. Legs are pink with black feet.

The Cape Barren goose thrives on grassy islands off the Australian coast, where it nests on the ground. It is well-adapted to captivity, breeding successfully in large paddocks.

This species has a strong presence on various "Goose Islands" named by 19th-century explorers. It has also been introduced to areas near Christchurch, New Zealand, and Maria Island in 1968, where populations continue to exist.

The Cape Barren goose is a ground-dweller, grazing on a variety of grasses, sedges, legumes, herbs, and succulents. It is monogamous, often mating for life, and performs a 'triumph ceremony' post-mating. Breeding occurs in winter, with pairs establishing territories in autumn. They can drink salt and brackish water, enabling year-round island habitation.

Males emit a rapid, high-pitched honking, especially during takeoff or flight. Both sexes produce low, pig-like grunts and hisses when alarmed. Goslings make whistling distress calls.

Pairs may nest singly or in colonies, with nests made of vegetation and down. Females lay 4-5 creamy white eggs, incubated solely by the female for 34-37 days. Both parents care for the young.

Their diet includes Poa poiformis, Disphyma australe, Myoporum insulare, and species of Trifolium and Juncus.

The Cape Barren goose is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a previous decline in numbers now reversed in the east due to adaptation to agricultural land.

29-7-2019 ISABEL CATOLICA PARQUE GIJON, ASTURIAS - RED BREASTED GOOSE (branta ruficollis)

The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) is a small, vibrantly marked member of the Branta genus, easily distinguished by its contrasting plumage. This Eurasian species is the most diminutive of its genus, measuring a mere 53–56 cm in length. Its striking appearance is characterized by a dark sooty back, a rich red breast, and white facial markings, which, despite their brightness, can be surprisingly elusive against a flock of Brant Geese, especially at a distance where the red may appear darker.

Upon sighting, one should note the Red-breasted Goose's unique coloration. The bird's black head is adorned with a white patch, and the red on the breast is a key identifier. The white on the flanks and the black tail with white undertones are also distinctive. When amongst other geese, particularly the Brant Goose, look for the smaller size and the unique red, white, and black patterning to confirm identification.

The Red-breasted Goose favors Arctic tundra during its breeding season, often nesting in close proximity to birds of prey for protection against predators.

Breeding occurs in Arctic Siberia, with a preference for the Taymyr, Gyda, and Yamal peninsulas. Come winter, the geese migrate to the northwestern shores of the Black Sea, predominantly in Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine, with some extending to Azerbaijan. Vagrants have been spotted in Ireland and other parts of western Europe.

 

This species exhibits a fascinating symbiotic relationship with birds of prey, nesting near their eyries for safety from predators like the Arctic fox. The Red-breasted Goose's nesting strategy involves both open and cryptic nest sites, with the latter being more concealed than those of their raptor neighbors. The geese show a preference for nesting near birds of prey over river islands, despite the latter also offering protection. The size of colonies is influenced by the availability of food, the density of birds of prey, and the location of the nest.

The calls of the Red-breasted Goose are described as "ki-kui" or "ki-yik," which are high-pitched, shrill, and staccato in nature.

During the winter months, the Red-breasted Goose feeds on grasses, leaves, and seeds. The geese's diet is influenced by their wintering habitats, which are subject to change due to land use.

The Red-breasted Goose is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The population is subject to fluctuations, with estimates in the autumn of 1997 around 88,000 individuals, which can decrease to about 70,000 in winter. The species faces threats from habitat changes due to land use, as well as from the construction of wind turbines in critical wintering sites. Conservation efforts include habitat improvement projects and satellite tracking to better understand migration patterns. The species is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

28-7-2019 VILLAVICIOSA, ASTURIAS - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (JUVENILE) (Saxicola rubicola)

28-7-2019 MERIYON, ASTURIAS - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

The speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) is a butterfly found in and on the borders of woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic realm. The species is subdivided into multiple subspecies, including Pararge aegeria aegeria, Pararge aegeria tircis, Pararge aegeria oblita, and Pararge aegeria insula. The color of this butterfly varies between subspecies. The existence of these subspecies is due to variation in morphology down a gradient corresponding to a geographic cline. 

The background of the wings ranges from brown to orange, and the spots are either pale yellow, white, cream, or a tawny orange. The speckled wood feeds on a variety of grass species. The males of this species exhibit two types of mate locating behaviors: territorial defense and patrolling. The proportion of males exhibiting these two strategies changes based on ecological conditions. The monandrous female must choose which type of male can help her reproduce successfully. Her decision is heavily influenced by environmental conditions.

28-7-2019 VILLAVICIOSA, ASTURIAS - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola)

The European stonechat, Saxicola rubicola, is a small, charming passerine bird, once thought to be a member of the thrush family but now placed within the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. This species exhibits a striking sexual dimorphism, with males donning a black plumage with vibrant orange throats and females wearing a more subdued brown.

Males in their summer plumage are unmistakable with their black heads, orange throats, and white bellies. They also sport a distinctive white half-collar and small white patches on the wings and rump. Females, on the other hand, are predominantly brown with less pronounced white wing patches. Both sexes have notably short wings, which are shorter than those of their migratory relatives.

The European stonechat favors heathlands, coastal dunes, and open grasslands dotted with shrubs, brambles, and heather. These habitats provide the perfect backdrop for their active foraging and breeding behaviors.

This species is widely distributed across Europe, reaching as far east as Ukraine and the South Caucasus, and can also be found in parts of North Africa.

Stonechats are known for their lively presence, often perching conspicuously as they keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings. They exhibit a partial migratory pattern, with some populations moving southward to escape the colder winters.

The male stonechat's song is a delightful, high-pitched twitter, reminiscent of a dunnock's melody. Both sexes communicate with a distinctive call that evokes the sound of two stones being tapped together.

European stonechats are monogamous during the breeding season and commence their reproductive efforts at one year of age. They raise two to three broods per season, with the female constructing the nest and both parents tending to the young.

28-7-2019 VILLAVICIOSA, ASTURIAS - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (JUVENILE) (Gallinula chloropus)

The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), also known as the waterhen or swamp chicken, is a bird species in the rail family (Rallidae). It is distributed across many parts of the Old World.

The common moorhen lives around well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and other wetlands. The species is not found in the polar regions or many tropical rainforests. Elsewhere it is likely the most common rail species, except for the Eurasian coot in some regions.

The closely related common gallinule of the New World has been recognized as a separate species by most authorities, starting with the American Ornithologists' Union and the International Ornithological Committee in 2011.

The moorhen is a distinctive species, with predominantly black and brown plumage, with the exception of a white under-tail, white streaks on the flanks, yellow legs and a red frontal shield. The bill is red with a yellow tip. The young are browner and lack the red shield. The frontal shield of the adult has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides; the tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is a smooth waving line. In the related common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) of the Americas, the frontal shield has a fairly straight top and is less wide towards the bill, giving a marked indentation to the back margin of the red area.

The common moorhen gives a wide range of gargling calls and will emit loud hisses when threatened. A midsized to large rail, it can range from 30 to 38 cm (12 to 15 in) in length and span 50 to 62 cm (20 to 24 in) across the wings. The body mass of this species can range from 192 to 500 g (6.8 to 17.6 oz).

This is a common breeding and resident bird in marsh environments, rivers, well-vegetated lakes and even in city parks. Populations in areas where the waters freeze, such as eastern Europe, will migrate to more temperate climates. In China, common moorhen populations are largely resident south of the Yangtze River, whilst northern populations migrate in the winter, therefore these populations show high genetic diversity.

This species will consume a wide variety of vegetable material and small aquatic creatures. They forage beside or in the water, sometimes walking on lilypads or upending in the water to feed. They are often secretive, but can become tame in some areas. Despite loss of habitat in parts of its range, the common moorhen remains plentiful and widespread.

28-7-2019 VILLAVICIOSA, ASTURIAS - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

The Black-winged Stilt has a wide range, extending across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some populations migrate to coastal regions in winter, while others in milder climates may remain resident or engage in short-range movements.

Black-winged Stilts are often seen foraging in shallow waters, gracefully picking insects and crustaceans from the surface. They are known to nest in small groups, sometimes alongside avocets, and exhibit a variety of courtship behaviors, including intricate displays and duets.

The flight call of the Black-winged Stilt is a sharp and clear kleek, typically heard during its aerial maneuvers.

Nests are simple bare spots on the ground near water. These birds are communal nesters and may breed in loose colonies. They have been known to breed as far north as Britain, with recent successful breeding events recorded in Southern and Northern England.

The Black-winged Stilt can be confused with other stilt species, such as the Black-necked Stilt (H. mexicanus) in the Americas, the White-backed Stilt (H. melanurus), and the Pied Stilt (H. leucocephalus) in Australasia and New Zealand.

Their diet consists mainly of insects and crustaceans, which they deftly pick from the water's surface or from wet sand.

28-7-2019 VILLAVICIOSA, ASTURIAS - BLACK WINGED STILT (JUVENILE) (Himantopus himantopus)

Striking large black-and-white wader with a thin, straight bill and bright pink legs, found in wetlands with open shallow water throughout much of Africa and Eurasia, often in brackish habitats. Some populations are migratory, departing northerly breeding grounds for warmer southern regions. Often forms noisy colonies on bare ground near water. Essentially unmistakable throughout much of its range, but compare with Pied Stilt in parts of Southeast Asia. Feeds by wading in water, picking from the water surface with its needle-like bill. In flight, long pink legs stick out far beyond the tail. Calls loudly and stridently, especially when alarmed during the breeding season.

The black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a widely distributed, very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family Recurvirostridae. Its scientific name, Himantopus himantopus, is sometimes used to generalize a single, almost cosmopolitan species. Alternatively, it is restricted to the form that is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa, which equals the nominate group of H. himantopus sensu lato. Meanwhile, the black-necked (H. mexicanus) and white-backed stilts (H. melanurus) both inhabit the Americas; the pied stilt (H. leucocephalus) ranges from Australasia and New Zealand. Today, most sources accept between one and four actual species. The taxonomic name Himantopus comes from Greek, meaning "strap-foot" or "thong-foot".

27-7-2019 COVADONGA, ASTURIAS - BLACK KNAPWEED (Centaurea nigra)

Centaurea nigra is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, and is also known as lesser knapweed, common knapweed, black knapweed and bell weed.

It is native to central Europe, and has been introduced to temperate North America and Australasia, where it is usually regarded as a noxious weed due to its fast spread, hardiness and competitive potential.

Centaurea nigra is an upright herbaceous perennial growing up to c. 1 m (3.3 ft) in height. It produces spreading rhizomes.

C. nigra initially produces a basal rosette of leaves, which are usually entire and up to 30 cm long (11.8 in). Once the rosette is fully formed, it produces upright stems before eventually dying away. These upright stems turn purple when mature. The leaves on these stems are smaller, 1-8 mm x 2-10 mm, usually entire, grey-green and roughly hairy.

The inflorescence is globe-shaped, 10-20 mm x 30-40 mm, and contains small purple to reddish flowers that are fringed by black or dark brown bracts.

The fruit (seeds) are a light brown flattened ovoid 3-4 mm long, topped with short bristles c. 1 mm. In its native range, flowering occurs in summer to autumn from June-July until September.

27-7-2019 CANGAS DE ONIS, ASTURIAS - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small, elegant passerine bird, a member of the family Motacillidae, which includes pipits and longclaws. This slender bird measures between 16.5 to 19 cm in length, with East Asian subspecies reaching up to 21 cm. It is characterized by its long, constantly wagging tail, a behavior that has become synonymous with the genus. Weighing an average of 25 g, the White Wagtail can live up to 12 years in the wild.

Adult White Wagtails exhibit a distinctive plumage with a combination of grey, black, and white. The bird's upper parts are generally grey, with a white face, belly, and breast. Males during the breeding season may show a darker back, and the species is known for its sharp, brisk call and more melodious song during courtship.

The White Wagtail is commonly found in open country, often in close proximity to human habitation and water sources. It shows a preference for bare areas which facilitate the sighting and pursuit of prey. This bird has adapted well to urban environments, utilizing paved areas such as parking lots for foraging.

This species has a vast breeding range across Europe, the Asian Palearctic, parts of North Africa, and has a presence in Alaska. It is a migratory bird, with populations moving to Africa and parts of Asia during the winter. In Great Britain and Ireland, the darker subspecies known as the Pied Wagtail is more prevalent.

The White Wagtail is known for its perpetual tail wagging, a behavior that remains somewhat enigmatic but is thought to be a signal of vigilance to predators. It is a monogamous bird that defends its breeding territory with determination.

The call of the White Wagtail is a sharp "chisick," softer than that of the Pied Wagtail. Its song is more structured and is used by males to attract females rather than to mark territory.

White Wagtails are monogamous breeders, with both sexes contributing to nest building. The nest is often placed in crevices or holes near water or in human-made structures. The species lays three to eight cream-colored, speckled eggs, which both parents incubate. Chicks fledge after 12 to 15 days and continue to be fed for a week thereafter.

The diet of the White Wagtail primarily consists of insects and small invertebrates, including beetles, dragonflies, flies, and crustaceans. It continues to feed on insects even in winter, unlike many other insectivorous birds in temperate climates.

25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE Y LEON - DARKLING BEETLE (Akis salzei)

Akis salzei is a valid species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae). 

Key facts about Akis salzei:

Classification: It belongs to the order Coleoptera (beetles), family Tenebrionidae, and genus Akis.

Identification: The species was first described by Solier in 1837. It is a distinct species within its genus, separated from other species like A. bacarozzo and A. hispanica.

Observations: Records and information regarding its specific characteristics, habitat, and diet are limited in the provided sources, with only a few observations noted on platforms like iNaturalist. Generally, darkling beetles are diverse in their habitats and diets, often acting as decomposers in various environments including on the ground, in rotting wood, or in carrion.

Distribution: Information on the specific distribution area of A. salzei is not detailed in the snippets, though research has confirmed its status as a valid species through the study of specimens from its distribution area. 

25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE Y LEON - GUADARRAMA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis guadarramae)

Podarcis guadarramae is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is found in Spain and Portugal. 

The Guadarrama Wall Lizard is specialized on the granite rock substrates of western-central Iberia. No granite rocks - no Podarcis guadarramae! It mainly occurs in the mountain ranges of the Sistema Central - from Sierra del Alto Rey (Guadalajara) in the east to Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra de Gredos and Peña de Francia. For distribution range see map at Podarcis hispanicus.

Podarcis guadarramae differs from the neighbouring Iberian Podarcis species by its flattened head and elongated snout. 

25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE AND LEON - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

The black redstart is a small, robin-sized bird with a distinctive red tail, though it is dark-plumaged like a robin. Males are dark grey to black with a black face and throat, while females are grey-brown. This species thrives in both uplands and urban environments, and is a skilled hunter that feeds on insects, spiders, and seeds.

Identification Size: About \(14\) cm (5.5 inches) long, similar to a robin.Male plumage: Mostly dark grey to black on the upperparts with a black face and throat. They have a bright red tail, and males of some subspecies have a white panel on the wings.Female plumage: Grey-brown overall, with a red tail.Tail: Both sexes have a red tail that they often flick, especially the males.

Habitat and behavior Habitat: It can be found in mountainous terrain, but has adapted to urban and industrial areas in central Europe, using buildings as a replacement for cliffs.

Terrestrial habits: It is a very terrestrial bird, often seen hopping on the ground, rocky outcrops, walls, and rooftops.Song: Sings from high perches, like the tops of houses or bushes, and has a song described as starting with a grating sound followed by rapid repetition of a note. 

Diet Primary food: Feeds mainly on insects, including flying ones, which it catches in the air or on the ground, along with spiders.Other foods: It also eats worms, snails, seeds, and berries, especially in late summer and autumn. 

Nesting and reproduction Breeding season: April to July in southern Europe.Clutch size: Lays \(5\) to \(6\) eggs.Incubation: The eggs are incubated for \(13\) to \(17\) days.

Nestlings: Young birds are helpless and blind when they hatch. 

25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE AND LEON - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (FEMALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

The Common Blackbird is territorial, especially during breeding season, with males displaying distinctive threat behaviors to ward off rivals. Outside of breeding season, they can be more sociable, often forming small flocks. The species is known for its adaptability to urban environments, where it may overwinter more readily than in rural settings.

The male's song is a melodious and fluted warble, often heard from elevated perches during the breeding season. The Common Blackbird also has a repertoire of calls including a sharp "seee" when agitated and a "pook-pook-pook" to signal ground predators.

25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE AND LEON - VIPERINE WATER SNAKE (Natrix maura)

The viperine water snake or viperine snake (Natrix maura) is a semiaquatic, fish-eating natricine water snake. Despite its common names, it is not a member of the subfamily Viperinae. It was given its common names due to exhibiting a dorsal colour pattern that superficially resembles that of sympatric adder species. In comparison to other Natrix species its head is also somewhat wider and more distinct from the neck. Like most members of the Natricinae it possesses a venom gland on each side of the upper jaw (Duvernoy's gland) that produces a mild venom that may play a role in swallowing or digestion. The gland is not associated with an enlarged specialized tooth and the venom has to be applied by chewing. The species usually does not bite as a means of defense, and the effect of a bite would be harmless to humans.

The viperine snake looks like an adder and occasionally behaves like one. It is known to strike like an adder, but not to bite. It spends most of its time in water hunting fish, frogs and other aquatic animals. The species is diurnal.

Fossils of the viperine snake are known from El Chaparral, a fossil site in Villaluenga del Rosario that dates back to the latter part of the Early Pleistocene.

The viperine snake is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Specifically, N. maura is found in the European countries of Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France, northwestern Italy, and Switzerland. It has spread to areas of England, as well[citation needed]. It is found in African countries of Morocco, northern Algeria, northwestern Libya, and northern to central Tunisia. It was introduced to Mallorca in the Baleares (not indicated on the distribution map).

N. maura is grey, brown, or reddish dorsally, with a black zigzag vertebral stripe, and lateral series of black ocelli with yellow centers. The labials are yellow with black sutures. It has a diagonal dark band on each temple, and another behind it on each side of the neck. Ventrally, it is yellow or red, checkered with black, or all black. The strongly keeled dorsal scales are arranged in 21 rows. The ventrals are 147–160; the anal plate is divided; and the paired subcaudals number 47–72. Adults may attain a total length of 85 cm (33 inches), with a tail 17 cm (7 inches) long.

The viperine snake is found in rivers and lakes, and has also been recorded from areas of brackish water.

The species is invasive on Mallorca. N. maura predates on Pelophylax perezi among other prey on Mallorca. Research by Moore et al. 2004 suggests trophic subsidy provided by P. perezi is maintaining higher numbers of the invader than would otherwise occur. N. maura has altered the behavior of Mallorcan prey. Moore et al. 2004 found that the higher numbers mentioned above are allowing the invader to exert such high pressure that prey species such as the Majorcan midwife toad (Alytes muletensis) have retreated entirely to habitats too steep for N. maura.

30-5-2019 VICTORIA FALLS , ZAMBIA - TRUMPETER HORNBILL (Bycanistes bucinator)

The trumpeter hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator) is a medium-sized hornbill, with length between 58 and 65 cm (23 and 26 in), characterized by a large grey casque on the bill, smaller in females. The eyes are brown or red, with pink surrounding skin. Body mass is between 0.45 and 1 kg (0.99 and 2.20 lb).[2] It is similar to silvery-cheeked hornbill. Distinguishing features include an all-black back, white belly and white underwing coverts (in flight, wings present white tips), and red facial skin.

The trumpeter hornbill is a gregarious bird, usually living in groups of two to five individuals, although sometimes as many as fifty. This hornbill is a locally common resident of the tropical evergreen forests of Burundi, Mozambique, Botswana, Congo, North Pare Mountains of Tanzania, Kenya, the Caprivi strip of Namibia and eastern South Africa, where it feeds on fruits and large insects. Like other hornbills, the females incubate four to five white eggs while sealed in the nest compartment.

30-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - WHITE FRONTED BEE-EATER (Merops bullockoides)

The White-fronted Bee-eater, known scientifically as Merops bullockoides, is a vibrant and slender bird adorned with a striking black mask and a white forehead. Its square tail and bright red throat patch are distinctive features. Measuring at 23 cm in length, the bird's upperparts are a lush green, while its underparts boast a warm cinnamon hue. Its call is a resonant, deep squeak that carries through the air.

To identify the White-fronted Bee-eater, look for its unique combination of colors: a black mask, white forehead, green upperparts, and cinnamon underparts. The square tail and bright red throat patch are also key identifiers. Listen for its deep squeaking call as a helpful auditory clue.

This species thrives in the open savannahs of sub-equatorial Africa, often found near gullies where their insect prey, particularly bees, are abundant.

The White-fronted Bee-eater is widely distributed across the savannah regions of sub-equatorial Africa, where it is a common sight in its preferred habitat.

The White-fronted Bee-eater exhibits a complex social structure, nesting in colonies that can average around 200 individuals. These colonies are not just for breeding but also serve as a communal space for roosting and socializing. The birds demonstrate cooperative breeding, with non-breeding individuals acting as helpers to their kin, significantly increasing the success rate of raising young.

The White-fronted Bee-eater is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss at a global scale.

The diet of the White-fronted Bee-eater primarily consists of bees, but it also includes other flying insects, depending on seasonal availability. They employ two hunting strategies: making swift hawking flights from lower branches or gliding down from perches to hover momentarily before snatching their prey mid-flight.