14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - EURASIAN COOT (JUVENILE) (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.

The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

The Eurasian coot is less secretive than many rails, often visible on open water or grasslands. It is territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, with both parents defending their territory. In non-breeding seasons, coots may form large flocks. They are reluctant flyers, preferring to run across water surfaces, and are known for bobbing their heads while swimming.

This species is known for its noisy demeanor, producing a variety of crackling, explosive, or trumpeting calls, which are often heard at night.

Coots build bulky, sometimes floating nests, concealed in vegetation or in the open. Both sexes construct the nest, with the male gathering materials. Clutches typically contain 6-10 buff-colored eggs speckled with black or dark brown. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after 21-24 days. Chicks are precocial and nidifugous, with distinctive orange-red tips on their down.

Omnivorous in nature, the Eurasian coot consumes small live prey, including other birds' eggs, as well as algae, vegetation, seeds, and fruit. It employs various feeding techniques, both on land and in water.

The Eurasian coot is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MUTE SWAN (JUVENILE) (Cygnus olor)

The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to much of Eurasia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. It is an introduced species in North America, home to the largest populations outside of its native range, with additional smaller introductions in Australasia and southern Africa. The name "mute" derives from it being less vocal than other swan species.

Measuring 125 to 160 cm (49 to 63 in) in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob atop the beak, which is larger in males.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - BLACK HEADED GULL (JUVENILE) (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

The black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small, nimble gull with a wingspan ranging from 94 to 110 cm and a body length of 37 to 44 cm. It weighs between 190 and 400 grams. Despite its name, the adult's summer plumage features a chocolate-brown head, which can appear black from a distance. The body is pale grey, and the primary wing feathers are tipped with black. The bill and legs are a striking red. In winter, the brown head is replaced by a white one with dark spots. Juveniles are mottled with brown spots and have a black band on the tail. There is no sexual dimorphism in plumage.

This species nests in colonies on the ground in large reed beds, marshes, or islands within lakes. It is not pelagic and is seldom seen far from coasts.

The black-headed gull breeds across much of the Palearctic, including Europe and coastal eastern Canada. It is migratory, wintering further south, but some remain in the milder westernmost areas of Europe. It is also present in northeastern North America and occasionally seen as far south as Virginia and some Caribbean islands.

The Black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small and one of the most abundant gulls in much of Europe and Asia, and also in eastern Canada. It displays a variety of compelling behaviors and adaptations. Some of these include removing eggshells from one's nest after hatching, begging co-ordination between siblings, differences between sexes, conspecific brood parasitism, and extra-pair paternity.

The summer adult has a chocolate-brown head (not black, although does look black from a distance), a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers, and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just two dark spots. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body and a black band on the tail. There is no difference in plumage between the sexes. In flight, the white leading edge to the wing is a good field mark. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings, and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood.

Black-headed gulls breed in much of Europe, Asia, and in coastal eastern Canada. Most of their populations are migratory and winter further south, but some birds reside in the milder westernmost areas of Europe. Some Black-headed gulls also spend the winter in northeastern North America. They breed in large reed beds or marshes, or on islands in lakes, rivers, lagoons, deltas, and estuaries. They may also occur in ponds, canals, and flood lands, nesting on the heather moors, sand dunes, or beaches. During the winter these birds are found in estuaries with sandy or muddy beaches, ploughed fields, moist grasslands, reservoirs, urban parks, farmland, and gardens.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

Herons are often seen standing as still as a statue on their long thin legs in shallow waters of ponds and lakes patiently waiting for their next meal to swim by. These tall birds spend most of their time alone feeding mainly on fish but can be tempted by the occasional tasty mole! When feeling particularly lazy the heron will visit gardens with ponds for a quick and easy snack. Make sure you look out for these incredible birds in flight, their slow-flapping wings and long legs held out behind make them hard to miss!

 

The heron is an easily recognised, grey-backed bird, with long legs, a long, white neck, bright yellow bill and a black eyestripe that continues as long, drooping feathers down the neck. Flies with its long legs stretched out, but its neck pulled in.

 

Found throughout town and countryside, on canals, ponds, lakes and rivers across the UK.

 

Herons nest in colonies called 'Heronries', often in the top of trees. Here, they make their large, ungainly nests out of twigs and lay 3-4 eggs. The young will fledge from the nest after about one and half months.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

The Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) is a member of the duck, goose, and swan family Anatidae. It is native to Africa and named for its place of origin. Egyptian geese were considered sacred by the Ancient Egyptians and appeared in much of their artwork. Because of their popularity chiefly as an ornamental bird, escapees are common and feral populations have become established in Western Europe, the United States, and New Zealand.

The Egyptian goose is a large, very distinctive waterbird with conspicuous eye patches of dark chocolate-brown. The female resembles the male, though is smaller, often with darker markings on her beak. The genders can also be told apart by their calls, as the male makes a strong, hoarse hissing noise, while the female produces a harsh, trumpeting quack. Young Egyptian geese have a duller color and have a gray tinge on their forewings, and their crown and neck are darker, with yellowish legs and beak.

Egyptian geese are widespread throughout Africa except in deserts and dense forests. They are found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. While not breeding, it disperses somewhat, sometimes making longer migrations northwards into the arid regions of the Sahel. These birds inhabit a range of open country wetland habitats, including rivers, dams, marshes, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, offshore islands, and sewage works. They prefer bodies of water with open shorelines which are close to agricultural land or grasslands where they can graze.

Egyptian geese remain together in small flocks during the year, primarily for protection. During the breeding season, they pair up but otherwise stay with their flocks. They are good swimmers but most of their time is spent on land. During the day they may wander away from the water in search of food in grasslands or agricultural fields but at night always return to the water. Both, males and females of this species are aggressively territorial with their own species during breeding and often pursue intruders in flight, attacking them in "dogfights" in the air. The voices and vocalisations of the males and females differ; the male having a hoarse, subdued duck-like quack which seldom sounds unless it is aroused. The male Egyptian goose attracts its mate with an elaborate, noisy courtship display that includes honking, neck stretching, and feather displays. The female has a far noisier raucous quack that frequently sounds in aggression and almost incessantly at the slightest disturbance when tending her young.

Egyptian geese are primarily herbivores, feeding on grass, seeds, stems, and leaves from various plants, as well as grains, potatoes, and other types of vegetables. They also eat worms and locusts.

Egyptian geese are monogamous and a pair stays together for their whole life. Males are quite aggressive during mating. Each male performs an elaborate and noisy courtship display, producing unusually loud honking noises for the purpose of attracting a female. These geese breed in spring or when the dry season ends. A pair nests on its own on the ground, sheltered by vegetation, sometimes higher on a ledge or in a tree, or in an abandoned nest of another species up in a tree, or inside a hole. Females lay 5 to 11 creamy white eggs. Incubation is by the female only and lasts for around 28 to 30 days. Births are synchronized. Both the male and the female feed and care for the chicks. The young fledge at about 60 to 75 days, remaining under the care of their parents for almost 4 months. The chicks reach maturity when they are 2 years old.

The Egyptian goose is a relatively common and widespread species and currently is not considered to be under threat of extinction. However, in parts of its range, being regarded as agricultural pests, they are shot or poisoned, and sometimes they are hunted for sport.

The IUCN Red List and other sources do not provide the Egyptian geese total population size. Currently, this species is classified as least concern (LC) but its numbers are decreasing.

Since Egyptian geese tend to eat much of their food on the ground, therefore they help to disperse seeds to other areas through their droppings, break up the soil and speed up the decomposition of dead plants.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - PALE OWL BUTTERFLY (Caligo telamonius ssp.memnon)

The Giant Owl or Pale Owl Butterfly (Caligo telamonius) is a brush-footed butterfly (family Nymphalidae). The species was first described by Cajetan von Felder and Rudolf Felder in 1862. It is found in southern North America, Central America, and South America.

Commonly known as the Giant Owl or Pale Owl butterfly, so named because of its large eye-like marking on the verso .

Subspecies

Two subspecies belong to the species Caligo telamonius:

Caligo telamonius memnon

Caligo telamonius menus

Caligo telamonius 

Pale Owl-butterfly

Familia: Nymphalidae

Orden: Lepidoptera

Clase: Insecta

Filo / División: Arthropoda

Reino: Animalia

Taxonomy Identification: Family Nymphalidae, sub-family Brassolidae. First named by Felder in 1867

Colour: The topside (recto) wings are brown edged in black lines with a large central patch of deep blueish purple. The underside (verso) is coloured shades of brown and black with intricate pencil lines patterns in black with large “owlet” markings.

Size: Wingspan 100-140mm

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - MENELAUS BLUE MORPHO BUTTERFLY (Morpho menelaus)

The Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is one of thirty species of butterfly in the subfamily Morphinae. Its wingspan is approximately 12 cm (4.7"), and its dorsal forewings and hindwings are a bright, iridescent blue edged with black, while the ventral surfaces are brown. Its iridescent wings are an area of interest in research because of their unique microstructure. Due to its characteristic blue color, Morpho menelaus is considered valuable among collectors and was widely hunted in the 20th century.

This neotropical butterfly is found in Central and South America, including the Cerrado which is a vast tropical savanna in Brazil. Other locations include Mexico and Venezuela. Ancestors of the Morpho menelaus butterfly may have been distributed in the Andean regions. Morpho menelaus is one of the six species of Morpho in Costa Rica. The genus of Morpho is present in regions beginning in Mexico and throughout South America, except Chile. Moreover, the Morpho menelaus struggle to survive in the northern Pacific area of Costa Rica since they can’t tolerate such dry conditions. They also need habitats in old growth forests with proper differentiation between the understories and canopies (Murillo-Hiller & Canet, 2018).

There is great variation among the various species of Morpho. Two groups of Morpho butterflies, achilles and hecuba, are distinct in flight behavior and vertical forest distribution. This habitat stratification between the two forest levels may have led to the diversification of the Morpho butterflies. Flight pattern behavior may also have led to changes in the wing shape to make it more suitable for gliding or flapping. Phylogenetic studies suggest these are indicative of ancestral qualities.

Females inhabit the forest understory and perch on tree stumps, but are found near the tree tops when it is time to lay eggs. Both sexes have a slow and floppy flight pattern and feed on rotting fruit that has dropped to the ground. Males tend to fly in open clearings or high in the canopy. These butterflies collectively emerge in the beginning and the end of the wet season in Cerrado. They do not appear in the middle of the wet season because the heavy rain can cause physical harm to their wings. Their emergence depends on the availability of food which is dependent on climate. For protection from the rain, Morpho menelaus prefers small and enclosed spaces.

The egg of the Morpho menelaus butterfly is typically small, round, and somewhat flattened. They are usually pale green or whitish in color, sometimes with a slightly metallic sheen, but not as vibrant as the adult butterfly's iridescent blue wings, and shaped like dew drops. The female laid around 12 eggs in cluster of 5 or 6 eggs on the undersides of the leaves. The eggs are laid so that the caterpillars may feed as soon as they hatch.

These social caterpillars feed on Erythroxylum, Dalbergia, and Fabaceae, and may prefer to feed on new leaves of host plants since these new leaves are easier and more nutritious to eat. The caterpillars are red-brown in color with bright green spots. They are covered with bristles that release an irritant upon contact. Conversely, the peak of the caterpillar is in the dry season, a climate that is unsuitable for most animal communities. These caterpillars will enter diapause or suspend development and can delay pupation in order to survive this harsh period and the lack of water. As the dry season continues, the caterpillar population declines due to predation.

One of the best seasonal predictors of adult butterfly occurrence is the ripening of zoochorous fruit. Adult emergence occurs primarily in the beginning of the wet season, when the climate and air humidity makes food resources plentiful and oviposition advantageous. The butterfly spends 3 to 4 weeks as an adult, and the entire life cycle is about 115 days. Adults fly along rivers, or anywhere that open land has been revealed.

Eyespots on wings are visual anti-predatory adaptations that have evolved in many species within Lepidoptera. The eyespots are usually dark circles surrounded by a brighter outer layer. The 'pupil' of the eye has a sparkle that mimics the natural reflection of the cornea. These eyes are thought to deflect a predator's attack away from more vital organs and toward that spot on the wings. Bigger eyespots have also been shown to deter predators from attacking completely. Menelaus specifically has an eyespot that is 6.8 mm in diameter on its ventral wings that it uses to help avoid predation.

The wings of Morpho menelaus are a prime example of iridescent blue coloration in the insect world. The bright and iridescent colors of other butterflies are typically caused by optical interference, but the iridescent blue color of butterflies in the family Morphidae results from the microstructures of the wings. Scientists use SEM, scanning electronic microscope, and spectroscopy, to understand the wings in greater detail.

Each wing is covered in multi-layered scales, which are responsible for the coloration of the wings. The wing colors vary with viewing angle, a phenomenon referred to as structural color. In the female, the dorsal side is more camouflaged while the male presents with a vibrant blue. In the male, the outer layer of the cover scales are long and narrow (250 μm × 50 μm), 2 μm apart, and parallel to the wing plane. The dimensions of the cover scales in other species of the subfamily Morphinae vary greatly, but all are pigment-less and lowly iridescent. The inner layer, called ground scales, are pigmented, iridescent, do not overlap, and are responsible for the blue coloration. They consist of alternating layers of chitin and air, each having its own refractive indexes. The wings of the genus Morpho are noteworthy for their diversity of function, including being hydrophobic, lightweight, sturdy, thermally regulated, and bright blue iridescent. These unique characteristics originate from the photonic nanostructures in the ridges of the scales. There has been increasing interest in the bioengineering community into understanding the structural components of the wing which can have potential applications in creating structural-color devices and selective gas-sensors.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - DOT DASH SERGEANT BUTTERFLY (Athyma kanwa)

Athyma kanwa, the dot-dash sergeant, is a species of brush-footed butterfly found in tropical and subtropical Asia and Cambodia.

The Dot-Dash Sergeant is dark brown to black with an interrupted, white, macular and curved fascia running from mid-costa on the forewing to near the base of the dorsum on the hindwing. On the forewing, the white post-discal spot in space 2 is roughly oval and well separated from the spot in space 1b. Usually there is no post-discal spot in space 3. The forewing cell-streak is entire and separated from the triangular spot beyond. There are submarginal lines of white markings irrorated with dark scales on both wings, that on the hindwing taking the form of a broad band running from the apex to dorsum. The underside is greyish brown with markings as on the upperside.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - RED POSTMAN BUTTERFLY (Heliconius erato)

Heliconius erato, or the red postman, is one of about 40 neotropical species of butterfly belonging to the genus Heliconius. It is also commonly known as the small postman, the red passion flower butterfly, or the crimson-patched longwing. It was described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.

H. erato exhibits Müllerian mimicry with other Heliconius butterflies such as Heliconius melpomene in order to warn common predators against attacking, which contributes to its surprising longevity. It also has a unique mating ritual involving the transfer of anti-aphrodisiacs from males to females.

Recent field work has confirmed the relative abundance of this butterfly.

H. erato is a neotropical species, found from southern Texas to northern Argentina and Paraguay, and resides on the edges of tropical rainforests. It is philopatric, having a particularly restricted home range. In areas of dense population in Trinidad, some home ranges are only separated by 30 yards, but H. erato rarely travels to neighboring home ranges.

Larvae feed on the host plant, first consuming the terminal bud. After they have exhausted the resources of the plant they have hatched on, later instars may move to another plant.

H. erato is a pollen-feeding species, collecting from the Lantana camara flower. They do not spend much time or energy collecting nectar (only remaining for a few seconds). Instead, they collect pollen in a mass on the ventral side of their proboscis. They then agitate the pollen by coiling and uncoiling their proboscis in order to release its nutrients. H. erato is then able to extract nitrogenous compounds in a clear liquid, including amino acids like arginine, leucine, lysine, valine, proline, histidine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and tryptophan. Females typically carry larger loads of pollen than males as females require more amino acids for egg production.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - INDIAN BLUE PEAFOWL (JUVENILE) (Pavo cristatus)

The Indian peafowl, also known as the common peafowl or blue peafowl, is a species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a bird of resplendent beauty, with the male, or peacock, showcasing a spectacular array of iridescent colors. The peacock's most striking feature is its fan-like crest of spatula-tipped wire-like feathers and the long train made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers adorned with colorful eyespots. These feathers can be raised into a fan and quivered during courtship displays. Despite their size, peacocks are capable of flight. The female, or peahen, is more subdued in coloration, with a white face, iridescent green lower neck, and overall dull brown plumage.

The Indian peafowl is unmistakable within its range. The male has a metallic blue crown, a fan-shaped crest, and a spectacular train with eye-spot markings. The peahen is smaller, with a rufous-brown head, mottled upper body, and dark brown lower parts. The loud "pia-ow" or "may-awe" calls are distinctive and often indicate the presence of predators.

Indian peafowl are ground-dwelling birds that prefer open forest or land under cultivation. They are adaptable and can be found near water sources in both moist and dry-deciduous forests.

Native to the Indian subcontinent, the Indian peafowl has been introduced to many other countries. It thrives mainly below elevations of 1,800 meters, occasionally being spotted up to 2,000 meters.

Peafowl are known for their social behavior, foraging on the ground in small groups. They are adept at escaping predators by running and prefer to roost in tall trees at night. The peacock's elaborate train is used in courtship displays, although the exact mechanisms of sexual selection are still debated.

The Indian peafowl is vocal, with a variety of calls. The most common are loud "pia-ow" or "may-awe," which increase in frequency before the monsoon season. They also emit rapid "ka-aan" or "kok-kok" calls and a low-pitched "honk" when agitated.

Peafowl are polygamous, with the breeding season varying by region but often linked to the rains. The peahen incubates a clutch of 4-8 eggs, with chicks that are nidifugous, following the mother shortly after hatching.

The Indian peafowl is similar to the green peafowl but can be distinguished by its size, color, and the shape of the crest.

Omnivorous, Indian peafowl consume a variety of foods including berries, grains, and small prey like snakes, lizards, and rodents. They forage on the ground and can adapt to a wide range of crops and food scraps around human habitations.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - INDIAN BLUE PEAFOWL (FEMALE) (Pavo cristatus)

The Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is a brightly-colored bird that lives mainly on the ground. Its loud calls make it easy to detect, and in forest areas often indicates the presence of a predator such as a tiger. The bird is celebrated in Hindu and Greek mythology and is the national bird of India.

The male Indian peafowl (peacock) is brightly colored, with a predominantly blue fan-like crest of spatula-tipped wire-like feathers, and is best known for the long train (tail) made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers which bear colorful eyespots. These stiff feathers are raised into a fan and quivered in a display during courtship. Despite the length and size of these covert feathers, peacocks are still capable of flight. Females (peahens) lack the train and have a greenish lower neck and duller brown plumage. Downy chicks are pale buff with a dark brown mark on the nape that connects with the eyes. Young males look like the females but their wings are chestnut colored.

Indian peafowl are resident breeders across the Indian subcontinent and inhabit the drier lowland areas of Sri Lanka. They are found in moist and dry-deciduous forests near water, in montane forests, and can also adapt to live in cultivated regions and around human habitations.

Indian peafowl live mainly on the ground where they forage in small groups that usually have a cock and 3 to 5 hens. After the breeding season, the groups tend to be made up only of females and young. They are found in the open early in the morning and tend to stay in cover during the heat of the day. Indian peafowl often dust-bathe and at dusk and groups walk in single file to a favorite waterhole to drink. When disturbed, they usually escape by running and rarely take to flight. During the night, peafowl roost in groups on tall trees but may sometimes make use of rocks, buildings, or pylons. Birds arrive at dusk and call frequently before taking their position on the roost trees. Indian peafowl produces loud calls, especially in the breeding season. They may call at night when alarmed and neighboring birds may call in a relay-like series. The most common calls are a loud 'pia-ow' or 'may-awe'. They also make many other calls such as a rapid series of 'ka-aan..ka-aan' or a rapid 'kok-kok'. They often emit an explosive low-pitched honk! when agitated.

Indian peafowl are polygynous (one male to several females), and their breeding season usually depends on the rain. The peak season in southern India is April to May, January to March in Sri Lanka, and June in northern India. During this time several males may congregate at a lek site and these males are often closely related. Males at lek appear to maintain small territories next to each other and they allow females to visit them and make no attempt to guard harems. Females do not appear to favor specific males. The males display in courtship by raising the upper-tail coverts into an arched fan. The wings are held half open and drooped and it periodically vibrates the long feathers producing a ruffling sound. The cock faces the hen initially and struts and prances around and sometimes turns around to display the tail. Males may also freeze over food to invite a female in a form of courtship feeding. Males may display even in the absence of females. When a male is displaying, females do not appear to show any interest and usually continue their foraging. Indian peafowl nest on the ground; it is a shallow scrape lined with leaves, sticks, and other debris. The clutch consists of 4-8 fawn-to-buff white eggs which are incubated only by the female for about 28 days. The chicks are precocial (fully developed) and follow the mother around soon after hatching. Downy young may sometimes climb on their mother's back and she may carry them in flight to a safe tree branch. The chicks can fly about one week after hatching and become self-sufficient in 8 weeks. They usually reach reproductive maturity at the age of 2 to 3 years old.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - AFRICAN PENGUIN (Spheniscus demersus)

The African penguin, known scientifically as Spheniscus demersus and colloquially as the Cape penguin or South African penguin, is a flightless bird distinguished by its streamlined body and flippers adapted for life in the water. Adults typically weigh between 2.2 and 3.5 kilograms and stand 60 to 70 centimeters tall. Notable for the pink patches of skin above their eyes and a stark black facial mask, their upper parts are a contrasting black against the white underparts, which are adorned with spots and a distinctive black band.

To identify the African penguin, look for the unique pink gland above their eyes, which becomes more vibrant as they regulate their temperature. Their black and white plumage is a classic example of countershading, providing camouflage from predators. Each penguin has a unique pattern of black spots on the chest, akin to human fingerprints. Males are generally larger with longer beaks than females.

These penguins are found along the coastlines of southern Africa, with colonies established on various islands and some mainland sites. They prefer nesting in burrows or under vegetation to protect against predators and the hot sun.

The African penguin is endemic to the southwestern coast of Africa, breeding on 24 islands between Namibia and Algoa Bay, South Africa. Notably, they have also established colonies on the mainland near Cape Town.

African penguins are monogamous and known for their loud, donkey-like calls. They are pursuit divers, hunting for fish and squid, and can travel up to 20 kilometers from shore. They are social birds, breeding in colonies and often forming crèches for their young.

The African penguin's vocalizations are varied and serve multiple functions, from mate recognition to territorial defense. Their most famous call is a loud braying, which has earned them the nickname "jackass penguin."

Breeding occurs throughout the year, with peaks varying by location. Nests are made in burrows or under cover to protect from the heat. Two eggs are laid, and both parents share incubation duties. Chicks join crèches after about a month, and parents continue to forage at sea to feed them.

The African penguin is similar in appearance to the Humboldt, Magellanic, and Galápagos penguins, with which it shares the genus Spheniscus. However, it can be distinguished by its unique chest markings and the single black band across the chest.

Their diet consists mainly of pelagic fish like sardines and anchovies, as well as squid and small crustaceans. They are known to consume up to 540 grams of prey daily, which can increase when feeding older chicks.

The African penguin is classified as Endangered, with a rapid decline in population due to several threats, including oil spills, historical exploitation for their eggs, competition with fisheries, and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts are underway, including habitat protection, pollution mitigation, and captive breeding programs.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - NICOBAR PIGEON (Caloenas nicobarica)

The Nicobar pigeon, a large and resplendent bird, measures 40 cm in length. Its plumage is a tapestry of metallic green, with a head of soft grey transitioning to vibrant green and copper hackles. The tail, in stark contrast, is a pure white and notably short.

Males are distinguished by their slightly larger size and more pronounced bill knob. Females, on the other hand, exhibit a smaller knob, shorter hackles, and a tendency towards browner underparts. Juveniles can be identified by their black tails and a near absence of iridescence. Across its range, the species shows little variation, with the exception of the Palau subspecies, which sports marginally shorter neck hackles.

This species thrives in dense forests on secluded offshore islets, often forming large colonies.

The Nicobar pigeon's range spans from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India, through the Malay Archipelago, to New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Palau.

These pigeons are gregarious, moving in flocks from island to island, favoring predator-free offshore islets for roosting and foraging in human-inhabited areas during the day. They exhibit a swift and rhythmic flight pattern, often flying in single file or columns.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - ANTHONY'S POISON ARROW FROG (Epipedobates anthonyi)

Anthony's poison arrow frog (Epipedobates anthonyi) is a species of poison dart frog in the family Dendrobatidae. The species is endemic to Ecuador and Peru.

The specific name, anthonyi, is in honor of American mammalogist Harold Elmer Anthony (1890–1970), who was Curator of Mammals at the American Museum of Natural History.

Anthony's poison arrow frog has a snout-to-vent length of about 19 to 26 mm (0.7 to 1.0 in). The hind legs are short and robust. The dorsal surface is usually dark red or brown and there are several yellowish-white oblique stripes and a central longitudinal stripe. Young froglets that have just completed metamorphosis are 11 mm long in snout-vent length.

Anthony's poison arrow frog is known only from a number of locations in southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru at heights of between 153 and 1,769 m (502 and 5,804 ft) above sea level.

The natural habitat of E. anthonyi is the leaf litter on the floor of tropical dry forests, especially near streams. It has also been found in some modified habitats, such as near roads, on banana and cacao farms.

Anthony's poison arrow frog is diurnal and terrestrial. Males are territorial. A clutch of 15 to 40 eggs is laid on the ground among leaf litter, and the male guards them till they hatch in about two weeks. He then carries the tadpoles on his back to a suitable water body where they develop (through metamorphosis) into frogs in about sixty days. Epibatidine, an extremely toxic nicotine-like substance, was first derived from and named for Epipedobates anthonyi. Once investigated for possible use as an analgesic agent, the alkaloid proved far too toxic for any application in human medicine and is presently used exclusively for research purposes. Scientists infer that the frog acquires the alkaloids through its diet because frogs collected from different types of habitats showed different levels of toxin, and frogs raised in captivity had none.

Anthony's poison arrow frog is listed as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN and the government of Peru. Institutions in Ecuador classify it as "Least Concern." Its population seems stable but it has a limited range, estimated to be less than 20,000 square kilometres (7,700 sq mi), and its habitat is being degraded by pollution from agrochemicals. It is also collected for medicinal use. There is some collection for the international pet trade, but scientists do not know if this poses a threat to the species' survival.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - COMMON EURASIAN EIDER (MALE) (Somateria mollissima ssp. mollissima)

The common eider, known scientifically as Somateria mollissima, is a large sea-duck that captivates with its considerable size, ranging from 50 to 71 cm in body length. It is the largest of the four eider species and, in Europe, it is the largest duck present. In North America, it is only surpassed in size by the Muscovy duck in certain locales. The common eider is a robust bird, with males displaying a striking black and white plumage and a distinctive green nape, while females are cloaked in brown, yet both sexes are recognizable by their large, wedge-shaped bills.

The male common eider is unmistakable with its contrasting black and white feathers and verdant nape. The female, though predominantly brown, can be distinguished from other ducks by her size and head shape. The drake's unique display call resembles a human-like "ah-ooo," and the hen's voice is characterized by hoarse quacks. The species is often approachable and can be identified by its bulky shape and size.

Common eiders are found nesting close to the sea, often on coastal islands where they form colonies. They prefer Arctic and northern temperate regions for breeding but migrate slightly south to temperate zones during winter.

This species graces the northern coasts of Europe, North America, and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions, wintering farther south in temperate zones where it may gather in large flocks on coastal waters.

Eiders are colonial breeders, with colonies varying from less than a hundred to over 15,000 individuals. They exhibit natal philopatry, with females often returning to their birthplace to breed. This has led to the development of kin-based social structures and cooperative breeding behaviors, such as shared rearing of ducklings.

The male common eider's display call is a distinctive "ah-ooo," while the female emits hoarse quacks. These vocalizations contribute to the bird's unique auditory presence in its natural habitat.

The eider's nest is built near the sea and is lined with the female's own eiderdown, a soft and warm material once harvested for human use. The species demonstrates cooperative breeding behaviors, including shared rearing of ducklings in crèches.

While the male common eider is unique in appearance, the female may be confused with other eider species. However, size and head shape are key distinguishing features.

The common eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a preferred food. It consumes mussels whole, crushing the shells in its gizzard. Crabs are also on the menu, with the eider skillfully removing claws and legs before consumption.

The common eider is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Populations are estimated at 1.5–2 million birds in both North America and Europe, with additional, albeit unknown, numbers in eastern Siberia. Conservation efforts and studies, particularly in Canada's Hudson Bay, are ongoing to monitor and support the species' recovery.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - COMMON EURASIAN EIDER (FEMALE) (Somateria mollissima ssp. mollissima)

The common eider, known scientifically as Somateria mollissima, is a large sea-duck that captivates with its considerable size, ranging from 50 to 71 cm in body length. It is the largest of the four eider species and, in Europe, it is the largest duck present. In North America, it is only surpassed in size by the Muscovy duck in certain locales. The common eider is a robust bird, with males displaying a striking black and white plumage and a distinctive green nape, while females are cloaked in brown, yet both sexes are recognizable by their large, wedge-shaped bills.

The male common eider is unmistakable with its contrasting black and white feathers and verdant nape. The female, though predominantly brown, can be distinguished from other ducks by her size and head shape. The drake's unique display call resembles a human-like "ah-ooo," and the hen's voice is characterized by hoarse quacks. The species is often approachable and can be identified by its bulky shape and size.

Common eiders are found nesting close to the sea, often on coastal islands where they form colonies. They prefer Arctic and northern temperate regions for breeding but migrate slightly south to temperate zones during winter.

This species graces the northern coasts of Europe, North America, and eastern Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions, wintering farther south in temperate zones where it may gather in large flocks on coastal waters.

Eiders are colonial breeders, with colonies varying from less than a hundred to over 15,000 individuals. They exhibit natal philopatry, with females often returning to their birthplace to breed. This has led to the development of kin-based social structures and cooperative breeding behaviors, such as shared rearing of ducklings.

The male common eider's display call is a distinctive "ah-ooo," while the female emits hoarse quacks. These vocalizations contribute to the bird's unique auditory presence in its natural habitat.

The eider's nest is built near the sea and is lined with the female's own eiderdown, a soft and warm material once harvested for human use. The species demonstrates cooperative breeding behaviors, including shared rearing of ducklings in crèches.

While the male common eider is unique in appearance, the female may be confused with other eider species. However, size and head shape are key distinguishing features.

The common eider dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a preferred food. It consumes mussels whole, crushing the shells in its gizzard. Crabs are also on the menu, with the eider skillfully removing claws and legs before consumption.

The common eider is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Populations are estimated at 1.5–2 million birds in both North America and Europe, with additional, albeit unknown, numbers in eastern Siberia. Conservation efforts and studies, particularly in Canada's Hudson Bay, are ongoing to monitor and support the species' recovery.