18-5-2017 CAMI LES FONTS OLIVA, VALENCIA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard, or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is a familiar and widespread dabbling duck with a presence across temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The male is renowned for its iridescent green head and white collar, while the female sports a brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes boast a speculum—a patch of feathers with iridescent purple or blue hues bordered by white. The Mallard's length ranges from 50 to 65 cm, with a wingspan of 81 to 98 cm, and it typically weighs between 0.7 and 1.6 kg.

Males during the breeding season are unmistakable with their glossy green heads, white collars, and purple-tinged brown breasts. Females are mottled brown with buff cheeks and an eye-stripe. Both sexes have the distinctive speculum on their wings. The male's bill is yellowish-orange tipped with black, while the female's is darker, ranging from black to mottled orange and brown.

Mallards are found in a variety of wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They prefer water depths less than 0.9 meters and are drawn to areas with aquatic vegetation.

This species is distributed across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, from Alaska to Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, across the Palearctic, and down to southeastern and southwestern Australia and New Zealand.

Mallards are social birds that often form large flocks outside the breeding season. They are adaptable and can thrive in urban areas. The species is migratory in the northern parts of its range.

The female Mallard is known for its quintessential "quack," while the male's call is a quieter and deeper version of the female's. Vocalizations can vary by region, with urban ducks being louder than their rural counterparts.

Breeding pairs form in the fall, with the female laying 8 to 13 creamy white to greenish-buff eggs. Incubation lasts 27 to 28 days, and ducklings are precocial, swimming immediately after hatching.

Similar species include the American black duck, which is darker than the Mallard, and the mottled duck, which has slightly different coloration and lacks the white edge on the speculum.

Mallards are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods including seeds, plant matter, insects, crustaceans, and small animals. Their diet varies with the season and breeding cycle.

18-5-2017 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - MALLARD (FEMALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The female is only brown and white. She is smaller than the male and has straight tail feathers. Body Length: 20-28 inches. Wing tip to wing tip: 30-40 inches.

Females and juveniles are mottled brown with orange-and-brown bills. Both sexes have a white-bordered, blue “speculum” patch in the wing. Mallards are “dabbling ducks”—they feed in the water by tipping forward and grazing on underwater plants. They almost never dive.

Unlike some waterfowl, like Mute Swans, which stay together year in and year out, Mallards only hook up for a single season. For them it’s one and done. Each fall Mallards get together in large flocks and begin the process of selecting a new mate for the following spring. They perform an assortment of wild courtship displays until pairs are formed. Once paired off the new couple has their own mating rituals, and one of these is called the “inciting” display. Here the female follows the male around, no matter where he goes. It sometimes looks as if he’s trying to get away from her and I understand why because she is yapping in his ear the entire time. This is unique because most other females save their nagging until after the wedding. And no bird can nag better than Mrs. Mallard. Her voice is the quintessential duck call. Any TV show, kid’s toy or cartoon that needs a duck call uses the voice of a female Mallard. The classic, loud “quack, quack, quack” is exclusively hers. The male’s voice, conversely, is softer and less harsh. His quiet quack has an up-note at the end, almost like he’s asking a question (probably, “Is she ever going to shut up?”).

When spring arrives it’s the female’s job to look for a place to build a nest, and now it becomes the male’s turn to follow her around. Like most ducks, Mallards need to be close to water, but not all couples can afford waterfront property. So the female will pick a spot as close as she can get, which may be in a brushy or wooded area a few hundred yards away from water. Here’s where things get interesting. After being together for most of the winter, the Mallard couple separates. While she alone builds the nest and lays the eggs, the old man stakes out a territory in a nearby pond or woodland pool. His job is to defend this feeding area so the female will have a place to rest and eat in between her nesting chores. When she needs a break from her motherly duties, she’ll fly to his territory and the two will have lunch together, much like any married couple. However, all this marital bliss ends the moment all her eggs are laid. Now she has no time for the male and will drive him away from the very pond he has been protecting for her. After fighting with her for a bit the male decides he doesn’t need the hassle and moves on. Where does he go? He usually spends the rest of the season at the local pub trying to figure out what went wrong.

17-5-2017 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a migratory passerine bird, recognized as the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It is a distinctive bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail, known for its graceful flight and agile maneuvers. The adult male of the nominate subspecies is 17–19 cm in length, including elongated outer tail feathers, and has a wingspan of 32–34.5 cm. It is adorned with a rufous forehead, chin, and throat, which are set apart from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated, contributing to the iconic "swallow tail."

The barn swallow can be identified by its steel blue upperparts, a rufous face, and a dark blue breast band that separates the rufous from the off-white underparts. The deeply forked tail is a key characteristic, with a line of white spots across the upper tail's outer end. Females resemble males but have shorter tail streamers and less glossy blue coloring. Juveniles are browner with paler rufous faces and whiter underparts, lacking the adult's long tail streamers.

The barn swallow favors open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows, and farmland, often near water. It avoids heavily wooded or steep areas and densely built-up locations. The species typically nests in man-made structures like barns and stables, or under bridges and wharves.

This bird has a vast global range, breeding across the Northern Hemisphere and wintering in much of the Southern Hemisphere. Its distribution spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Barn swallows are semi-colonial and may settle in groups. They exhibit site fidelity, often returning to the same location annually for breeding. The species is known for its aerial insectivory, catching insects in flight with remarkable agility.

The barn swallow communicates with a variety of calls, including a "witt or witt-witt" and a loud "splee-plink" when excited or deterring intruders. Alarm calls include a sharp "siflitt" for terrestrial predators and a "flitt-flitt" for avian predators. The male's song, used for territory defense and mate attraction, consists of a twittering warble followed by a series of musical notes.

Barn swallows are monogamous and often mate for life, with the male arriving first at the breeding grounds to select a nest site. They build cup-shaped mud nests lined with soft materials, frequently in colonies where each pair defends a territory. The female typically lays two to seven spotted white eggs, with the clutch size varying by latitude.

The barn swallow can be confused with other Hirundo species and the welcome swallow in overlapping ranges. However, its red face and blue breast band distinguish it from African species, and it differs from the welcome swallow by its deeply forked tail and white tail spots.

The diet consists mainly of flying insects, which the barn swallow captures in open areas or follows animals and humans to catch disturbed prey. It may also pick insects from water surfaces, walls, and plants. The species drinks and bathes by skimming over water bodies.

The barn swallow is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an extensive range and large global population. While not endangered, local declines may occur due to specific threats, such as habitat loss or pesticide use. However, the species has benefited from human expansion and the availability of nesting sites.

17-5-2017 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

A familiar bird of our wetlands, the moorhen is often seen on park lakes, ponds and rivers. It spends more of its time out of the water than its relative, the coot, and even climbs trees. Moorhens are omnivores, eating everything from snails and insects to small fish and berries. When disturbed, it usually takes cover in nearby vegetation, but if it does take to the air, its flight is short and laboured. The moorhen offers a great opportunity to watch breeding bird behaviour: in the spring, the male swims towards the female with its bill in the water and the two birds eventually nibble at each other's feathers; both birds then build the nest out of twigs in emergent vegetation and defend it with ferocity.

The moorhen can be distinguished from the similar-looking coot by its olive-black back (separated from its blue-black body by a white line), the white patches under its tail, and its red bill, which has a yellow tip.

A very familiar and widespread bird, the Moorhen can even be found in urban parks where there are streams, lakes or small ponds.

Distributed throughout England Wales, Ireland and south-east Scotland, Moorhens avoid high ground. British and Irish Moorhens are sedentary, occupying their lowland habitats year-round. In winter the population is swelled by birds migrating here from the Continent.

In addition to swimming well on water, Moorhens can often be seen foraging on grassy margins, when their white undertail is flicked as a prominent signal to others. Moorhen courtship and territoriality has been well studied owing to their abundance in and around University towns.

Omnivorous. Feed on both plants and animals. Feeds when swimming but also walks out on to floating plants, muddy ground and out into fields. Only dives rarely. Food includes insects, seeds, fruits, tadpoles and fish. Will also snatch food from other birds.

The Moorhen is the most common of our river birds. Nests near water, usually in emergent vegetation or on a floating raft. It is widespread throughout the country, only in parts of the west is it absent or rare. Can be found on any freshwater habitat with abundant emergent vegetation, including town canals, muddy ditches, and large lakes.

Winters close to its breeding areas. Birds breeding on upland areas may move down to lower areas in the winter. Irish birds are joined by migrants from colder climates.

The Moorhen is the most common of our river birds. Nests near water, usually in emergent vegetation or on a floating raft. It is widespread throughout the country, only in parts of the west is it absent or rare. Can be found on any freshwater habitat with abundant emergent vegetation, including town canals, muddy ditches, and large lakes.

Winters close to its breeding areas. Birds breeding on upland areas may move down to lower areas in the winter. Irish birds are joined by migrants from colder climates.

17-5-2017 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard, or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is a familiar and widespread dabbling duck with a presence across temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The male is renowned for its iridescent green head and white collar, while the female sports a brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes boast a speculum—a patch of feathers with iridescent purple or blue hues bordered by white. The Mallard's length ranges from 50 to 65 cm, with a wingspan of 81 to 98 cm, and it typically weighs between 0.7 and 1.6 kg.

Males during the breeding season are unmistakable with their glossy green heads, white collars, and purple-tinged brown breasts. Females are mottled brown with buff cheeks and an eye-stripe. Both sexes have the distinctive speculum on their wings. The male's bill is yellowish-orange tipped with black, while the female's is darker, ranging from black to mottled orange and brown.

Mallards are found in a variety of wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They prefer water depths less than 0.9 meters and are drawn to areas with aquatic vegetation.

This species is distributed across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, from Alaska to Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, across the Palearctic, and down to southeastern and southwestern Australia and New Zealand.

Mallards are social birds that often form large flocks outside the breeding season. They are adaptable and can thrive in urban areas. The species is migratory in the northern parts of its range.

The female Mallard is known for its quintessential "quack," while the male's call is a quieter and deeper version of the female's. Vocalizations can vary by region, with urban ducks being louder than their rural counterparts.

Breeding pairs form in the fall, with the female laying 8 to 13 creamy white to greenish-buff eggs. Incubation lasts 27 to 28 days, and ducklings are precocial, swimming immediately after hatching.

Similar species include the American black duck, which is darker than the Mallard, and the mottled duck, which has slightly different coloration and lacks the white edge on the speculum.

Mallards are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods including seeds, plant matter, insects, crustaceans, and small animals. Their diet varies with the season and breeding cycle.

The Mallard is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it is considered invasive in some regions, where it can hybridize with and threaten local duck species.

17-5-2017 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - MALLARD (FEMALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard, or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is a familiar and widespread dabbling duck with a presence across temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The male is renowned for its iridescent green head and white collar, while the female sports a brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes boast a speculum—a patch of feathers with iridescent purple or blue hues bordered by white. The Mallard's length ranges from 50 to 65 cm, with a wingspan of 81 to 98 cm, and it typically weighs between 0.7 and 1.6 kg.

Males during the breeding season are unmistakable with their glossy green heads, white collars, and purple-tinged brown breasts. Females are mottled brown with buff cheeks and an eye-stripe. Both sexes have the distinctive speculum on their wings. The male's bill is yellowish-orange tipped with black, while the female's is darker, ranging from black to mottled orange and brown.

Mallards are found in a variety of wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They prefer water depths less than 0.9 meters and are drawn to areas with aquatic vegetation.

This species is distributed across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, from Alaska to Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, across the Palearctic, and down to southeastern and southwestern Australia and New Zealand.

Mallards are social birds that often form large flocks outside the breeding season. They are adaptable and can thrive in urban areas. The species is migratory in the northern parts of its range.

The female Mallard is known for its quintessential "quack," while the male's call is a quieter and deeper version of the female's. Vocalizations can vary by region, with urban ducks being louder than their rural counterparts.

Breeding pairs form in the fall, with the female laying 8 to 13 creamy white to greenish-buff eggs. Incubation lasts 27 to 28 days, and ducklings are precocial, swimming immediately after hatching.

17-5-2017 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a large long-legged wading bird of the heron native to Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It lives in wetland areas and feeds on various aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water.

The plumage of the Grey heron is largely ashy-grey above, and greyish-white below with some black on the flanks. Adults have a head and neck white with a broad black supercilium that terminates in the slender, dangling crest, and bluish-black streaks on the front of the neck. The scapular feathers are elongated and the feathers at the base of the neck are also somewhat elongated. Immature birds lack the dark stripe on the head and are generally duller in appearance than adults, with a grey head and neck, and a small, dark grey crest. The pinkish-yellow beak is long, straight, and powerful, and is brighter in color in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown and very long.

Grey herons occur in most parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over much of their range, these birds are resident, but populations from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards; some remain in Central and Southern Europe, and others travel on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Grey herons can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitats that can supply their food. Although most common in the lowlands, they also occur in mountain tarns, lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries, and seashore. They sometimes forage away from water in the pasture, and can even be found in desert areas, hunting for beetles and lizards.

Grey herons are the largest birds most of us ever see in our garden: the wing span is around 6ft.

Despite their size, they are surprisingly light, weighing on average only half as much as a greylag goose.

The old English name for a heron was hragra; other names now largely fallen into disuse include harn, hernser and hernshaw. Heron comes from the French, for the French name is héron céndre.

In medieval times the heron was a favourite quarry of falconers who valued its great flying skills and ability to evade the falcon's stoops.

Roast herons were also popular at medieval banquets: the young birds, called branchers, were thought to be the best to eat.

The fat of a heron killed at full moon was once believed to be a cure for rheumatism.

Herons are sociable birds when nesting, invariably nesting in long-established heronries.

Most heronries are in trees, with the majority of nests at least 25m above the ground. However, reed-bed heronries are not unusual, and they will also nest on cliffs, bushes, sometimes even on buildings of bridges.

Heronries can reach a prodigious size: one at Great Snowden's Wood, near Brede in Sussex, contained around 400 nests in 1866.

The biggest heronry in Britain is currently at Northward Hill in Kent, an RSPB reserve. Numbers here have peaked at over 200 nests, but the current total is around 150.

17-5-2017 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

The Squacco Heron, Ardeola ralloides, is a diminutive member of the heron family, measuring a mere 44–47 cm in length, with a compact body of 20–23 cm and a wingspan stretching 80–92 cm. This species is adorned with a buff-brown back and, during the summer months, adults boast elongated neck feathers that add to their allure.

In the field, one may identify the Squacco Heron by its stocky build, abbreviated neck, and stout bill. Its back is cloaked in a buff-brown hue. When in flight, the heron undergoes a remarkable transformation, revealing a predominantly white plumage that contrasts starkly with its resting appearance.

The Squacco Heron favors marshy wetlands in temperate regions for its habitat, where the water is warm and inviting.

Originating from the Old World, the Squacco Heron breeds in the southern reaches of Europe and extends into the Greater Middle East. When not breeding, it migrates to winter in the African continent.

This species is migratory by nature, seeking the warmer climates of Africa to spend the winter. It is seldom seen north of its breeding grounds. The Squacco Heron has been observed as a vagrant in the Fernando de Noronha islands and, on rarer occasions, in mainland South America. It nests in modest colonies, often in the company of other wading birds, and constructs its nests from sticks on platforms in trees or shrubs.

The Squacco Heron selects freshwater locales across Europe and the Middle East to breed, later migrating southward to the Sub-Saharan African region. During the breeding season, they lay a clutch of three to four eggs.

Adept at foraging, the Squacco Heron feeds on a diet consisting of fish, frogs, and insects, making the most of its wetland environment.

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Squacco Heron as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

17-5-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. It is a small bird that has a typical length of 16 cm (6.3 in) and a mass of 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). Females and young birds are coloured pale brown and grey, and males have brighter black, white, and brown markings. One of about 25 species in the genus Passer, the house sparrow is native to most of Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and a large part of Asia. Its intentional or accidental introductions to many regions, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, make it the most widely distributed wild bird.

The house sparrow is strongly associated with human habitation, and can live in urban or rural settings. Though found in widely varied habitats and climates, it typically avoids extensive woodlands, grasslands, polar regions, and hot, dry deserts far away from human development. For sustenance, the house sparrow routinely feeds at home and public bird feeding stations, but naturally feeds on the seeds of grains, flowering plants and weeds. However, it is an opportunistic, omnivorous eater, and commonly catches insects, their larvae, caterpillars, invertebrates and many other natural foods.

The house sparrow is strongly associated with human habitation, and can live in urban or rural settings. Though found in widely varied habitats and climates, it typically avoids extensive woodlands, grasslands, polar regions, and hot, dry deserts far away from human development. For sustenance, the house sparrow routinely feeds at home and public bird feeding stations, but naturally feeds on the seeds of grains, flowering plants and weeds. However, it is an opportunistic, omnivorous eater, and commonly catches insects, their larvae, caterpillars, invertebrates and many other natural foods.

Because of its numbers, ubiquity, and association with human settlements, the house sparrow is culturally prominent. It is extensively, and usually unsuccessfully, persecuted as an agricultural pest. It has also often been kept as a pet, as well as being a food item and a symbol of lust, sexual potency, commonness, and vulgarity. Though it is widespread and abundant, its numbers have declined in some areas. The animal's conservation status is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. 

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - WHITE WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)

The White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) is a robust bird, notable for its size among doves, measuring approximately 29 cm from beak to tail with a wingspan ranging from 48 to 58 cm. Its plumage is primarily brownish-gray to gray, with a striking white edge on its wings, visible even when perched. The species is adorned with a blue eyering and possesses red eyes, though juveniles display brown eyes and a duller plumage.

To identify the White-winged Dove, look for the distinctive white wing patch, visible at rest and in flight, which sets it apart from similar species. Adults feature a blue, featherless skin around the eyes and a dark facial mark. Males may exhibit a more iridescent purple hue on the crown, neck, and nape, and a more pronounced ear spot, though these differences are subtle. The species has a short, rounded tail, contrasting with the long, pointed tail of the Mourning Dove.

The White-winged Dove is found in a variety of environments, including deserts, scrubs, urban areas, and agricultural landscapes. It has adapted well to human-altered habitats and can be seen in high concentrations near sources of water and food.

Native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, the White-winged Dove's range has expanded due to human agricultural practices. It is now a year-round resident in places like Texas and has been observed as far north as Canada and Alaska.

This species can form migratory flocks of up to 4,000 individuals, though it is also known to overwinter in certain areas. It has a remarkable ability to fly considerable distances in search of water, but can also rely solely on the moisture found in saguaro cactus fruit.

17-5-2017 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.

Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars. The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.

The Little Egret frequents a variety of wetland habitats, from the shores of lakes and rivers to marshes and coastal regions. It is often found in open environments, such as mangroves, swamps, mudflats, and sandy beaches, as well as human-altered landscapes like rice fields.

The species has a broad breeding distribution across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Africa and southern Asia, while others remain as permanent residents in warmer areas.

Little Egrets are social yet territorial when feeding. They exhibit a range of foraging behaviors, from active chasing to patient ambush. Their movements are often in response to the presence of other animals, which may stir up prey.

The Little Egret's vocalizations include croaking and bubbling sounds at breeding colonies and a harsh alarm call when disturbed. These calls are similar to those of the Black-crowned Night Heron and the Cattle Egret.

Breeding colonies are often mixed with other water birds. Nests are platforms of sticks located in trees, shrubs, or reed beds. Clutches typically consist of three to five bluish-green eggs, incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at approximately six weeks old.

The Little Egret can be confused with other white egrets, particularly the Snowy Egret, which shares some of its New World range. However, the Little Egret is larger and has more varied foraging strategies.

The diet is diverse, including fish, amphibians, small reptiles, mammals, birds, crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders, and worms. The Little Egret employs various hunting techniques, both in water and on land, to capture its prey.

The Little Egret is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. Conservation measures in the 20th century have allowed populations to recover in Europe, and the species has been expanding its range. It is now successfully colonizing new areas, including the New World.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - NORTHERN CARDINAL (FEMALE) (Cardinalis cardinalis)

The Northern Cardinal, or Cardinalis cardinalis, is a mid-sized songbird renowned for its striking plumage and melodic song. Males are resplendent in a vibrant crimson with a contrasting black face mask, while females exhibit a more subdued blend of reddish olive with a gray mask. Both sexes boast a distinctive crest atop their heads, adding to their regal appearance.

Adult males are unmistakable with their bright red plumage and black mask. Females are more subtle, with their warm, reddish accents and grayish mask. Juveniles resemble females until they acquire their adult colors in the fall. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically larger than females. Both sexes have a robust, conical beak, ideal for seed consumption.

The Northern Cardinal favors a variety of environments, including woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetlands. They are particularly fond of areas where dense vegetation is interspersed with open spaces.

This bird's range extends from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States, reaching as far west as Texas and Arizona, and southward through Mexico to Belize and Guatemala. It has also been introduced to Bermuda and Hawaii.

Males are territorial, using their song to delineate their domain. They may exhibit aggression towards their reflections, mistaking them for rival males. Cardinals are known for their pair bonds, with mated pairs often seen foraging and traveling together.

Both sexes sing a variety of clear, whistled tunes, which they vary and repeat. Their songs are regionally distinct due to learning. Alarm calls are sharp, metallic chips, signaling danger to their kin.

Courtship involves the male feeding the female beak-to-beak. Nesting sites are carefully chosen in dense shrubbery or low trees, with the female constructing a multi-layered nest. Clutches typically consist of three to four eggs, with multiple broods raised each year.

The Northern Cardinal is primarily granivorous, with a diet consisting largely of seeds. However, they also consume insects and fruit, adapting their diet as necessary.

The species is currently listed as Least Concern, with a stable or increasing population thanks to its adaptability and the popularity of backyard bird feeding.

17-5-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

The Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata, is a modestly adorned yet charming small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and the Palearctic as far as Siberia, and spending the winter months in Africa and southwestern Asia. Despite its widespread presence, there is concern over its decline in certain areas.

Adult Spotted Flycatchers possess grey-brown upperparts and a somewhat pallid underbelly. Their crown and breast are streaked, which is the origin of their common name. They have short, black legs and a black bill shaped to suit their insectivorous diet. Juveniles can be distinguished by their browner plumage and the presence of spots on their upperparts.

These birds favor deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly those with open spaces amidst trees.

The Spotted Flycatcher has a broad breeding range, extending from Europe to western Siberia and northwest Africa. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to southern Africa.

With an upright posture, these flycatchers are often seen hunting from prominent perches, darting out to snatch flying insects and frequently returning to the same spot.

The call of the Spotted Flycatcher is a soft, high-pitched, and slightly descending 'tssssseeeeeppppp'.

The Spotted Flycatcher constructs an open nest in a recess, often against a wall, and is amenable to using open-fronted nest boxes. Clutches typically consist of 4-6 eggs. Remarkably, they exhibit excellent egg recognition, a likely evolutionary response to past parasitism by the common cuckoo.

The Mediterranean flycatcher, previously considered a subspecies, is similar in appearance but has been recognized as a separate species due to genetic differences.

As aerial insectivores, Spotted Flycatchers feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air from their vantage points.

8-5-2017 ARCOS DE FRONTERA, ANDALUSIA - AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

The American kestrel (Falco sparverius), colloquially known as the sparrow hawk, is North America's smallest and most prevalent falcon. Exhibiting a striking sexual dimorphism, the female is moderately larger than the male. Both sexes boast a rufous back with distinct barring, but it is the male that carries the more colorful plumage, with blue-grey wings adorned with black spots and a white underbelly marked with black barring. The female, on the other hand, displays a rufous back and wings with dark brown barring and a creamy to buff underside with heavy brown streaking. Juveniles mirror the adult plumage closely.

Males can be identified by their blue-grey wings with black spots and the rufous tail with a single black subterminal band. Females, however, have rufous wings with dark brown barring and a tail marked with numerous narrow dark bands. Both sexes have a white face with a bluish-grey cap and two vertical black facial markings on each side of the head, which is unique among falcons. The presence of two black spots on the nape, resembling false eyes, is a distinctive feature of this species.

The American kestrel thrives in a variety of open to semi-open landscapes, including grasslands, meadows, deserts, urban, and suburban areas. Its habitat must provide perches, open spaces for hunting, and cavities for nesting.

This falcon's breeding range spans from central and western Alaska across northern Canada to Nova Scotia, and south throughout North America into central Mexico and the Caribbean. It is also a local breeder in Central America and is widely distributed throughout South America. Birds breeding in Canada and the northern United States often migrate south for the winter.

The American kestrel is an adaptable hunter, often perching and scanning the ground for prey or hunting from the air. It is known to hover with rapid wing beats before diving to capture prey. This species is also recognized for its energy-conserving hunting methods.

The kestrel's vocal repertoire includes the "klee" or "killy," a rapid series when excited, the "whine" associated with feeding and copulation, and the "chitter" used in social interactions between males and females.

Kestrels are cavity nesters, laying three to seven eggs that are incubated by both sexes. They exhibit strong pair bonds, often reusing previous nesting sites. The breeding season sees males performing dive displays to attract mates.

The diet of the American kestrel is diverse, including insects like grasshoppers, lizards, mice, and small birds. Its broad diet has contributed to the species' success across a wide range of environments.

The American kestrel is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though some regional populations have experienced declines. Conservation efforts include monitoring programs and the establishment of nest boxes to support breeding populations.

The American kestrel is a popular choice for beginner falconers due to its manageable size and adaptability. While not as powerful as larger falcons, with proper training, kestrels can effectively hunt smaller birds like sparrows and starlings.

11-5-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE SPOT HAIRSTREAK BUTTERFLY(Satyrium spini)

Satyrium spini, the blue spot hairstreak, is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae.

Subspecies include

Satyrium spini spini – (Southern and Central Europe)

Satyrium spini melantho (Klug, 1834) – (Caucasus, Armenia, Talysh Mountains, Kopet-Dagh)

The blue spot hairstreak lives in southern and middle Europe (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Greece, Turkey) up to approximately 54° N. It is also found in Asia Minor, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, South Urals. It is not found in the northwest of France, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Estonia or Latvia. It is also not found in large parts of Italy and on most Mediterranean islands. It inhabits open shrubby places, grassy areas, mountain meadows and woodland clearings, from low levels to about 2000 m.

Satyrium spini has frontwings reaching 14–16 millimetres (0.55–0.63 in) in males, 15–17 millimetres (0.59–0.67 in) in females. The basic color of the upperside of the wings is brownish, while the underside is yellowish-beige. In the females the upperside of the hindwings usually shows brownish-orange spots on the edge. The underside of the hindwings has a large blue spot and a few orange black bordered spots. The underside of forewings and hindwinhs is crossed by a bright white transverse line. Hind wings have short tails.

It is a univoltine species. Adults fly from late May to early August, depending on location. Caterpillars feed on Rhamnus, Prunus, Frangula alnus, Frangula daurica, Sorbus and Malus.

8-5-2017 ARCOS DE FRONTERA, ANDALUSIA - HARRIS HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus)

The Harris's hawk, known scientifically as Parabuteo unicinctus, is a medium-large bird of prey with a striking appearance. It is intermediate in size between a peregrine falcon and a red-tailed hawk, with a length ranging from 46 to 59 cm and a wingspan of approximately 103 to 120 cm. The plumage is predominantly dark brown, complemented by reddish shoulders and thighs. The tail feathers are distinctive, with a white base and tip, and the legs are long and yellow, as is the cere.

Adult Harris's hawks can be identified by their chestnut shoulders, wing linings, and thighs, along with their dark brown plumage. The white at the base and tip of the tail is a key feature. Females are roughly 35% larger than males, a common trait known as sexual dimorphism. The harsh vocalizations of this species are also a notable characteristic for identification.

Juvenile Harris's hawks are lighter in color, with buff streaking, and may initially appear quite different from adults. However, the chestnut plumage remains a consistent identifier. When in flight, the undersides of the juveniles' wings display buff coloring with brown streaking.

8-5-2017 ARCOS DE FRONTERA, ANDALUSIA - BONELLI'S EAGLE (Aquila fasciata)

Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata) is a formidable bird of prey, medium-sized within the eagle family. Its robust build and elongated legs equipped with powerful talons are characteristic of the Aquilinae, or booted eagle subfamily, to which it belongs. The species is named after the Italian ornithologist Franco Andrea Bonelli.

Adult Bonelli's Eagles are dark brown above, with a white throat and a cream-colored underside marked with sparse blackish-brown streaks. A distinctive feature in adults is a white patch on the mantle, which varies in size. Juveniles are lighter brown with a rusty head and show a more rufous underside with minimal streaking. In flight, the species exhibits broad, long wings and a long tail, with a distinctive white patch on the upper wings visible from below.

Bonelli's Eagles favor hilly or mountainous terrains with rocky outcrops, from sea level to 1,500 meters. Habitats range from open to wooded land and can vary from arid to semi-moist climates.

The species breeds from Southern Europe to Africa along the Sahara Desert's montane perimeter and across the Indian Subcontinent to Indonesia. It is largely resident, though juveniles may disperse widely.

Bonelli's Eagles are solitary or form breeding pairs, displaying remarkable aerial skills. They are known for their powerful hunting techniques, often utilizing surprise attacks from perches or agile pursuits in open terrain.

The species is mostly silent outside the breeding season. Its call is a loud, shrill scream, used primarily during courtship displays.

Bonelli's Eagles typically mate for life, with courtship involving spectacular aerial displays. They build large nests on cliffs or trees, laying usually two eggs. The young are dependent on their parents for up to 11 weeks post-fledging.

The species can be confused with the honey buzzard due to its polymorphic plumage, but differences in shape, flight, and habitat use are usually distinctive.

Bonelli's Eagles have a varied diet, with a preference for medium-sized birds and mammals like rabbits and pigeons. They are skilled hunters, often taking prey by surprise or in agile chases.

Despite being classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, Bonelli's Eagle has experienced significant declines in parts of its range due to habitat destruction, electrocution from power lines, and persecution. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat preservation and reducing human-caused mortality.