25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - HAUTLAUB'S GULL (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii)

The Hartlaub's gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii), also colloquially known as the king gull, is a small, nimble seabird with a length of 36–38 cm. Its plumage is predominantly white, complemented by a grey back and upperwings. The wingtips are black, adorned with striking white "mirrors." A notable feature is its dark red bill and legs. During the breeding season, it sports a very faint lavender grey hood, while outside of this period, its head remains plain white. Both sexes exhibit similar markings. The Hartlaub's gull is distinguishable from the slightly larger grey-headed gull by its thinner, darker bill, deeper red legs, paler head, and dark eyes. It reaches full maturity in two years, and juveniles can be identified by a brown band across the wings, lacking a black terminal tail band and presenting less dark areas in the wings compared to their grey-headed counterparts.

When observing Hartlaub's gulls, look for the combination of their dark red bill and legs, the white "mirrors" on the black wingtips, and the faint grey hood during breeding season. Juveniles will have a brown band on the wings and darker legs, with a white head that distinguishes them from similar-aged grey-headed gulls.

Hartlaub's gull is a coastal species, favoring the shores and estuaries rather than the open ocean. It is not considered pelagic and is seldom seen far from land.

This gull is a non-migratory breeding resident endemic to the Atlantic coastline of South Africa and Namibia. A significant portion of its population, estimated at around 30,000 birds, resides within the Greater Cape Town area.

Hartlaub's gull is highly social and gregarious, especially in winter. It is known for its raucous, crow-like kaaarrh call, which can be quite loud, particularly in urban colonies. The species has adapted well to human presence and can become very tame around human habitations. Despite being relatively rare globally, it is common within its range and is often considered a nuisance in cities due to its fouling of buildings and noisy nature.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus)

The great white pelican, known scientifically as Pelecanus onocrotalus, is a gargantuan bird, surpassed in size only by its cousin, the Dalmatian pelican. With a body length ranging from 140 to 180 cm and a wingspan stretching from 226 to 360 cm, it is one of the largest flying birds. The pelican's bill is an impressive 28.9 to 47.1 cm long, colored in hues of pink and yellow, and is accompanied by a pale-yellow gular pouch. Males are generally larger than females and exhibit a pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males averaging more than 30% heavier than females.

Adult great white pelicans are predominantly white with black flight feathers and a faint pink tinge on the neck. The bill is bluish-grey with a red tip and a yellowish gular pouch. During the breeding season, males display pinkish facial skin, while females exhibit a more orangey hue. Juveniles are distinguishable by their darker, brownish underparts and patterned underwings.

These pelicans favor shallow, warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, swamps, and lagoons, often with dense reed beds nearby for nesting. They are also found in coastal estuarine areas and occasionally at elevations up to 1,372 m in East Africa and Nepal.

The great white pelican breeds from southeastern Europe through Asia to Africa. It is a migratory species with populations found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. In Africa, it is resident south of the Sahara Desert.

The great white pelican is a highly sociable bird, often forming large flocks. It is an adept swimmer and an elegant flier, known for its soaring flight with occasional slow wingbeats followed by glides. These birds are cooperative feeders, often foraging in groups.

This species is mostly silent but can emit a variety of low-pitched calls, including a deep, quiet croak in flight and deep "moooo" calls at breeding colonies.

Breeding occurs in large colonies with nests varying from stick nests in trees to ground scrapes lined with grass and other materials. The female lays 1 to 4 eggs, with incubation lasting 29 to 36 days. Chicks fledge at 65 to 75 days of age, with sexual maturity reached at 3 to 4 years..

Their diet consists mainly of fish, with daily requirements ranging from 0.9 to 1.4 kg. They feed cooperatively, using their pouches to scoop up water and fish, then contracting the pouch to drain the water and retain the fish. They may also opportunistically consume other birds' chicks and, in some cases, have been observed eating pigeons.

The great white pelican is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is protected under various international agreements and occurs within numerous Important Bird Areas and Special Protection Areas. However, it faces threats from overfishing, habitat loss, and human disturbance.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - AFRICAN HARRIER HAWK (Polyboroides typus)

The African harrier-hawk, or gymnogene, is a medium-sized bird of prey, measuring about 60 to 66 centimeters in length. It is distinguished by its pale grey upperparts, head, and breast, while its belly is white with fine dark barring. The broad wings are pale grey with a distinctive black trailing edge, highlighted by a narrow white line. Its tail is black with a single broad white band. A notable feature is the bare facial patch, which can be red or yellow. Both sexes appear similar, though juveniles display pale brown where adults are grey, and dark brown replaces the black areas.

When observing this raptor, look for the double-jointed ankles, a unique adaptation that allows it to probe into crevices for food. The African harrier-hawk's flight is characterized by its black trailing edge on the wings and the single white band on the tail. The facial patch color can also be a helpful identifier, varying between individuals.

This adaptable bird can be found in a range of habitats including thick rainforests, forest edges, riparian areas, agricultural lands, and even human-occupied areas. It is quite common in traditional rural villages and has been known to breed in palm trees within urban settings.

The African harrier-hawk is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, with a higher prevalence in the tropical regions of western Africa. Its presence becomes less common towards the eastern and southern parts of the continent.

This species exhibits a fascinating courtship display where pairs may soar together at great heights, often vocalizing. Males may perform undulating flights alone, and when in pairs, they may engage in talon-touching maneuvers. The African harrier-hawk is also known for its intelligence in locating prey by gauging the aggression level of mobbing passerines.

The call of the African harrier-hawk is a distinctive whistled "sueee-sueee-sueee," often heard during flight or courtship displays.

Breeding seasons vary across their range, with March to August in Nigeria and the austral summer in southern regions. Nests are large, circular structures made of sticks and lined with leaves, often reused across seasons. Clutch sizes range from one to three eggs.

An omnivorous diet includes fruit from oil palms and small vertebrates. Its climbing ability and double-jointed legs allow it to raid nests of cavity-nesters for eggs and nestlings. It also preys on introduced species such as feral pigeons and house sparrows.

30-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (MALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The Sardinian warbler, Curruca melanocephala, presents itself as a charming and distinctive bird of the Mediterranean. The males are adorned with a sleek grey back and pristine whitish underparts, crowned with a striking black head, a pure white throat, and captivating red eyes. The females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued palette, with brown upperparts and buff underparts, complemented by a subtle grey head.

When attempting to identify the Sardinian warbler, look for the male's black head and red eyes, which contrast with the white throat and grey back. Females can be recognized by their brown and buff coloration with a greyish head. The variability in plumage, including the presence or absence of a reddish hue, can be a helpful clue in distinguishing between subspecies.

This typical warbler favors open landscapes and cultivated areas, where it can find bushes suitable for nesting. Its preference for such environments makes it a familiar sight in the Mediterranean countryside.

The Sardinian warbler is a resident of the southernmost regions of Europe, extending its range into Asia in Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean. While not extensively migratory, some individuals do venture to North Africa for the winter, and the species has been known to appear as a vagrant as far as Great Britain.

30-6-2018 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.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

The turkey vulture, known scientifically as Cathartes aura, is a bird of prey that is the most widespread of the New World vultures. It is a large bird, with a wingspan of 160–183 cm (63–72 in), a length of 62–81 cm (24–32 in), and weight ranging from 0.8 to 2.41 kg (1.8 to 5.3 lb). The adult turkey vulture is recognized by its bald red head, dark plumage, and a relatively short, hooked, ivory-colored beak. The underwing coverts are silvery-gray, providing a contrast against the darker wing linings.

When observing the turkey vulture in flight, look for its distinctive silhouette with wings held in a shallow V-shape. The bird often rocks or tips from side to side, allowing the silvery-gray flight feathers to catch the light. The small, red head is proportionally small compared to its body, and the beak is short and hooked. The legs and feet are pinkish in color, often stained white due to urohidrosis, a cooling behavior where the bird defecates on its own legs.

Turkey vultures inhabit a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts. They are often found in areas that juxtapose with woodlands, which are important for nesting and roosting.

The turkey vulture's range extends from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It is a permanent resident in the southern United States, with northern populations migrating as far south as South America.

Turkey vultures are gregarious and roost in large community groups. They are known for their soaring flight, utilizing thermals to stay aloft with minimal flapping. On the ground, they have an ungainly, hopping walk and require significant effort to take flight. They are also known for their horaltic pose, where they spread their wings to dry, warm their body, or bake off bacteria.

Lacking a syrinx, the turkey vulture's vocalizations are limited to grunts or low hisses.

Breeding season varies with latitude, starting in March in the southern United States and extending into August in northerly latitudes. Turkey vultures nest in protected locations such as cliffs, caves, or hollow trees, laying one to three cream-colored eggs with brown or lavender spots. Both parents incubate and care for the altricial chicks by regurgitating food.

Turkey vultures feed almost exclusively on carrion, preferring recently dead animals and avoiding putrefied remains. They have a keen sense of smell and can detect the gases produced by decaying animals, which aids in locating food.

The turkey vulture is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Populations appear stable, and it has not reached the threshold for inclusion as a threatened species.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - RED TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a robust bird of prey, one of the most familiar hawks in North America. This species exhibits a broad range of plumage variations, with 14 recognized subspecies differing in color and range. The Red-tailed Hawk is a large raptor, weighing between 690 to 1,600 grams (1.5 to 3.5 pounds), with a length of 45–65 centimeters (18–26 inches) and a wingspan of 110–141 centimeters (3 feet 7 inches – 4 feet 8 inches). Females are typically about 25% heavier than males. The species is known for its brick-red tail, which gives it its common name.

Adult Red-tailed Hawks have a rich brown upper body and pale underparts, with a streaked belly and a dark bar between the shoulder and wrist. The tail is usually a rich red color above and pale below, with a black subterminal band. Immature birds have a brown tail with dark bars and may lack the red coloration. The bird's beak is short and dark, and the legs and feet are yellow. In flight, the broad, rounded wings and short, wide tail are characteristic.

Red-tailed Hawks are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, forests, agricultural fields, and urban areas. They prefer open areas with high perching sites from which they can survey their territory.

This species has a vast range, breeding from Alaska and northern Canada down through the United States to Panama and the West Indies. It is absent from the high Arctic and the most densely forested parts of the Amazon.

Red-tailed Hawks are known for their soaring flight, often seen circling high above the ground. They are territorial and can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. These hawks are solitary hunters but may form pairs or small family groups.

29-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STRIPED GRAYLING BUTTERFLY (Hipparchia fidia)

Hipparchia fidia, the striped grayling, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found on the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands and in south-eastern France and the bordering parts of Italy and North Africa.

S. fidia L. (44 d). Above similar to the preceding [ fatua ], but the underside much more variegated and brighter: the ocelli of the forewing large, broadly bordered with yellow, there being before them white smears which are proximally bordered by a black line.

 On the underside of the hindwing the exterior black discal line projects behind the apex of the cell as a broad tooth; it is externally broadly white and beyond it there are moreover strong white smears extending towards the distal margin.

The wingspan is 48–56 millimetres (1.9–2.2 in).

The butterflies fly from July to August depending on the location.

The larvae feed on various types of grass.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SPOTTED EAGLE OWL (Bubo africanus)

The Spotted Eagle-Owl, known scientifically as Bubo africanus, is a medium-sized owl and one of the more diminutive members of the eagle owl family. It measures approximately 45 cm (18 inches) in length and weighs between 454 to 907 grams (1.0 to 2.0 pounds), with a wingspan ranging from 100 to 140 cm (39 to 55 inches). This species is distinguished by its off-white to pale ochre facial disk and striking yellow eyes. It boasts prominent ear-tufts, a dusky brown upper body, and off-white lower parts adorned with brown bars.

When attempting to identify the Spotted Eagle-Owl, look for its prominent ear-tufts and the distinctive barring on its chest and belly. The yellow eyes set against the pale facial disk are also key identification features. Its flight is silent and buoyant, typical of owl species.

The Spotted Eagle-Owl is versatile in its choice of habitat. It is commonly found in southern Africa, thriving in both thorn savanna and suburban gardens. It has a particular fondness for rocky outcrops and open areas, where it often roosts on the ground or in tree crowns.

This owl is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is the most prevalent owl species in southern Africa and is frequently encountered in urban areas, living in close proximity to human settlements.

The Spotted Eagle-Owl is a solitary and nocturnal bird, known for its typical eagle-owl hoots. The male's call consists of two hoots, "Hooo hooopoooo," while the female responds with three, "Hooo hoo hooo." The young communicate with hisses and beak snaps when threatened. This species is also known to bathe, often seen during summer thunderstorms with wings spread.

The male's two-part hoot and the female's three-part response are characteristic of this species. The young make a rasping noise when hungry, which can be heard over long distances.

Spotted Eagle-Owls are monogamous and breed from late July to early February. They often nest on the ground or in large cavities, including man-made structures. The female lays two to four eggs and incubates them for about 32 days. Owlets leave the nest at around five weeks old and are flight-capable at seven weeks, though they remain dependent on their parents for several weeks thereafter.

The diet of the Spotted Eagle-Owl primarily includes rodents, small mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles. It has a preference for small mammals like rodents and shrews. The owl often swallows prey whole and regurgitates indigestible parts as pellets. It is a generalist feeder and may move to new hunting grounds when prey becomes scarce.

The Spotted Eagle-Owl is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is a common species within its range, but it faces threats from car collisions, electric wires, persecution, secondary poisoning, and parasite infections. Conservation efforts include specialized care for captive owlets and release methods for reintegration into the wild. It is illegal to capture or keep indigenous owls in South Africa without a permit.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis)

The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), also known, outside of the United States, as the grey squirrel, is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is native to eastern North America, where it is the most prodigious and ecologically essential natural forest regenerator. Widely introduced to certain places around the world, the eastern gray squirrel in Europe, in particular, is regarded as an invasive species.

In Europe, Sciurus carolinensis is included (since 2016) in the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern (the Union list). This implies that this species cannot be imported, bred, transported, commercialized, or intentionally released into the environment in the whole of the European Union.

Sciurus carolinensis is native to the eastern and midwestern United States, and to the southerly portions of the central provinces of Canada. In the mid-1800s the population in the midwestern United States was described as being "truly astonishing," but human predation and habitat destruction through deforestation resulted in drastic population reductions, to the point that the animal was almost absent from Illinois by 1900.

The native range of the eastern gray squirrel overlaps with that of the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), with which it is sometimes confused, although the core of the fox squirrel's range is slightly more to the west. The eastern gray squirrel is found from New Brunswick, through southwestern Quebec and throughout southern Ontario plus in southern Manitoba, south to East Texas and Florida. Breeding eastern gray squirrels are found in Nova Scotia, but whether this population was introduced or came from natural range expansion is not known.

A prolific and adaptable species, the eastern gray squirrel has also been introduced to, and thrives in, several regions of the western United States and in 1966, this squirrel was introduced onto Vancouver Island in Western Canada in the area of Metchosin, and has spread widely from there. They are considered highly invasive and a threat to both the local ecosystem and the native squirrel, the American red squirrel.

Overseas, eastern gray squirrels in Europe are a concern because they have displaced some of the native squirrels there. They have been introduced into Ireland, Britain, Italy, South Africa, and Australia (where it was extirpated by 1973).

In Ireland, the native squirrel – also colored red – the Eurasian red squirrel S. vulgaris – has been displaced in several eastern counties, though it still remains common in the south and west of the country. The gray squirrel is also an invasive species in Britain; it has spread across the country and has largely displaced the red squirrel. That such a displacement might happen in Italy is of concern, as gray squirrels might spread to other parts of mainland Europe.

25-3-2018 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

The Egyptian goose is largely terrestrial, capable of perching on trees and buildings. It is known for its aggressive territorial behavior, especially during breeding season, and is not hesitant to engage in aerial combat with intruders. The species is monogamous, with both parents caring for their offspring.

The male's call is a subdued, hoarse quack, becoming louder and more rapid when agitated, resembling a steam engine. The female's quack is raucous and frequently heard, particularly when defending her young.

Nesting occurs in a variety of locations, with a preference for holes in mature trees. Both parents incubate the eggs, and the young are capable of foraging for themselves shortly after hatching.

Egyptian geese primarily consume seeds, leaves, grasses, and plant stems. They may also eat small animals such as locusts and worms. Goslings initially feed on small aquatic invertebrates before transitioning to grazing.

The Egyptian goose is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population. However, in regions where it has been introduced, it is considered invasive and may pose a threat to native species.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SOUTHERN GROUND HORNBILL (Bucorvus leadbeateri)

The Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri), formerly known as Bucorvus cafer, is a remarkable bird, the largest in the hornbill order and found exclusively within Africa. This majestic creature, with a length ranging from 90 to 129 cm and a wingspan of 1.2 to 1.8 meters, is a sight to behold. The males, larger than the females, can weigh between 3.5 to 6.2 kilograms, while females range from 2.2 to 4.6 kilograms. They are predominantly black with striking red patches of bare skin on the face and throat, which serve to keep dust from their eyes while foraging. In flight, the white tips of their wings are distinctly visible. The beak is robust, black, and slightly curved, with a casque more pronounced in males. Females are identified by their violet-blue throat skin, while juveniles have a paler, greyish patch instead of the vibrant red.

To identify the Southern Ground Hornbill, look for its large size, black plumage, and the vivid red or violet-blue skin on the throat. The male's throat is a pure red, while the female's is deep violet-blue. Juveniles can be recognized by their duller grey throat patch. In flight, the white primary feathers are a key distinguishing feature.

The Southern Ground Hornbill is found in woodlands and savannas, requiring a habitat with large trees for nesting and short grass for foraging.

This species ranges from Kenya to South Africa, with its presence also noted in northern Namibia and Angola to southern Zimbabwe and Burundi.

Living in groups of 5 to 10, these birds are apex predators and play a crucial ecological role. They forage on the ground, hunting a variety of prey from insects to small mammals. They are known for their loud, chorus-like calls that can be heard over great distances, serving as a means of maintaining their territory.

The Southern Ground Hornbill's calls are a distinctive aspect of their behavior, used for communication and territorial purposes. These calls can be heard up to 3 kilometers away.

Breeding pairs are assisted by at least two other birds, and experience as helpers is essential for successful rearing of young. They reach sexual maturity around 4-6 years of age and start breeding at about 10 years. Nesting typically occurs in high tree cavities or cliff face rock holes. They lay one to three eggs, but only one chick is usually reared to fledging.

The Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (B. abyssinicus) is similar but can be distinguished by its size and range.

Southern Ground Hornbills are carnivorous, feeding on reptiles, frogs, snails, insects, and mammals up to the size of hares. They forage on the ground and rarely drink water.

The IUCN lists the Southern Ground Hornbill as Vulnerable globally, with an Endangered status in South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini. Their numbers are declining due to habitat destruction, persecution, and other factors. Conservation efforts include habitat preservation and captive breeding programs.

16-4-2021 MANDINA LODGE, GAMBIA - VIOLET TURACO (Musophaga violacea)

The violet turaco, also known as the violaceous plantain eater (Musophaga violacea), is a large turaco, a group of African otidimorphae.

These are unmistakable birds, but shy and often inconspicuous in the treetops. They are approximately 48 cm (19 in) long, including a long tail and a 4 cm (1.6 in) bill. They boast a winglength of 21 cm (8.3 in) and weigh approximately 360 g. The plumage is glossy violet, except for the yellow forehead, chestnut crown and white ear coverts; the bill is thick and red. In flight, the violet turaco's crimson primary flight feathers contrast with the violet plumage. The red colour in the wings is typical of turacos.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans)

The black kite was described by the French polymath Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon in his Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux in 1770. The bird was also illustrated in a hand-coloured plate engraved by François-Nicolas Martinet in the Planches Enluminées D'Histoire Naturelle which was produced under the supervision of Edme-Louis Daubenton to accompany Buffon's text. Neither the plate caption nor Buffon's description included a scientific name but in 1783 the Dutch naturalist Pieter Boddaert coined the binomial name Falco migrans in his catalogue of the Planches Enluminées. The type locality is France. The current genus Milvus was erected by the French naturalist Bernard Germain de Lacépède in 1799. Milvus is the Latin word for a red kite; the specific migrans means "migrating" from the Latin migrare "to migrate".

The red kite has been known to hybridize with the black kite (in captivity where both species were kept together, and in the wild on the Cape Verde Islands).

Recent DNA studies suggest that the yellow-billed African races parasitus and aegyptius differ significantly from black kites in the Eurasian clade, and should be considered a separate allopatric species: yellow-billed kite, M. aegyptius. They occur throughout Africa except for the Congo Basin and the Sahara Desert. There have been some suggestions that the black-eared kite (M. m. lineatus) should be elevated to full species status as M. lineatus, but this is not well supported.

Black kites can be distinguished from red kites by the slightly smaller size, less forked tail (visible in flight), and generally dark plumage without any rufous. The sexes are alike though the male is a little smaller and less aggressive (this is the case in most birds of prey). They weigh on average 735 grams. The upper plumage is brown but the head and neck tend to be paler. The patch behind the eye appears darker. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base. The lower parts of the body are pale brown, becoming lighter towards the chin. The body feathers have dark shafts giving it a streaked appearance. The cere and gape are yellow, but the bill is black (unlike that of the yellow-billed kite). The legs are yellow and the claws are black. They have a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. Males and females have the same plumage but females are longer than males and have a little larger wingspan. Their wingspan is around 150 cm.

The species is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The temperate populations of this kite tend to be migratory while the tropical ones are resident. European and central Asian birds (subspecies M. m. migrans and black-eared kite M. m. lineatus, respectively) are migratory, moving to the tropics in winter, but races in warmer regions such as the Indian M. m. govinda (small Indian/pariah kite), or the Australasian M. m. affinis (fork-tailed kite), are resident. In some areas such as in the United Kingdom, the black kite occurs only as a wanderer on migration. These birds are usually of the nominate race, but in November 2006 a juvenile of the eastern lineatus, not previously recorded in western Europe, was found in Lincolnshire.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SECRETARY BIRD (Sagittarius serpentarius)

The Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a remarkable bird of prey, endemic to the African continent. It stands out with its eagle-like body perched upon long, crane-like legs, reaching heights of up to 1.3 meters (4 feet 3 inches). Both sexes exhibit a similar plumage of predominantly grey feathers, a distinctive flattened dark crest, and a featherless red-orange face. The bird's impressive stature is complemented by black flight feathers and thighs, adding to its striking appearance.

Adult Secretarybirds can be identified by their tall frame, long legs, and unique combination of grey and black plumage. The red-orange face is devoid of feathers, and the eyes are pale brown. In flight, the Secretarybird's long legs trail behind, and its elongated central tail feathers are noticeable. Juveniles differ slightly with yellow facial skin and darker grey down.

The Secretarybird favors open grasslands, savannas, and shrublands, avoiding dense forests and shrubbery that could hinder its ground-based lifestyle. It thrives in areas where the grass is shorter than 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches) and is less common in regions with taller grass or hotter climates.

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and down to the Western Cape in South Africa. It is generally non-migratory, though local movements may occur in response to rainfall and prey availability.

Secretarybirds are typically solitary or found in pairs, often roosting in trees. They are known for their deliberate pacing on the ground, where they spend much of their day hunting. These birds are capable of soaring using thermals and can reach altitudes of up to 3,800 meters (12,500 feet).

While generally silent, Secretarybirds can produce a deep, guttural croaking sound during nuptial displays or when at the nest. They may also emit high-pitched croaks when alarmed, and chicks have a distinct call during their first month.

Breeding can occur at any time of year, with a preference for the late dry season. Secretarybirds build large, flat nests atop thorny trees, where they lay a clutch of one to three eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the chicks, which fledge after about 75 to 80 days.

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and down to the Western Cape in South Africa. It is generally non-migratory, though local movements may occur in response to rainfall and prey availability.

Secretarybirds are typically solitary or found in pairs, often roosting in trees. They are known for their deliberate pacing on the ground, where they spend much of their day hunting. These birds are capable of soaring using thermals and can reach altitudes of up to 3,800 meters (12,500 feet).

While generally silent, Secretarybirds can produce a deep, guttural croaking sound during nuptial displays or when at the nest. They may also emit high-pitched croaks when alarmed, and chicks have a distinct call during their first month.

Breeding can occur at any time of year, with a preference for the late dry season. Secretarybirds build large, flat nests atop thorny trees, where they lay a clutch of one to three eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the chicks, which fledge after about 75 to 80 days.

The Secretarybird is a terrestrial hunter, preying on insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally larger mammals. It is known for its method of stomping on prey to kill or immobilize it. Snakes, including venomous species, are also part of its diet, although their importance has been historically overstated.

28-6-2018 CAMI LES FONTS OLIVA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

The spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata ) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It breeds in most of Europe and in the Palearctic to Siberia, and is migratory, wintering in Africa and south western Asia. It is declining in parts of its range.

This is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have grey-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, with a streaked crown and breast, giving rise to the bird's common name. The legs are short and black, and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. Juveniles are browner than adults and have spots on the upperparts.

The spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata ) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It breeds in most of Europe and in the Palearctic to Siberia, and is migratory, wintering in Africa and south western Asia. It is declining in parts of its range.

This is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have grey-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, with a streaked crown and breast, giving rise to the bird's common name. The legs are short and black, and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. Juveniles are browner than adults and have spots on the upperparts.

28-6-2018 OLIVA PLAYA, VALENCIA - SEA DAFFODIL (Pancratium maritimum)

Pancratium maritimum, or sea daffodil, is a species of bulbous plant native to both sides of the Mediterranean region and Black Sea from Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands east to Turkey, Syria, Israel and the Caucasus. In the parts of its range on the south Bulgarian and north Turkish and Georgian coasts of Black Sea. It is also naturalized in southern California, Bermuda and the Azores.

Pancratium maritimum grows on beaches and coastal sand dunes, often with much of the leaves and scapes buried in the sand. Other vernacular names are sea lily, sand daffodil, sand lily and lily of St. Nicholas, (although it is not a true lily). The specific epithet maritimum means "of the sea".

Pancratium maritimum is a bulbous perennial with a long neck and glaucous, broadly linear leaves, evergreen, but the leaves often die back during hot summers. Scape to 40 centimetres (16 in). Flowers 3–15 in an umbel, up to 15 cm (6 in) long, white. Corona two-thirds as long as the tepals. The flowers have a pleasing, exotic and very subtle lily scent, which only becomes apparent during still, windless summer nights that allow the delicate fragrance to become perceptible. Flowering is from August to October.

Pancratium maritimum, or sea daffodil, is a species of bulbous plant native to both sides of the Mediterranean region and Black Sea from Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands east to Turkey, Syria, Israel and the Caucasus. In the parts of its range on the south Bulgarian and north Turkish and Georgian coasts of Black Sea. It is also naturalized in southern California, Bermuda and the Azores.

Pancratium maritimum grows on beaches and coastal sand dunes, often with much of the leaves and scapes buried in the sand. Other vernacular names are sea lily, sand daffodil, sand lily and lily of St. Nicholas, (although it is not a true lily). The specific epithet maritimum means "of the sea".

Pancratium maritimum is a bulbous perennial with a long neck and glaucous, broadly linear leaves, evergreen, but the leaves often die back during hot summers. Scape to 40 centimetres (16 in). Flowers 3–15 in an umbel, up to 15 cm (6 in) long, white. Corona two-thirds as long as the tepals. The flowers have a pleasing, exotic and very subtle lily scent, which only becomes apparent during still, windless summer nights that allow the delicate fragrance to become perceptible. Flowering is from August to October.

Pancratium maritimum is pollinated by a hawk-moth named Agrius convolvuli. These insects visit the flower only when the speed of the wind is under 2 metres per second (6.6 ft/s). Even if the species is pollinated in an artificial way during windy weather the pollination is not effective. Pancratium maritimum is not receptive to its own pollen and must be cross-pollinated.

Easily grown but requires a very sunny position and a very well drained, sandy soil. Needs hot summers to induce flowering and is often a shy bloomer in cooler climates. Hardy to USDA zone 8. Tolerates temperatures down to about −5 °C (23 °F). Propagation by seeds or division after flowering. Seedlings may flower in their third or fourth year.

The Hebrew name for the flower is חבצלת החוף (khavatselet ha-Khof), closely related to the rose of Sharon (khavatselet ha-Sharon – חבצלת השרון) mentioned in the Song of Solomon. Since the plant grows on the Sharon plain of the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, it is suggested the biblical passage may refer to this flower.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - DOMESTIC GUINEA PIG (Cavia porcellus)

The guinea pig or domestic guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), also known as the cavy or domestic cavy (/ˈkeɪvi/ KAY-vee), is a species of rodent belonging to the genus Cavia, family Caviidae. Breeders tend to use the name "cavy" for the animal, but "guinea pig" is more commonly used in scientific and laboratory contexts. Despite their name, guinea pigs are not native to Guinea, nor are they closely related to pigs. Instead, they originated in the Andes region of South America, where wild guinea pigs can still be found today. Studies based on biochemistry and DNA hybridization suggest they are domesticated animals that do not exist naturally in the wild, but are descendants of a closely related cavy species such as C. tschudii. Originally, they were domesticated as livestock (source of meat) in the Andean region and are still consumed in some parts of the world.

In Western society, the guinea pig has enjoyed widespread popularity as a pet since its introduction to Europe and North America by European traders in the 16th century. Their docile nature, friendly responsiveness to handling and feeding, and the relative ease of caring for them have continued to make guinea pigs a popular choice of household pets. Consequently, organizations devoted to the competitive breeding of guinea pigs have been formed worldwide. Through artificial selection, many specialized breeds with varying coat colors and textures have been selected by breeders.

Livestock breeds of guinea pig play an important role in folk culture for many indigenous Andean peoples, especially as a food source. They are not only used in folk medicine and in community religious ceremonies but also raised for their meat. Guinea pigs are an important culinary staple in the Andes Mountains, where it is known as cuy. Lately, marketers tried to increase their consumption outside South America.

Biological experimentation on domestic guinea pigs has been carried out since the 17th century. The animals were used so frequently as model organisms in the 19th and 20th centuries that the epithet guinea pig came into use to describe a human test subject. Since that time, they have mainly been replaced by other rodents, such as mice and rats. However, they are still used in research, primarily as models to study such human medical conditions as juvenile diabetes, tuberculosis, scurvy (like humans, they require dietary intake of vitamin C), and pregnancy complications.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - TIMNEH PARROT (Psittacus erithacus ssp. timneh)

The Timneh parrot (Psittacus timneh), also known as the Timneh grey parrot or Timneh African grey parrot, is a West African parrot. Formerly classified as a subspecies of the grey parrot Psittacus erithacus timneh, it is now considered a full species Psittacus timneh. In aviculture, it is often referred to by the initials TAG and is commonly kept as a companion parrot.

The Timneh parrot was formally described in 1844 by the British zoologist and collector Louis Fraser. He coined the binomial name Psittacus timneh and specified the type locality as "Timneh country, Sierra Leone".[2] The Temne are an ethnic group that are predominantly found in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. The Timneh parrot was formerly classified as a subspecies of the grey parrot but is now treated as a separate species based on the results of a genetic and morphological study published in 2007.

The Timneh parrot is endemic to the western parts of the moist Upper Guinean forests and bordering savannas of West Africa from Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and southern Mali eastwards to at least 70 km east of the Bandama River in Ivory Coast. There is no natural range overlap with the grey parrot although, as both taxa are common in aviculture, escapes can occur and hybridization between greys and Timnehs has been observed in captivity. The birds typically inhabit dense forest, but are also seen at forest edges and in clearings, in gallery forest along waterways, savanna woodland and mangroves. Though they are sometimes found in cultivated areas and gardens, it is not clear whether these habitats contain self-sustaining populations; the birds may make seasonal movements out of the driest parts of their range in the dry season.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SOUTHERN YELLOW BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus leucomelas ssp parvior)

The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, known scientifically as Tockus leucomelas, is a medium-sized bird, with a length ranging from 48 to 60 centimeters and a weight between 132 and 242 grams. Its most striking feature is the long, down-curved yellow beak, which is disproportionately large compared to its body, making up to one-sixth of its body length. Males boast a longer beak, averaging 90 millimeters, while females have a slightly shorter one, averaging 74 millimeters. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males generally larger than females. The bird's plumage is a combination of white, grey, and black, with the white belly and grey neck contrasting against the black back adorned with white spots and stripes. The eyes are typically yellow, though brown variations exist, and the skin around the eyes and malar stripe is pinkish.

To identify the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, look for the long yellow beak and modest-sized casque that covers almost the entire length of the beak in males. The bird's white belly, grey neck with spots, and black back with white markings are also distinctive. The male's larger size and longer beak are reliable indicators for sex differentiation in the field.

This hornbill species is a common and widespread resident of the dry thornveldt and broad-leafed woodlands, often seen along roads and watercourses. They show a preference for acacia and broadleaved woodlands when available.

The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill is near-endemic to the dry savannas of southern Africa, with its range extending from Angola and Namibia in the west to Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal in the east, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northern South Africa.

Active during the day, these birds are often solitary, but may form couples or small groups, especially during breeding or nesting seasons, or when local migration occurs during the dry season. They are ground foragers, not digging but rather overturning debris to find food. They are sedentary but may roam in search of sustenance during dry spells. Monogamous pairs defend their territories with elaborate displays.

The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill's vocal repertoire includes a piercing cry, whistles, grunts, and cackles. These calls are used for territory demarcation and long-distance communication, often accompanied by physical displays.

Their diet consists mainly of arthropods like termites, beetles, larvae, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, supplemented by small mammals, berries, fruits, nuts, and eggs from other species. They use their beak as forceps to grasp and toss food into their throat, with serrated inner edges aiding in crushing and fragmenting their prey.

Breeding coincides with the onset of the rainy season, varying regionally. Courtship involves feeding, mutual preening, copulation, and nest prospecting. Nests are made in natural cavities, with the female sealing herself inside during incubation. Eggs are white and oval, with 2-6 per clutch, hatching after about 24 days. Chicks are born naked and are fed by both parents until they are ready to fledge.

The unique appearance of hornbills has led to their significant role in various cultural beliefs. Some indigenous tribes consider them sacred, while others may hunt them for food, traditional medicine, or ritualistic purposes.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.