13-11-2016 SAGAING,MYANMAR - COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis)

The Common myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a tropical bird with a strong territorial instinct, which has adapted extremely well to urban environments. The range of the Common myna is increasing at such a rapid rate that in 2000 the IUCN Species Survival Commission declared it one of the world's most invasive species and one of only three birds listed among "100 of the World's Worst Invasive Species" that pose a threat to biodiversity, agriculture, and human interests.

Common mynas can be recognized by their brown body, black hooded head, and the bare yellow patch behind the eye. Their bill and legs are bright yellow. There is a white patch on the outer primaries and the wing lining on the underside is white. The male and female look similar and are usually seen in pairs.

Common mynas are native to Asia with their home range spanning from Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka; as well as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Myanmar, to Malaysia, Singapore, peninsular Thailand, Indo-China, Japan (both mainland Japan and the Ryukyu Islands) and China. These birds are typically found in a wide range of habitats with access to water; they inhabit open woodland, mangroves, grasslands, farmlands, orchards, and urban areas.

13-11-2016 SAGAING,MYANMAR - PLAIN TIGER BUTTERFLY (Danaus chrysippus)

Danaus chrysippus, also known as the plain tiger, African queen, or African monarch, is a medium-sized butterfly widespread in Asia, Australia and Africa. It belongs to the Danainae subfamily of the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. Danainae primarily consume plants in the genus Asclepias, more commonly called milkweed. Milkweed contains toxic compounds, cardenolides, which are often consumed and stored by many butterflies. Because of their emetic properties, the plain tiger is unpalatable to most predators. As a result, its colouration is widely mimicked by other species of butterflies. The plain tiger inhabits a wide variety of habitats, although it is less likely to thrive in jungle-like conditions and is most often found in drier, wide-open areas.

The plain tiger is believed to be one of the first butterflies depicted in art. A 3,500-year-old ancient Egyptian fresco in Luxor features the oldest known illustration of this species.

21-11-2016 PYAY, MYANMAR - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

The barn swallow is a bird of open country that normally nests in man-made structures and consequently has spread with human expansion. It builds a cup nest from mud pellets in barns or similar structures and feeds on insects caught in flight. This species lives in close association with humans, and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by humans; this acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest. There are frequent cultural references to the barn swallow in literary and religious works due to both its living in close proximity to humans and its annual migration. The barn swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia. 

20-11-2016 PYAY, MYANMAR - COMMON SAILOR BUTTERFLY (Neptis hylas)

Neptis hylas, the common sailor, is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in the Indian subcontinent and southeast Asia. It has a characteristic stiff gliding flight achieved by short and shallow wingbeats just above the horizontal

Located throughout continental India; Sri Lanka; Assam; Nepal; Myanmar (Tenasserim), extending to China and Indomalaya.

20-11-2016 PYAY, MYANMAR - GREEN MARSH HAWK DRAGONFLY (Orthetrum sabina)

It is a medium-sized dragonfly with a wingspan of 60-85mm. Adults are greyish to greenish yellow with black and pale markings and green eyes. Its abdomen is greenish-yellow, marked with black. It is very similar to Orthetrum serapia in appearance, with both species appearing in northern Australia. Pale markings on segment four of the abdomen do not extend into the posterior section when viewed from above on Orthetrum sabina. Females are similar to males in shape, colour and size; differing only in sexual characteristics. This dragonfly perches motionless on shrubs and dry twigs for long periods. It preys voraciously on smaller butterflies and dragonflies.

Orthetrum sabina (Slender Skimmer or Green Mash Hawk) has one of the largest geographical ranges of all species found in Europe: it can be found in south-east Europe, north Africa and most of subtropical and tropical Asia, all the way to Australia and Micronesia.

It is a medium-sized dragonfly with a wingspan of 60-85mm. Adults are greyish to greenish yellow with black and pale markings and green eyes. Its abdomen is greenish-yellow, marked with black. It is very similar to Orthetrum serapia in appearance, with both species appearing in northern Australia. Pale markings on segment four of the abdomen do not extend into the posterior section when viewed from above on Orthetrum sabina. Females are similar to males in shape, colour and size; differing only in sexual characteristics. This dragonfly perches motionless on shrubs and dry twigs for long periods. It preys voraciously on smaller butterflies and dragonflies.

Orthetrum sabina (Slender Skimmer or Green Mash Hawk) has one of the largest geographical ranges of all species found in Europe: it can be found in south-east Europe, north Africa and most of subtropical and tropical Asia, all the way to Australia and Micronesia.

Slender Skimmer (Orthetrum sabina), also known as the Green Marsh Hawk, is a captivating species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. 

Description: The Slender Skimmer has a medium-sized body with a wingspan ranging from 60 to 85 mm. Its coloration varies from grayish to greenish-yellow, adorned with black and pale markings. The striking green eyes add to its allure. Notably, it closely resembles another species, Orthetrum serapia, especially in northern Australia. However, one distinguishing feature is that the pale markings on segment four of the abdomen do not extend into the posterior section when viewed from above in Orthetrum sabina.

Habitat and Behavior: Slender Skimmers are often seen perching motionless on shrubs and dry twigs. During these moments, they actively hunt smaller butterflies and other dragonflies. Imagine encountering this poised creature in its natural habitat!

Orthetrum sabina’s presence adds to the rich biodiversity of our planet, and your passion for wildlife photography and conservation efforts is commendable! Keep capturing the beauty of nature and inspiring others to protect our environment.

20-11-2016 PYAY, MYANMAR - CANNONBALL TREE FLOWER (Couroupita guianensis)

Couroupita guianensis, known by a variety of common names including cannonball tree, is a deciduous tree in the flowering plant family Lecythidaceae. It is native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, and it is cultivated in many other tropical areas throughout the world because of its fragrant flowers and large fruits, which are brownish grey. There are potential medicinal uses for many parts of Couroupita guianensis, and the tree has cultural and religious significance in South and Southeast Asia. In Sri Lanka and India, the cannonball tree has been widely misidentified as the Sal tree (Shorea robusta), after its introduction to the island by the British in 1881, and has been included as a common item in Buddhist temples as a result.

Couroupita guianensis is a tree that reaches heights of up to 35 m (110 ft). The leaves, which occur in clusters at the ends of branches, are usually 8 to 31 centimeters (3 to 12 inches) long, but can reach lengths of up to 57 cm (22 in).

The flowers are borne in racemes up to 80 cm (31 in) long formed directly from the tree's trunk. They are considered an extreme example of cauliflory named flagelliflory.[according to whom?][citation needed] Some trees flower profusely until the entire trunk is covered with racemes. One tree can hold as many as 1000 flowers per day. The flowers are strongly scented, and are especially fragrant at night[8] and in the early morning. They are up to 6 cm (2.4 in) in diameter, with six petals, and are typically brightly colored, with the petals ranging from shades of pink and red near the bases to yellowish toward the tips. There are two areas of stamens: a ring of stamens at the center, and an arrangement of stamens that have been modified into a hood.

The fruits are spherical with a woody shell and reach diameters of up to 25 cm (9.8 in), giving the species the common name "cannonball tree". Smaller fruits may contain about 65 seeds, while large ones can hold as many as 550. One tree can bear 150 fruits. The fruits take up to a year to mature in most areas, sometimes as long as 18 months. The fruit flesh is white and turns blue upon oxidation, a reaction with air.

The tree was named Couroupita guianensis by the French botanist Jean Baptiste Christophore Fusée Aublet in 1775.

The Latin specific epithet guianensis means "of the Guianas" (an area of north eastern South America).

Although the flowers lack nectar, they are very attractive to bees, which come for the pollen. The flowers produce two types of pollen: fertile pollen from the ring stamens, and sterile pollen from the hood structure. The pollinators must work their way between the two areas of stamens as they gather the pollen. The carpenter bee Xylocopa brasilianorum is a common pollinator of cultivated trees in Rio de Janeiro, just outside the tree's native range. Other carpenter bees such as Xylocopa frontalis, as well as wasps, flower flies, and bumblebees, are also known to visit the flowers.

The seeds are dispersed by animals that feed on the fruits. When the fruits fall to the ground, the hard, woody shell usually cracks open, exposing the pulp and seeds. Fruits that remain whole may be broken open by animals such as peccaries. Many animals feed on the pulp and seeds, including peccaries, the paca, and domestic chickens and pigs. The seeds are covered with trichomes which may protect them as they pass through the animals' digestive systems.

Couroupita guianensis is planted as an ornamental for its showy, scented flowers, and as a botanical specimen for its fruit.

The fruit is edible but is not usually eaten by people because, in contrast to its intensely fragrant flowers, it can have an unpleasant smell.[

Parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine. It has been used to treat hypertension, tumors, pain, and inflammation, the common cold, stomachache, skin conditions and wounds, malaria, and toothache, although data on its efficacy are lacking.

The fruit and flowers are known to contain the chemical compounds indigotin and indirubin, the same blue dye compounds contained by the indigo plant (Indigofera tinctoria), and studies are being made of its possible use as a natural dye for fibers.

12-11-2016 MINGUN, MYANMAR - COMMON GULL BUTTERFLY (Cepora nerissa)

Cepora nerissa, the common gull, is a small to medium-sized butterfly of the family Pieridae, that is, the yellows and whites, which is native to Sri Lanka, India, China, southeast Asia, and Indonesia.

The species lives in the north-western Himalayas up to 4,000 feet (1,200 m); Nepal; Sikkim; Bhutan; Bengal: central, western, and southern India; Ceylon.

12-11-2016 MINGUN, MYANMAR - CHALKY PERCHER DRAGONFLY (Diplacodes trivialis)

Diplacodes trivialis is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae known as the chalky percher or ground skimmer. It is found in Seychelles, Oman, United Arab Emirates, China, Japan, India, Maldives and southwards to New Guinea and Australia.

Description and habitat

Diplacodes trivialis is small dragonfly with bluish eyes and greenish-yellow or olivaceous thorax and abdomen with black marks. In very old adults, the whole thorax and abdomen become uniform pruinosed blue. Clear wings, without apical or basal markings, and the creamy white anal appendages and deep pruinescence in adults help to distinguish this species from others in its genus. It breeds in ponds, wet rice fields, shallow lakes, drainage ditches and similar habitats. It is one of the most common dragonflies in Asia, found in both the plains and hills and in dry and wet areas.

12-11-2016 MINGUN, MYANMAR - LARGE BILLED CROW (Corvus macrorhynchos)

The large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos ), formerly referred to widely as the jungle crow, is a widespread Asian species of crow. It is very adaptable and is able to survive on a wide range of food sources, making it capable of colonizing new areas, due to which it is often considered a nuisance, especially on islands. It has a large bill, which is the source of its scientific name macrorhynchos (Ancient Greek for "large beak") and it is sometimes known by the common name thick-billed crow. It can also be mistaken for a common raven. Johann Georg Wagler first described the species from a holotype obtained from Java in the year 1827. The eastern jungle crow and Indian jungle crow were once considered conspecific and together called the jungle crow.

The overall size (length: 46–59 cm; 18–23 in.). Wingspan is (100-130 cm; 39-51  in.). Body proportions vary regionally. In the far northeast in Japan, the Kuriles and the Sakhalin peninsula, it is somewhat larger than the carrion crow. All taxa have a relatively long bill with the upper one quite thick and arched, making it look heavy and almost raven-like. Generally, all taxa have dark greyish plumage from the back of the head, neck, shoulders and lower body. Their wings, tail, face, and throat are glossy black. The depth of the grey shading varies across its range.

11-11-2016 MANDALAY, MYANMAR - EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer montanus)

The Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) is a passerine bird in the sparrow family with a rich chestnut crown and nape, and a black patch on each pure white cheek. The sexes are similarly plumaged, and young birds are a duller version of the adult. This sparrow breeds over most of temperate Eurasia and Southeast Asia, where it is known as the tree sparrow, and it has been introduced elsewhere including the United States, where it is known as the Eurasian tree sparrow or German sparrow to differentiate it from the native unrelated American tree sparrow. Although several subspecies are recognised, the appearance of this bird varies little across its extensive range.

The Eurasian tree sparrow's untidy nest is built in a natural cavity, a hole in a building or the disused nest of a European magpie or white stork. The typical clutch is five or six eggs which hatch in under two weeks. This sparrow feeds mainly on seeds, but invertebrates are also consumed, particularly during the breeding season. As with other small birds, infection by parasites and diseases, and predation by birds of prey take their toll, and the typical life span is about two years.

10-11-2016 MANDALAY, MYANMAR - RED VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus cafer)

The red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) is a member of the bulbul family of passerines. It is a resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka extending east to Burma and parts of Bhutan and Nepal. It has been introduced in many other parts of the world and has established itself in New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga and Fiji, as well as parts of Samoa, Australia, USA and Cook Islands. It is included in the list of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species.

This is a bird of dry scrub, open forest, plains and cultivated lands. In its native range it is rarely found in mature forests. A study based on 54 localities in India concluded that vegetation is the single most important factor that determines the distribution of the species.

Red-vented bulbuls were introduced into Fiji in 1903 by indentured labourers from India, becoming widespread. They were introduced to Tonga in 1943 and became common on Samoa by 1957. They became established on the Tongan islands of Tongatapu and Niuafo'ou. They were introduced into Melbourne around 1917 but were not seen after 1942. They established in Auckland in the 1950s but were exterminated and another wild population was detected and exterminated in 2006. In 2013 more were found, and authorities offered a $1000 reward for information that led to a bird's capture. They prefer dry lowland habitat in these regions. They were first observed breeding on the Canary Islands in 2018. They are considered as pests because of their habit of damaging fruit crops. Methiocarb and ziram have been used to protect cultivated Dendrobium orchids in Hawaii from damage by these birds; however, they learn to avoid the repellent chemicals. They can also disperse the seeds of invasive plants like Lantana camara and Miconia calvescens.

10-11-2016 MANDALAY, MYANMAR - COPPERSMITH BARBET (Psilopogon haemacephalus)

The Coppersmith barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) is an Asian barbet known for its metronomic call that sounds similar to a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer. These birds live in areas with woods where they can excavate holes to build their nests.

The Coppersmith barbet is green with a red head, yellow cheeks, and a yellow throat. Its underparts are streaked in grey and black. During the nesting season, the wear and tear on the feathers can cause the plumage of the upper back to appear bluish.

Coppersmith barbets are found in South and Southeast Asia. They inhabit gardens, groves, and sparse woodland. In northern India, they occur in the valleys of the outer Himalayas and are rare in northwestern Indian states and in wet forests in Assam.

Coppersmith barbet live singly or in small groups. They may sometimes gather in larger parties in abundantly fruiting Ficus trees. They are diurnal birds and can often be seen sunning in the morning on bare top branches of tall trees, often flitting about to sit next to each other. Their flight is straight, with rapid flaps. Coppersmith barbets roost at night in their nest holes; some birds roost alone in cavities and often roost during part of the day. Immatures roost with the parents but often return to roost early so as not to be prevented by the parents from entering the roost cavity. The call of Coppersmith barbets is a loud rather metallic 'tuk…tuk…tuk' (or 'tunk'). The beak remains shut during each call - a patch of bare skin on both sides of the throat inflates and collapses with each 'tuk' like a rubber bulb and the head is bobbed. During the winter Coppersmith barbets are silent and do not call.

Coppersmith barbets are monogamous and form pairs. Their breeding season takes place through much of the year and varies depending on location. It is mainly February to April in India and December to September in Sri Lanka. Males attract females by singing, puffing of the throat, bobbing of the head, flicking of the tail, ritual feeding, and allopreening. After the pair was formed, both partners excavate the nest on the underside of a narrow horizontal branch. They also roost inside the nest holes. The female lays 3-4 eggs and both parents incubate them for about 2 weeks. The checks hatch blind and helpless. They are fed and tended by both parents. The chicks fledge around 35 days after hatching and become independent. Coppersmith barbets often raise two broods in quick succession.

Coppersmith barbets are not threatened as of today but in urban areas, they suffer from collisions with buildings and pesticide poisoning.

11-11-2016 MANDALAY, MYANMAR - GREAT MYNA (Acridotheres grandis)

The great myna (Acridotheres grandis ), also known as the white-vented myna, is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in Northeast India, through Bangladesh to Southeast Asia.

It is black with elongated forehead feathers, forming a frontal crest that may curl backwards. Its beak and feet are yellow. It has white from the vent to the tip of the tail and a white wing patch.

A black myna with a spiffy crest. Not actually significantly larger than other dark crested mynas, but the combination of the bright yellow bill, prominent spiky crest, and white vent serve to distinguish it from other similar mynas. Forages in flocks in open areas such as meadows, agricultural fields, and urban parks and gardens, often with other species of mynas and starlings.

9-11-2016 MANDALAY, MYANMAR - BURMESE MYNA (Acridotheres burmannicus)

                               

The Burmese myna (Acridotheres burmannicus) is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in Myanmar and Yunnan, China.

The Burmese myna was considered conspecific with the vinous-breasted myna. Common names of the two split species were changed to "mynas" instead of "starlings" to match the genus.

Medium-sized starling of forest edge, agricultural fields, and open scrubby or grassy areas. Thin, black bandit’s mask, medium-gray back, grayish-pink chest, dark iris and bicolored orange-and-black bill. Pale gray rump, white tail tip and flashing white wing patches are most prominent in flight. Like many other starlings, typically encountered in pairs and flocks. Distinguished from Red-billed and Chestnut-tailed Starlings by its mask. Gives loud grating and chattering calls.

8-11-2016 MANDALAY, MYANMAR - AYEYARWADDY BULBUL (Pycnonotus blanfordi)

The Ayeyarwady bulbul (Pycnonotus blanfordi) is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is endemic to Myanmar. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Until 2016, the Ayeyarwady bulbul was considered to be conspecific with the streak-eared bulbul (now Pycnonotus conradi).

9-11-2016 MANDALAY, MYANMAR - BURMESE MYNA (Acridotheres burmannicus)

The Burmese myna (Acridotheres burmannicus) is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in Myanmar and Yunnan, China.

The Burmese myna was considered conspecific with the vinous-breasted myna. Common names of the two split species were changed to "mynas" instead of "starlings" to match the genus. 

Burmese Myna Lifestyle Info

The Burmese Myna, scientifically known as Acridotheres burmannicus, is a small to medium-sized bird that is native to Southeast Asia. It has a distinct appearance with its glossy black feathers, bright yellow eyes, and a yellow patch of skin around its eyes. This species is known for its adaptability and intelligence, making it a successful colonizer in various habitats, including urban areas.

When it comes to the diet of the Burmese Myna, it is an omnivorous bird, meaning it consumes both plant matter and small animals. Its diet primarily consists of fruits, berries, insects, spiders, small reptiles, and even small mammals. This adaptability allows the Burmese Myna to thrive in a wide range of environments, from forests to agricultural fields.

In terms of its living habits, the Burmese Myna is highly social and often forms large flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. These flocks are not only for socializing but also for safety and foraging purposes. They communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, screeches, and mimicry of other bird species. The Burmese Myna is known for its exceptional ability to mimic sounds, including human speech, which has earned it the reputation of being a talented mimic.

As a diurnal species, the Burmese Myna is active during the day, spending a significant amount of time foraging for food. Its strong beak and agile feet enable it to search for insects in the soil or leaf litter, as well as pluck fruits from trees. It is a highly opportunistic feeder, taking advantage of available food sources, which contributes to its successful adaptation in various habitats.

When it comes to sleep patterns, the Burmese Myna typically roosts in large groups, seeking shelter in trees, buildings, or other structures. These communal roosting sites provide safety in numbers and protection from predators. The Burmese Myna is known to exhibit communal breeding behavior as well, with multiple pairs nesting close to each other, often in tree cavities or man-made structures such as buildings or nest boxes.

During the breeding season, which varies depending on the region, the Burmese Myna engages in courtship displays, which include vocalizations and elaborate flights. The female typically lays a clutch of three to six eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The incubation period lasts around two weeks.

9-11-2016 MANDALAY, MYANMAR - COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis)

The Common myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a tropical bird with a strong territorial instinct, which has adapted extremely well to urban environments. The range of the Common myna is increasing at such a rapid rate that in 2000 the IUCN Species Survival Commission declared it one of the world's most invasive species and one of only three birds listed among "100 of the World's Worst Invasive Species" that pose a threat to biodiversity, agriculture, and human interests.

Common mynas can be recognized by their brown body, black hooded head, and the bare yellow patch behind the eye. Their bill and legs are bright yellow. There is a white patch on the outer primaries and the wing lining on the underside is white. The male and female look similar and are usually seen in pairs.

Common mynas are native to Asia with their home range spanning from Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka; as well as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Myanmar, to Malaysia, Singapore, peninsular Thailand, Indo-China, Japan (both mainland Japan and the Ryukyu Islands) and China. These birds are typically found in a wide range of habitats with access to water; they inhabit open woodland, mangroves, grasslands, farmlands, orchards, and urban areas.

17-2-2018 GANDIA, VALENCIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

17-2-2018 GANDIA, VALENCIA - SPOTLESS STARLING (Sturnus unicolor)

18-2-2018 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)