7-7-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - COMMON POCHARD (FEMALE) (Aythya ferina)

The Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) is a medium-sized diving duck, belonging to the family Anatidae. It is a bird of robust build, with a sloping forehead and a relatively long bill. The male is distinguished by its chestnut head and neck, black breast and tail, and pale grey body with fine vermiculations. The female is more subdued in coloration, with a brownish body and a less vibrant head and neck.

Males can be identified by their striking chestnut head and neck, black breast, and pale grey body. They have a dark grey bill with a blue-grey band and yellow-orange to red irises, which intensify during the breeding season. Females and juveniles are less colorful, with brownish tones and grey legs and feet. The female's iris is brown, sometimes with a yellowish tinge, while juveniles have a yellow-olive iris that darkens with age.

The Common Pochard favors marshes and lakes with at least a meter of water depth for breeding. These habitats provide the necessary cover and food resources for the species.

This species has a widespread distribution across the Palearctic. It breeds mainly in the steppe regions of Scandinavia and Siberia and winters in the south and west of Europe. In the British Isles, it breeds in eastern England and lowland Scotland, with increasing numbers in Northern Ireland and sporadically in the Republic of Ireland.

Common Pochards are gregarious, forming large flocks in winter, often alongside other diving duck species. They are strong fliers, capable of reaching speeds of 49-54 mph in direct flight.

The male is generally silent but may emit a soft whistle during courtship. The female produces a soft growl when disturbed, and ducklings have a short contact call, which becomes higher and faster when they are distressed.

The female constructs a platform nest of plant material, lined with down, either on the ground near water or over water on a platform. Clutches typically consist of 8-10 greenish-grey eggs, with incubation beginning only after the entire clutch is laid. The species is known for high rates of conspecific brood parasitism.

Common Pochards feed on plant material, seeds, small fish, molluscs, and aquatic invertebrates, obtained by diving or dabbling. They often forage in association with Bewick's and Whooper Swans, benefiting from the swans' sediment-disturbing activities.

7-7-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - EURASIAN SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis)

The Eurasian skylark (Alauda arvensis) is a passerine bird in the lark family, Alaudidae. It is a widespread species found across Europe and the Palearctic with introduced populations in Australia, New Zealand and on the Hawaiian Islands. It is a bird of open farmland and heath, known for the song of the male, which is delivered in hovering flight from heights of 50 to 100 metres (160 to 330 ft). The sexes are alike. It is streaked greyish-brown above and on the breast and has a buff-white belly.

The female Eurasian skylark builds an open nest in a shallow depression on open ground well away from trees, bushes and hedges. She lays three to five eggs which she incubates for around 11 days. The chicks are fed by both parents but leave the nest after eight to ten days, well before they can fly. They scatter and hide in the vegetation but continue to be fed by the parents until they can fly at 18 to 20 days of age. Nests are subject to high predation rates by larger birds and small mammals. The parents can have several broods in a single season.

 

6-7-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)

The European bee-eater, Merops apiaster, is a bird of arresting beauty and grace. Its plumage is a kaleidoscope of warm hues, with brown and yellow adorning its upper parts, while the wings boast a vibrant green. The beak, a stark black, contrasts sharply with the bird's colorful attire. This slender avian can reach a length of 27–29 cm, including the elongated central tail feathers that add to its elegance. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though the female may sport greener shoulder feathers compared to the male's gold.

When identifying the European bee-eater, look for its distinctive coloration and sleek profile. The non-breeding plumage is more subdued, with a blue-green back and the absence of elongated central tail feathers. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but exhibit less variation in feather colors. During the moulting period, adults transition to breeding plumage, which is completed before their winter migration to Africa.

These birds favor open country in warmer climates, often found in proximity to sandy banks and river shores where they can nest and forage with ease.

The European bee-eater breeds across southern and central Europe, parts of northern and southern Africa, and western Asia. While the southern African population remains resident year-round, others migrate to tropical Africa for the winter. Occasionally, they are seen north of their typical range, with sporadic breeding in northern Europe.

Gregarious by nature, European bee-eaters nest colonially in sandy banks, with communal tendencies extending to feeding and roosting. Courtship involves the male presenting the female with large prey items, a gesture of both affection and sustenance.

The call of the European bee-eater is a melodious and liquid "prreee" or "prruup," a sound as mellow as the bird's demeanor.

Breeding season sees these birds tunneling into sandy banks to lay their spherical white eggs, with both parents sharing the duties of incubation and care. The eggs hatch after about three weeks, and the young are raised with communal diligence.

While the European bee-eater is distinctive, it may be confused with other bee-eater species. However, its unique coloration and tail feathers generally set it apart.

True to their name, European bee-eaters feast primarily on bees, wasps, and hornets. They exhibit remarkable skill in catching these insects mid-flight and have a unique method of removing the sting before consumption. Their diet is predominantly composed of Hymenoptera, particularly the European honey bee.

The IUCN lists the European bee-eater as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival. However, their interactions with bee populations and apiaries are of interest to conservationists and apiculturists alike.

4-7-2018 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.

4-7-2018 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

Black-winged stilts (Himantopus himantopus) are very long-legged wading birds. They are found in both warm and hot climates, feed on small aquatic creatures, and nest on the ground surface in small colonies.

Adult Black-winged stilts have long, pink legs, and a long, rather thin black bill. They are generally black above and white below, with a white head and neck. Males have a black back, often with a greenish gloss or sheen. Females' backs have a brownish hue, contrasting with the black remiges. In populations where the top of the head is normally white (at least in winter), females tend to have less black on the head and neck the entire year round, while males often have much more black, particularly in summer. This difference is not clear-cut, however, and males usually grow all-white head feathers in winter. Immature birds are grey, instead of black, and have a markedly sandy hue on their wings, with light feather fringes appearing as a whitish line in flight.

Black-winged stilts are found across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North, Central and South Americas. Some populations are migratory and move to the ocean coasts in winter; those in warmer regions are generally resident or short-range vagrants. Black-winged stilts breed in freshwater and brackish marshes, shallow lakes, ponds, and flooded fields. They can also be found in mountainous areas near lakes, river deltas, estuaries, coastal lagoons and marshes, salt meadows, and mudflats.

Black-winged stilts are very gregarious birds. They often gather in groups of around 20 individuals and may migrate or roost in large flocks of several thousand birds. Black-winged tilts are mainly diurnal; however, they are also adapted to nocturnal vision and may also forage even on moonless nights. Black-winged stilts feed in shallow water, wading slowly picking up their food from the water surface or sand.

Black-winged stilts are carnivores (insectivores, molluscivores, vermivores). They eat mainly insects and crustaceans but may also take tadpoles, mollusks, worms, and spiders.

4-7-2018 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, VALENCIA - SWAMP SMARTWEED (Persicaria hydropiperoides)

Persicaria hydropiperoides, commonly called swamp smartweed, mild waterpepper, false waterpepper, or sometimes simply waterpepper, is a species of flowering plant in the buckwheat family. It has a widespread distribution across much of North America and South America. Its preferred habitat is in moist, saturated to inundated soils growing in full sun to partial shade; such as swamp forests, marshes, streams, shorelines, and ditches. It is sometimes semi-aquatic.

Swamp smartweed is quite variable and is sometimes divided into several varieties, some of which may be better treated as species in their own right.

In general, swamp smartweed is a rhizomatous perennial herb growing upright or erect and approaching a maximum height of one meter (40 inches). Roots may emerge from nodes on the lower stem. The bristly lance-shaped leaves are around 10 centimeters (4 inches) long. The leaves have sheathing stipules known as ochreae. The spike-like inflorescence produces many pinkish flowers each about 3 millimeters wide.

Swamp smartweed is reported to be edible, as are all species in the genus Persicaria. Although its close relatives Persicaria hydropiper and Persicaria punctata are known to possess a hot or pungent quality when consumed, swamp smartweed is said to lack the same pungency by at least one author.

4-7-2018 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

The red-veined darter or nomad (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a dragonfly of the genus Sympetrum.

Sympetrum fonscolombii was named under the protonym Libellula fonscolombii by the Belgian entomologist Edmond de Sélys Longchamps, in 1840, in honor of the French entomologist Étienne of Fonscolombe (hence the species name). Its name is sometimes spelt fonscolombei instead of fonscolombii but Askew (2004) gives the latter as the correct spelling.

Sympetrum fonscolombii can reach a body length of 38–40 millimetres (1.5–1.6 in). This species is similar to other Sympetrum species but a good view with binoculars should give a positive identification, especially with a male.

Males have a red abdomen, redder than many other Sympetrum species. The frons and the thorax are red-brown. The eyes are brown above and blue/grey below. The wings have red veins and the wing bases of the hind-wings are yellow. The pterostigma is pale yellow with a border of black veins.

Female are similar but the abdomen is ochre yellow, not red, with two black lines along each side. The wings have yellow veins at the costa, leading edge and base, not red veins as found in the males. The legs of both sexes are mostly black with some yellow.

Immature males are like females but often with more red and a single line along each side of the abdomen.

Male S. fonscolombii can be mistaken for Crocothemis erythraea as both are very red dragonflies with yellow bases to the wings, red veins and pale pterostigma. However C. erythraea has no black on the legs, a broader body and no black on the head. Also C. erythraea females do not oviposit in tandem. The gestalt image of these two species is different and with some experience are easy to tell apart.

4-7-2018 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, 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.

4-7-2018 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - FIELD BINDWEED (Convolvulus arvensis)

Convolvulus arvensis, or field bindweed, is a species of bindweed in the Convolvulaceae native to Europe and Asia. It is a rhizomatous and climbing or creeping herbaceous perennial plant with stems growing to 0.5–2 metres (1.6–6.6 ft) in length. It is usually found at ground level with small white and pink flowers.

Other common names, mostly obsolete, include lesser bindweed, European bindweed, withy wind (in basket willow crops), perennial morning glory, small-flowered morning glory, creeping jenny, and possession vine.

Field bindweed was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in the Species Plantarum. In the following centuries, many subspecies, varieties, and synonymous taxa were discovered and described as purportedly new species in places including China, Russia, Egypt, and Morocco.[citation needed] New species and forms were described as far as Chile, Mexico, and the state of California when botanists encountered the plant there, although it is not native to these areas.

4-7-2018 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COOT (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.

4-7-2018 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - COLLARED PRATINCOLE (Glareola pratincola)

The Collared Pratincole, known to some as the Common Pratincole or Red-winged Pratincole, is a distinctive wader belonging to the family Glareolidae. This bird is characterized by its short legs, long pointed wings, and a long forked tail. The bill is short, an adaptation for its aerial feeding habits. Adults typically measure 24–28 cm in length with a wingspan of 60–70 cm. The plumage is a blend of brown on the back and head, with a stark white belly. The underwings are a rich chestnut, presenting a darker appearance from below.

To identify the Collared Pratincole, one must look for its chestnut underwings and deeply forked tail. It can be challenging to distinguish from similar species such as the Black-winged Pratincole and the Oriental Pratincole, especially since the latter also possesses chestnut underwings but has a shorter tail.

The Collared Pratincole thrives in open country and is frequently observed near bodies of water, particularly in the evening as it hunts for insects.

This species graces the warmer regions of Europe, southwest Asia, and Africa with its presence. It is a migratory bird, retreating to tropical Africa to overwinter and is considered a rarity north of its breeding territories.

The Collared Pratincole thrives in open country and is frequently observed near bodies of water, particularly in the evening as it hunts for insects.

This species graces the warmer regions of Europe, southwest Asia, and Africa with its presence. It is a migratory bird, retreating to tropical Africa to overwinter and is considered a rarity north of its breeding territories.

Pratincoles are unique among waders due to their propensity to capture insect prey on the wing, akin to swallows, though they are also capable of feeding on the ground.

The Collared Pratincole is a colonial nester, with a preference for laying its eggs in shallow scrapes on open ground, often near water. The clutch consists of 2–4 eggs, which are cream in color with black or dark brown markings. Both parents share the responsibility of incubation, which lasts for 17-19 days, and the young are precocial and nidifugous, leaving the nest within 2–3 days. The fledglings take to the skies after 25–30 days.

The Black-winged Pratincole and Oriental Pratincole are the species most similar to the Collared Pratincole. The key to differentiating them lies in the details of the tail length and underwing coloration.

The Collared Pratincole's diet consists primarily of insects, which it adeptly catches in flight, demonstrating its aerial agility.

The Collared Pratincole is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is also a species protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

4-7-2018 EL PALMAR, ALBUFERA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

When identifying the Grey Heron, look for the white head with the black supercilium and crest, the long grey neck, and the ashy-grey wings and back. The underparts are lighter, and the legs are long and brown. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller grey neck and smaller crest. The beak is a useful indicator of age, being brighter in breeding adults.

4-7-2018 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - LITTLE TERN (Sternula albifrons)

The Little Tern, Sternula albifrons, is a diminutive member of the seabird family Laridae. This sprightly bird is easily recognized by its compact body, measuring 21–25 cm in length with a wingspan of 41–47 cm. It is characterized by its white forehead, which is particularly prominent during the breeding season.

When observing the Little Tern, look for its yellow, thin, sharp bill tipped with black, and its matching yellow legs. In breeding plumage, the white forehead contrasts with a black cap, while in winter, the forehead becomes more extensively white, the bill turns black, and the legs appear duller. Its flight is buoyant and graceful, a delight to watch as it hovers over water before diving.

This species is partial to coastal environments, favoring gravel or shingle beaches and islands for breeding. It also frequents inland waterways, adapting to the habitats provided by temperate and tropical regions alike.

The Little Tern is a globe-trotter, breeding across temperate and tropical Europe and Asia, and migrating to subtropical and tropical oceans for the winter. Its range extends as far south as South Africa and Australia, with three recognized subspecies occupying distinct geographical areas.

The Little Tern is a colonial nester, laying two to four eggs directly on the ground. It is fiercely protective of its nest and offspring, ready to dive at intruders with surprising ferocity. Courtship involves the male presenting fish to the female, a tender ritual that strengthens their pair bond.

Listen for a loud, distinctive creaking noise that carries over the sounds of the sea, a call that is unmistakably that of the Little Tern.

Breeding colonies are established on coasts and islands, where the Little Tern's nest can be found on the bare ground. The commitment to their young is evident in their vigilant defense against potential threats.

The Little Tern could be mistaken for the Fairy Tern or Saunders's Tern, but its size and the white forehead in breeding plumage are distinguishing features that aid in its identification.

Adept at plunge-diving, the Little Tern primarily feeds on fish from saline environments. Its hunting technique is a marvel of precision, as it drops from the air into the water to catch its prey.

The Little Tern is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, its populations have faced declines due to habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbance, particularly in coastal areas and along European rivers where traditional habitats have been compromised. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this species and its habitats, especially along rivers like the Drava where populations are critically threatened. The Little Tern is also a subject of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), highlighting the international commitment to its preservation.

8-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - CHACMA BABOON (Papio ursinus)

Chacma baboons are found throughout southern Africa, ranging from South Africa north to Angola, Zambia, and Mozambique. They live in diverse habitats from woodlands to savannas, steppes, and sub-deserts. Chacma baboons are found in the Kalahari Desert as well as on the alpine slopes of the Drakensberg. They usually sleep on hills, cliffs, or large trees and during the day, avoid arid areas with a lack of water.

The Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) is a member of the Old World monkey family. It is one of the largest of all monkeys. Located primarily in southern Africa, the chacma baboon has a wide variety of social behaviors, including a dominance hierarchy, collective foraging, adoption of young by females, and friendship pairings. In general, the species is not threatened, but hunting, trapping, and accidents kill or remove many baboons from the wild, thereby reducing their numbers and disrupting their social structure.

The Chacma baboon is perhaps the longest species of monkey and it is also one of the heaviest. Adult males can in some instances be about twice as long and three times as heavy as adult females. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this baboon is its long, downward-sloping face. The Chacma baboon is generally dark brown to gray in color, with a patch of rough hair on the nape of its neck. Unlike the males of northern baboon species (Guinea, hamadryas, and Olive baboons), Chacma males do not have a mane. The three subspecies are differentiated by size and color. The Cape chacma is a large, heavy, dark-brown, and has black feet. The Gray-footed chacma is slightly smaller than the Cape chacma, lighter in color and build, and has gray feet. The Ruacana chacma generally appears to be a smaller, less darkly colored version of the Cape chacma.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SILVERY CHEEKED HORNBILL (Bycanistes brevis)

The Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, known scientifically as Bycanistes brevis, is a majestic bird, notable for its impressive size, measuring between 75 to 80 centimeters in length. It boasts a striking cream-colored casque atop its beak. The bird's head gleams with a silver-grey sheen, while the rest of its plumage is a glossy iridescent black. This is contrasted by the white rump, lower back, thighs, vent, and the tips of the outer tail-feathers, creating a remarkable visual display.

When observing these birds, look for the large casque on the beak, which is particularly prominent in males. The female can be identified by her smaller casque and the reddish skin that encircles her eyes. The distinctive coloration of their plumage, with the contrast between the iridescent black body and the white accents, makes them relatively easy to identify in their natural habitat.

The Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, known scientifically as Bycanistes brevis, is a majestic bird, notable for its impressive size, measuring between 75 to 80 centimeters in length. It boasts a striking cream-colored casque atop its beak. The bird's head gleams with a silver-grey sheen, while the rest of its plumage is a glossy iridescent black. This is contrasted by the white rump, lower back, thighs, vent, and the tips of the outer tail-feathers, creating a remarkable visual display.

When observing these birds, look for the large casque on the beak, which is particularly prominent in males. The female can be identified by her smaller casque and the reddish skin that encircles her eyes. The distinctive coloration of their plumage, with the contrast between the iridescent black body and the white accents, makes them relatively easy to identify in their natural habitat.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - BUDGERIGAR (Melopsittacus undulatus)

The Budgerigar, also known as the common parakeet, shell parakeet, or affectionately as the budgie, is a small and vibrant seed-eating parrot. In the wild, its plumage is primarily a bright green and yellow, adorned with black scalloped markings on the nape, back, and wings. Captivity has given rise to a kaleidoscope of color variations including blues, whites, and greys, with some even sporting charming crests.

Adult budgerigars can be distinguished by the color of their cere, the fleshy area containing the nostrils above the beak. Males typically boast a blue cere, while females exhibit a brown or beige cere, particularly when in breeding condition. Juveniles present a more uniform purplish-pink cere, regardless of sex. These birds are also characterized by their iridescent cheek patches and the distinctive throat spots that adorn each side of their neck.

Budgerigars thrive in the drier regions of Australia, favoring habitats such as scrublands, open woodlands, and grasslands. Their ability to adapt to the harsh inland conditions has been remarkable, a testament to their resilience and nomadic lifestyle.

Native to Australia, budgerigars have also been introduced to other regions, including Florida in the United States. Their distribution in the wild is closely linked to the availability of food and water, which can lead to large, nomadic flocks in search of sustenance.

Budgerigars are gregarious and nomadic, often seen in flocks that can swell to great numbers when conditions are favorable. They exhibit a variety of social behaviors, including mutual preening and feeding, indicative of their affectionate nature. In flight, they are agile and can switch between speeds with remarkable ease.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SWINHOE'S PHEASANT (Lophura swinhoii)

Swinhoe's pheasant (Lophura swinhoii ), also known as the Taiwan blue pheasant, is a bird of the pheasant subfamily in the fowl family Phasianidae. It is endemic to Taiwan. Along with the Mikado pheasant and Taiwan blue magpie, two other Taiwan endemics, Swinhoe's pheasant is sometimes considered an unofficial national symbol for Taiwan, as it bears the colours of the national flag (red, white, and blue).

The male Swinhoe's pheasant can grow up to 79 cm. He has a glossy blue-purple chest, belly, and rump, white nape, red wattles, white tail feathers, and a white crest. The female is brown marked with yellow, arrow-shaped spots and complex barring patterns, and has maroon outer rectrices. The juvenile male is dark blue with brown and yellow patterns on its wings. Swinhoe's pheasants can also be distinguished from the Mikado pheasant by having red legs.

During display, the male's wattles become engorged and he performs a display consisting of a hop followed by running in a circle around females. A frontal display with the tail fanned is occasionally observed. He also does a wing-whirring display like other Lophura pheasants.

Swinhoe's pheasant is found in the mountains of central Taiwan, where it lives in primary broadleaf forest up to 2,300 m in elevation.

25-3-2018 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - BLACK AND WHITE CASQUED HORNBILL (Bycanistes subcylindricus)

The black-and-white-casqued hornbill is found in wooded habitats in central and western Africa, ranging from western Kenya to Côte d'Ivoire with an isolated population in north Angola. The black-and-white-casqued hornbill is found mostly in Ivory-Coast, with smaller populations in its surrounding countries for West-African populations. The Central-African populations are mostly in Uganda and Kenya as well as Cameroon with smaller populations in Gabon, Tanzania and Central Africa. They are tropical birds that live in regions with high amounts of forests and is rarely seen in on flat lands, especially due to its arboreal nature.

The black-and-white-casqued hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus) also known as the grey-cheeked hornbill, is a large black and white hornbill. It has an oversized blackish bill with a large casque on top. The female is slightly smaller than the male and has a significantly smaller casque. It is a monogamous species, and pairs nest in suitable tree cavities. The female usually lays up to two eggs. The diet consists mainly of figs, fruits, insects and small animals found in the trees.

Widespread and still locally common, the black-and-white-casqued hornbill is assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Bycanistes subcylindricus is a moderately large bird of 60 to 70 cm with a wing span of 70 to 96  cm. It is recognizable by its black plummage for the higher body and wings alongside and white plummage on the lower body and wings with black feathers amongst the white feathers of the tail, particularly the top tail feathers and the base of the tail feathers. It has a yellow-brownish bill and flattened casque, which are enlarged in males. Females have a smaller casque and a black bill. The purpose of the casque is unknown for males, although suggested to be for sexual characterization. The black-and-white-casqued hornbill has very mobile eyes which is not a common trait in birds. This means that its eyes themselves can move in their socket, while other birds tend to have to move their heads to see. It is capable of displaying emotions through the feathers at the top of the head, which allows it to communicate its emotional state. While males weight between 1 kg and 1.5 kg, the females weight between 1 kg and 1.25 kg.

The black-and-white-casqued hornbill is found in wooded habitats in central and western Africa, ranging from western Kenya to Côte d'Ivoire with an isolated population in north Angola. The black-and-white-casqued hornbill is found mostly in Ivory-Coast, with smaller populations in its surrounding countries for West-African populations. The Central-African populations are mostly in Uganda and Kenya as well as Cameroon with smaller populations in Gabon, Tanzania and Central Africa. They are tropical birds that live in regions with high amounts of forests and is rarely seen in on flat lands, especially due to its arboreal nature.

The diet of the black-and-white-casqued hornbill consist mostly of fruits, which includes relatively small fruits or pieces of larger fruits. While some may consider this bird, like many other hornbills, to be limited to such food, it has been noted that they are very much capable of hunting small animals, including lizards and the eggs of other birds. Most of the frugal diet of the black-and-white-casqued hornbill comes from figs. The black-and-white-casqued hornbill does not consume water directly and seems to instead hydrate itself from the water contained in the fruits that represent most of its diet. It is capable of precise and delicate handling of edibles by using its beak skillfully in conjunction with its esophagus.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - ANGULATE TORTOISE (Chersina angulata)

The angulate tortoise (Chersina angulata) is a species of tortoise found in dry areas and coastal scrub vegetation in South Africa. It is the only living member of the genus Chersina.

This species is highly distinctive and is now classified by itself, in the monotypic Chersina genus. While it differs considerably from all other tortoise species, its closest relatives, according to phylogenetic studies, are the tiny "padloper" (Homopus) tortoise species, with which it shares its southern African habitat.

Internationally it is known by the two names of "angulate" and "bowsprit" tortoise. Locally in southern Africa however, it is uniformly known as the "angulate" tortoise in English, and as the rooipens skilpad ("red-belly tortoise") in Afrikaans.

A small, shy tortoise with a relatively variable shell, they can often be distinguished by their prominent "bowsprits", which are protrusions of the "gular" shields, from their plastrons under their chins. These are used by males to fight for territory or females. Uniquely, this species has only one gular shield under its chin; all other southern African tortoises have a divided/double scaled gular. Angulate specimens have five claws on their front legs and four on each back leg. They also, like most other southern African tortoises, have a nuchal scute.

There is considerable regional variation in this species of tortoise. Angulates from the west coast of southern Africa tend to have a reddish colour, especially on the underside of their shell (from where their Afrikaans name of rooipens or "red-belly" comes). Inland specimens from the Karoo region are often darker, and some are known to be uniformly black. To the east of their range, individuals are typically smaller and have a lighter colour. Such tendencies can be diluted by admixture however, and in all populations individuals tend to assume a uniform brown colour in old age.

This species shows considerable difference between male and female individuals. The male angulates tend to be larger, to have concave bellies, and to have a longer, thinner, "peanut" shape. They also have enlarged and extended gular scutes under their chins, which they use for sparring with each other. The females tend to be smaller and rounder, with a flat or slightly convex belly. Males tend to have a cream-coloured mark on top of their head.

A fully-grown specimen, in its natural fynbos scrub habitat.

Their natural habitat is the fynbos, karoo, albany thickets and coastal scrub (strandveld) vegetation of the south-western part of South Africa. This is an area of semi-arid and Mediterranean climate, with winter rainfall. Within this climatic range however, the angulate tortoise is a tough and very adaptable species.

Geographically, this natural range extends across the Cape Floristic Region, as far north as the southern part of Namibia. In addition, small colonies have been introduced by tourists to domestic gardens in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, even further north, in central Namibia. To the east, its range extends along the Cape's southern coast as far as East London. There is also an especially dense colony on Dassen Island, off the South African coast. Throughout its range, this tortoise usually occurs in the greatest numbers near the coast. Inland it occurs at lesser densities, though smaller populations are even found in parts of the Karoo.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SILVERY CHEEKED HORNBILL (Bycanistes brevis)

The Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, known scientifically as Bycanistes brevis, is a majestic bird, notable for its impressive size, measuring between 75 to 80 centimeters in length. It boasts a striking cream-colored casque atop its beak. The bird's head gleams with a silver-grey sheen, while the rest of its plumage is a glossy iridescent black. This is contrasted by the white rump, lower back, thighs, vent, and the tips of the outer tail-feathers, creating a remarkable visual display.

When observing these birds, look for the large casque on the beak, which is particularly prominent in males. The female can be identified by her smaller casque and the reddish skin that encircles her eyes. The distinctive coloration of their plumage, with the contrast between the iridescent black body and the white accents, makes them relatively easy to identify in their natural habitat.

The Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, known scientifically as Bycanistes brevis, is a majestic bird, notable for its impressive size, measuring between 75 to 80 centimeters in length. It boasts a striking cream-colored casque atop its beak. The bird's head gleams with a silver-grey sheen, while the rest of its plumage is a glossy iridescent black. This is contrasted by the white rump, lower back, thighs, vent, and the tips of the outer tail-feathers, creating a remarkable visual display.

When observing these birds, look for the large casque on the beak, which is particularly prominent in males. The female can be identified by her smaller casque and the reddish skin that encircles her eyes. The distinctive coloration of their plumage, with the contrast between the iridescent black body and the white accents, makes them relatively easy to identify in their natural habitat.

Silvery-cheeked Hornbills are denizens of the tall evergreen forests, where they can be seen perched high in the canopy or gliding majestically between the trees.

These hornbills are found across East Africa, from Ethiopia stretching down to South Africa. While their presence in South Africa is marginal, they are locally fairly common in the northern and central parts of their range.

These birds are typically seen in pairs, though they are known to roost in large flocks that can number in the hundreds. Their breeding season occurs in the spring months, particularly in September and October in some regions. They lay clutches of one to three white eggs, which are then incubated for a period of 40 days. The young hornbills remain under the care of both parents for approximately 80 days.

The Silvery-cheeked Hornbill is an omnivorous feeder, with a diet that includes fruits, insects, small birds, rodents, small reptiles, and centipedes. This varied diet reflects the bird's adaptability and skill in foraging within its forested home.

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill as Least Concern. However, in Zimbabwe, the species faces threats from habitat destruction, which could impact their numbers in the future.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - RUSSET NAPED WOOD RAIL (Aramides albiventris)

The russet-naped wood rail, also known as the rufous-naped wood rail, is a medium-sized bird with a robust build, characterized by its striking plumage and sturdy legs. Adults typically measure between 33 to 40 cm in length and weigh approximately 450 to 600 grams. Both sexes appear similar, with a thick dark yellow bill tipped in light green, a deep red eye, and legs and feet ranging from red to pink. Their plumage is a tapestry of colors: a slate gray adorns the forehead, crown, and hindneck, while a chestnut patch graces the back of the head. The back is a grayish olive, and the tail is black. A white chin and upper throat transition to gray sides of the neck, lower throat, and upper breast. The breast and upper belly are a pale tawny cinnamon, fading into a pale band that separates them from the black lower belly, vent, and undertail coverts. Juveniles, however, lack the white belly and instead have dark gray underparts with tawny flecks.

When identifying the russet-naped wood rail, look for the distinctive chestnut patch on the back of the head, the pale tawny cinnamon breast, and the black lower belly. The thick bill and red to pink legs are also key features. Juveniles can be distinguished by their lack of a white belly and the presence of tawny flecks on their dark gray underparts.

This species thrives in a variety of environments, both wet and dry. It can be found in marshes, swamp forests, river and stream corridors, thorn forests, semi-evergreen forests, and mangrove forests, as long as dense cover is available.

The russet-naped wood rail is distributed from Mexico to Costa Rica, with five subspecies occupying specific regions. These include eastern Mexico, the Pacific slope of southern Mexico to southern Guatemala and El Salvador, the Yucatán Peninsula through Belize to northern Guatemala, the Caribbean slope of Honduras and Nicaragua, and northeastern Costa Rica.

The russet-naped wood rail is a permanent resident throughout its range, known for its secretive nature. It typically forages in dense vegetation but may also feed in the open, particularly along stream banks. It has been observed feeding in grassy areas near forests as well.

The vocal repertoire of the russet-naped wood rail is quite varied, described as a "rapid, crazed-sounding, rollicking, popping, and clucking series." It produces a range of sounds, from sharp shrieks and harsh cackles to growls when disturbed, as well as low grunting clucks. This bird is most vocal during twilight and nighttime.

The breeding season of the russet-naped wood rail is not well documented, but breeding-condition adults have been noted at various times throughout the year. Its nest is a shallow bowl made of sticks and plant fibers, often situated above water in a bush, vines, or a tree. Clutch sizes range from three to seven eggs, but the incubation period and time to fledging are currently unknown.