7-9-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

Podarcis liolepis, the Columbretes wall lizard or Catalan wall lizard, is very similar to the other lizards in the genus Podarcis. This species was formerly described as a subspecies of the Iberian wall lizard, but has now been elevated to species status. These are slender lizards with long tails, narrow tapered heads and long thin toes, and stout legs. Colours are variable, although generally grey-brown. Often very subtle spots and stripes along the back and flanks can be seen and these can be more distinguished in the female. The underside is a much lighter cream or beige with sometimes a reddish tint. Adults grow 15–20 cm in length from the nose to tip of the tail. Body length can be a little as one third of the total body length, the tail making up the other two thirds.

Lifespan around 4–5 years. Sexual maturity is reached in their second year. Breeding takes place in spring after they wake from winter hibernation. 1-5 eggs are laid, each around 5x9mm, in cracks in rocks or under stones. During development the eggs swell and after 8 weeks when ready to hatch they can be 8x15mm in size. They hatch out around early July.

They are found in the north-east of the Iberian peninsula, including southern France in parts of the Pyrenees. They are not found above 3400m elevation.

With a lifespan of about 5 years they are an adaptable wall climbing species which can be found in a large number of habitats and frequently around houses and other buildings. Although being a Mediterranean species, they are able to inhabit mountain habitats with cold winters up to 2000 m altitude (Pyrenees, Sistema Ibérico, Sistema Bético).

The Catalonian Wall Lizard is a quite adaptable, well climbing species which can be found in various habitats and even frequently within human settlements. Although being a (sub-)Mediterranean species, it is able to inhabit mountain habitats with cold winters up to 2000 m altitude (Pyrenees, Sistema Ibérico, Sistema Bético).

Being such a "generalist", its distribution ranges from the French Rhône-Valley in the north to the Spanish Sierra Nevada in the south. It shows a great variability which has led to the description of several subspecies:

Podarcis liolepis cebennensis has been described for southern France. But geographic delimination towards the nominate subspecies is doubtful.

The Spanish Columbretes Archipelago is populated by the dark blotched subspecies atratus. However, this might be just an insular morph of the nominate subspecies.

Subspecies sebastiani has been described for the Basque Country area. Presumably, this may be just an ecotype of the nominate subspecies.

In the south of the range, additional - so far undescribed - colour morphs occur (see below).

With regard to this, some intra-specific taxonomic revision might be required.

Distribution of Podarcis liolepis with its currently recognized subspecies. For an overview of all Iberian Podarcis species see map at Podarcis hispanicus.

In north of the range, Podarcis liolepis has contact zones with Podarcis guadarramae. This species lacks of blue outer ventral scales which frequently occur in males of Podarcis liolepis. Podarcis liolepis may also co-occur with Podarcis muralis (e.g. Penyagolosa, E / Castellón) but it is smaller, more slender und usually shows a lighter colouration than the latter one.

12-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - BEARDED WOODPECKER (Dendropicos namaquus)

The bearded woodpecker (Chloropicus namaquus) is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It has a distinctive black and white head and brownish barred body. It is native to tropical central Africa. It has an extremely wide range and is a fairly common species, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern". The bearded woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers in Africa growing to a length of about 25 cm (10 in). 

5-9-2018 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - BLUE TAILED DAMSELFLY (Ischnura elegans)

The blue-tailed damselfly or common bluetail (Ischnura elegans) is a damselfly, belonging to the family Coenagrionidae.

This species is present in most of Europe and the Middle East. It is a common species.

These damselflies can be found in a wide range of lowland environments, with standing and slow flowing waters, brackish and polluted water.

Ischnura elegans can reach a body length of 27–35 millimetres (1.1–1.4 in) and a wingspan of about 35 millimetres (1.4 in). Hindwings reach a length of 14–20 millimetres (0.55–0.79 in). Adult male blue-tailed damselflies have a head and thorax patterned with blue and black. There is a bi-coloured pterostigma on the front wings. Eyes are blue. They have a largely black abdomen with very narrow pale markings where each segment joins the next. Segment eight, however, is entirely pale blue. At rest, the wings of most damselfly species are held back together, unlike dragonflies, which rest with their wings out flat. The thorax of juvenile males has a green tinge.

Female blue-tailed Damselflies come in a variety of colour forms. Juveniles may be salmon pink, form rufescens; violet, form violacea and a pale green form. The colour darkens as the damselfly ages. Mature females may be blue like the male, form typica; olive green thorax and brown spot, form infuscans or pale brown thorax and brown spot, form infusca-obseleta.

Adults fly from April to September to early October. The adult damselflies prey on small flying insects, caught using their legs like a basket to scoop the prey up while flying, or insects taken from leaves. Damselfly nymphs are aquatic, and prey on small aquatic insects or other aquatic larvae.

A male can try to interfere with a mating pair, by attaching itself to the mating male. The females always lay their eggs on the floating parts of the plants without any involvement of the male.

Blue-tailed Damselflies are superb fliers and can alter each of their four wings' kinematics in order to maneuver. A recent study has shown that they can compensate for a whole wing loss and even successfully maneuver and catch prey.

In damselfly populations, there is often a surplus of males displaying male mate harassment. In order to avoid unwanted mating attempts, females have developed polymorphisms that allow some of them to avoid recognition by males by mimicking male phenotypes. There are three specific morphs found in the Ischnura elegans species: androchromes, aurantiaca(rufescens) and infuscans. The androchromes resemble the male coloration, and the gynochromes, which can be either aurantiaca or infuscan, do not resemble males. The aurantiaca female morph is a pink-orange color with a blue abdominal patch that eventually disappears after maturation. The third morph, infuscan, displays an olive-green coloration with no color on its abdominal patch. Females are able to fully mature into their differing morph colorations just a few days after they finish their transition from aquatic larvae to their mature forms.

Although having an increased number of morphs makes it more difficult for males to distinguish between males from females, the levels of male mate harassment is different between the different morphs. Males primarily rely on visual cues to distinguish between the morphs and can also use odour cues, secondarily. Androchromes are often seen to face less male mate harassment because they resemble males and are less desired.  This gives androchromes an advantage in that they are able to spend more time allowing their eggs to mature instead of exerting energy avoiding unwanted mating attempts. Along with that, the morphs also display different mate avoidance tactics. Androchromes are more likely to face off with males by spreading their wings and curling their abdomens while gynochromes tend to fly away to avoid mating. Despite potentially having more time for egg maturation, the androchromes are still disadvantaged because their abdomens, like males, are more narrow which prevents them from being able to carry as many eggs as gynochromes.

There are also five main hypotheses that attempt to understand how the different female polymorphisms are continually maintained in this species. The reproductive isolation hypothesis states that there is a greater predation pressure on androchromes, which is seen as a trade-off to maintain the more inconspicuous morph. The male-mimicry hypothesis, mentioned previously, proposes that the androchromes ability to mimic male coloration allows them to avoid unwanted mating attempts and allocate more time to egg maturation. The density-dependent hypothesis states that the maintenance of the polymorphisms is attributed to the changing population densities. The habituation hypothesis states that males are actually most attracted to the morph that is most abundant. Lastly, the neutral hypothesis proposes that the female morphs are maintained by genetic drift, mutations, and founders effect all working together as well as that they might be more neutral to selection.

This species participates in a male scramble mate choice mating system in which a male's mating success is determined by how fast they are able to find a mate. This includes many hours of copulations in which males are unable to monopolize a single female and some males are often left with no mates at all. Due to this, the I. elegans species displays intense male-male competition which leads to males forcing copulations with females. Along with the lengthy copulations, the reproductive lifespan of this species is only a few weeks. Cooperation from both males and females is required for copulation and females have the ability to reject sperm transfer from unwanted mating attempts. A tandem formation is created by males through the clasping of the female pronotum.

I. elegans have the ability to rapidly adapt to their environments which puts them under heavy selective pressures. As this species has originated from tropical environments, their hatching times are often shorter in warmer temperatures than cooler temperatures. Females are also more likely to spend time near bodies of water as that is where they lay their eggs. In response to changing social contexts and population densities, males may change their sexual preferences and choose to mate with other males.

5-9-2018 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5-9-2018 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The little egret is a small, white heron that feeds on small fish and crustaceans. Once a very rare visitor from the Mediterranean, little egrets are now a common sight around the coasts of southern England and Wales as they expand their range, possibly due to increasing temperatures caused by climate change. It first bred in the UK on Brownsea Island, Dorset, in 1996, and has been moving northwards ever since; it was recorded as breeding in Berkshire for the first time in 2007.

The little egret is a white heron with black legs and yellow feet. It has a black bill and long plumes on its head and neck during the breeding season.

Found around the coasts and estuaries of England and Wales, more rarely in Scotland and inland.

The long neck plumes of little egrets were once more valuable than gold and were smuggled into Europe during the 19th century. As a result, little egret populations plummeted until laws were put in place to protect them.

The graceful bird is known as egretta garzetta to scientists, simply "garzetta" to Italians; it's the little egret to the rest of us. Related to the heron, this snowy white migratory bird lives in many parts of Eurasia and Africa, preferring marshes and other wetlands for feeding and breeding. It has a long black bill, black legs and bright yellow feet, and spends only part of its time in southeastern Sicily. There are far more pairs in certain regions of Spain, Portugal and Turkey, but little egrets are found as far north as Scandinavia and England. They feed on insects, frogs, small fish and reptiles.

Its annual Winter passage through Sicily on the way to other southern regions is usually a brief one, but the egret, though a rare sight, is not invisible. It grows to a height of about sixty centimetres. Hardly "little," but true herons are much larger. Egretta thula, the snowy egret, is a New World species closely related, and remarkably similar, to the little egret, making this superspecies one of the world's most widespread birds. There are several subspecies, too.

Then there are those bright yellow feet, certainly an unusual characteristic. The egret has been known to dip a foot in water and shake it about a bit to attract fish which it then catches with its long bill. A very efficient lure.

5-9-2018 ALMUSSAFES, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

The Eurasian collared dove, also known as the collared dove or Turkish dove (Streptopelia decaocto), is a bird of modest size, presenting a grey-buff to pinkish-grey plumage that is slightly darker above than below. It is recognized by its distinctive black half-collar edged with white on its nape, from which it derives its name. The species exhibits a blue-grey underwing patch and a tail that is grey-buff above, with dark grey and white-tipped feathers below. The sexes appear similar, with juveniles displaying a less developed collar and a brown iris.

To identify the Eurasian collared dove, look for its medium size, slimmer and longer-tailed body compared to a rock pigeon, and a shorter stature than the wood pigeon. The red legs, black bill, and red iris surrounded by a small area of bare skin, which may appear white or yellow, are key features. The bird's song, a three-part cooing "goo-GOO-goo," and a harsh screeching call are also distinctive identifiers.

This species is often found in proximity to human habitation, particularly where food is plentiful and trees are available for nesting. It is not uncommon to see these doves frequenting bird tables and farms.

Originally from warm temperate and subtropical Asia, the Eurasian collared dove has expanded its range dramatically, colonizing colder countries and becoming a permanent resident in many. Its range now includes Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.

The Eurasian collared dove is known for its dispersive nature rather than migratory habits. It is a monogamous bird that shares parental duties and can breed throughout the year when food is abundant. The male performs a ritual flight during courtship, and the species can produce several broods annually.

The Eurasian collared dove's song is a distinctive "goo-GOO-goo," while its call is a harsh screech lasting about two seconds, often heard in flight before landing.

Breeding occurs close to human settlements, with nests typically within 1 km of inhabited buildings. The female lays two white eggs, which are incubated by both parents. Breeding can happen year-round in favorable conditions.

The diet of the Eurasian collared dove consists mainly of grain, seeds, shoots, and insects. They are gregarious and can form sizeable flocks in winter around food sources.

The Eurasian collared dove is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not at immediate risk of population decline. However, its invasive status in North America is a cause for ecological concern, as it may out-compete native species and potentially spread diseases to domestic poultry and other birds.

5-9-2018 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.

Non-breeding Squacco Herons share certain physical characteristics with other heron species such as the Indian Pond Heron and the Malagasy Pond Heron, including tawny plumage, lighter streaking, a smaller bill, and narrower wing tips.

5-9-2018 ALMUSSAFES, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

The Eurasian collared dove, also known as the collared dove or Turkish dove (Streptopelia decaocto), is a bird of modest size, presenting a grey-buff to pinkish-grey plumage that is slightly darker above than below. It is recognized by its distinctive black half-collar edged with white on its nape, from which it derives its name. The species exhibits a blue-grey underwing patch and a tail that is grey-buff above, with dark grey and white-tipped feathers below. The sexes appear similar, with juveniles displaying a less developed collar and a brown iris.

To identify the Eurasian collared dove, look for its medium size, slimmer and longer-tailed body compared to a rock pigeon, and a shorter stature than the wood pigeon. The red legs, black bill, and red iris surrounded by a small area of bare skin, which may appear white or yellow, are key features. The bird's song, a three-part cooing "goo-GOO-goo," and a harsh screeching call are also distinctive identifiers.

This species is often found in proximity to human habitation, particularly where food is plentiful and trees are available for nesting. It is not uncommon to see these doves frequenting bird tables and farms.

Originally from warm temperate and subtropical Asia, the Eurasian collared dove has expanded its range dramatically, colonizing colder countries and becoming a permanent resident in many. Its range now includes Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.

 

The Eurasian collared dove is known for its dispersive nature rather than migratory habits. It is a monogamous bird that shares parental duties and can breed throughout the year when food is abundant. The male performs a ritual flight during courtship, and the species can produce several broods annually.

The Eurasian collared dove's song is a distinctive "goo-GOO-goo," while its call is a harsh screech lasting about two seconds, often heard in flight before landing.

Breeding occurs close to human settlements, with nests typically within 1 km of inhabited buildings. The female lays two white eggs, which are incubated by both parents. Breeding can happen year-round in favorable conditions.

The diet of the Eurasian collared dove consists mainly of grain, seeds, shoots, and insects. They are gregarious and can form sizeable flocks in winter around food sources.

The Eurasian collared dove is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not at immediate risk of population decline. However, its invasive status in North America is a cause for ecological concern, as it may out-compete native species and potentially spread diseases to domestic poultry and other birds.

18-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - PIED CROW (Corvus albus)

The pied crow (Corvus albus) is a widely distributed African bird species in the crow genus of the family Corvidae.

Structurally, the pied crow is better thought of as a small crow-sized raven, especially as it can hybridise with the Somali crow (dwarf raven) where their ranges meet in the Horn of Africa. Its behaviour, though, is more typical of the Eurasian carrion crows, and it may be a modern link (along with the Somali crow) between the Eurasian crows and the common raven.

It is about the size of the European carrion crow or a little larger (46–50 cm in length), but has a proportionately larger bill, slightly longer tail and wings, and longer legs. As its name suggests, its glossy black head and neck are interrupted by a large area of white feathering from the shoulders down to the lower breast. The tail, bill, and wings are black, too. The eyes are dark brown. The white plumage of immature birds is often mixed with black. It resembles the white-necked and thick-billed ravens, but has a much smaller bill.

This species, Africa's most widespread member of the genus Corvus, occurs from sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, south to the Cape of Good Hope and on the large island of Madagascar, the Comoros Islands, Aldabra, Assumption Island, Cosmoledo, Astove Island, Zanzibar, Pemba, and Fernando Po. It inhabits mainly open country with villages and towns nearby. It does not occur in the equatorial rainforest region. It is rarely seen very far from human habitation, though it is not as tied to the urban way of life as the house crow (Corvus splendens) of Asia, and may be encountered far from human habitation in Eritrea. 

5-9-2018 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.

Striking large black-and-white wader with a thin, straight bill and bright pink legs, found in wetlands with open shallow water throughout much of Africa and Eurasia, often in brackish habitats. Some populations are migratory, departing northerly breeding grounds for warmer southern regions. Often forms noisy colonies on bare ground near water. Essentially unmistakable throughout much of its range, but compare with Pied Stilt in parts of Southeast Asia. Feeds by wading in water, picking from the water surface with its needle-like bill. In flight, long pink legs stick out far beyond the tail. Calls loudly and stridently, especially when alarmed during the breeding season.

The black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a widely distributed, very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family Recurvirostridae. Its scientific name, Himantopus himantopus, is sometimes used to generalize a single, almost cosmopolitan species. Alternatively, it is restricted to the form that is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa, which equals the nominate group of H. himantopus sensu lato. Meanwhile, the black-necked (H. mexicanus) and white-backed stilts (H. melanurus) both inhabit the Americas; the pied stilt (H. leucocephalus) ranges from Australasia and New Zealand. Today, most sources accept between one and four actual species. The taxonomic name Himantopus comes from Greek, meaning "strap-foot" or "thong-foot".

5-9-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

Podarcis liolepis, the Columbretes wall lizard or Catalan wall lizard, is very similar to the other lizards in the genus Podarcis. This species was formerly described as a subspecies of the Iberian wall lizard, but has now been elevated to species status. These are slender lizards with long tails, narrow tapered heads and long thin toes, and stout legs. Colours are variable, although generally grey-brown. Often very subtle spots and stripes along the back and flanks can be seen and these can be more distinguished in the female. The underside is a much lighter cream or beige with sometimes a reddish tint. Adults grow 15–20 cm in length from the nose to tip of the tail. Body length can be a little as one third of the total body length, the tail making up the other two thirds.

Lifespan around 4–5 years. Sexual maturity is reached in their second year. Breeding takes place in spring after they wake from winter hibernation. 1-5 eggs are laid, each around 5x9mm, in cracks in rocks or under stones. During development the eggs swell and after 8 weeks when ready to hatch they can be 8x15mm in size. They hatch out around early July. 

They are found in the north-east of the Iberian peninsula, including southern France in parts of the Pyrenees. They are not found above 3400m elevation.

With a lifespan of about 5 years they are an adaptable wall climbing species which can be found in a large number of habitats and frequently around houses and other buildings. Although being a Mediterranean species, they are able to inhabit mountain habitats with cold winters up to 2000 m altitude (Pyrenees, Sistema Ibérico, Sistema Bético).

The Catalonian Wall Lizard is a quite adaptable, well climbing species which can be found in various habitats and even frequently within human settlements. Although being a (sub-)Mediterranean species, it is able to inhabit mountain habitats with cold winters up to 2000 m altitude (Pyrenees, Sistema Ibérico, Sistema Bético).

5-9-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The great tit (Parus major) is a small passerine bird, easily recognized by its black head and neck, striking white cheeks, olive upperparts, and vibrant yellow underparts. This bird is the most widespread species in the genus Parus, found across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Males are characterized by their bright plumage, with a black bib that extends down the belly, bordered by a lemon-yellow breast. Females and juveniles are similar but have duller coloration. The black line down the belly is also narrower and sometimes broken in these birds.

Great tits favor a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, and even urban parks and gardens. They are also found in riverine woodlands and, in some regions, boreal taiga.

This species is resident throughout its range, which extends from the Iberian Peninsula to the Amur Valley, and from Scandinavia to the Middle East. It is generally non-migratory, except in harsh winters when it may move to more temperate areas.

Great tits are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They exhibit a range of foraging behaviors and can solve problems with insight learning. They are also cavity nesters and are monogamous, with both parents involved in raising the chicks.

15-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA - NORTHERN BLACK KORHAAN (Afrotis afraoides)

The Northern Black Korhaan, also known as the White-quilled Bustard, is a striking member of the bustard family, Otididae. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is adorned with black and white barring on the back and wings, while the head, neck, and underparts are cloaked in black. The female, in contrast, sports a pattern of black and buff bars and checks on the head, neck, breast, and upper parts, with a black belly. Both sexes boast red beaks and vivid yellow legs, but it is the male's white primary feathers that set this species apart from its close relative, the Southern Black Korhaan, which has black primaries.

When observing these birds, look for the male's distinctive black and white barred plumage and the female's more camouflaged black and buff pattern. The white primary feathers are a key identifier in flight. The red beak and yellow legs are also notable features to aid in identification.

The Northern Black Korhaan favors open grasslands with vegetation up to a meter tall, grassy dunes, semi-arid scrublands, and the expansive veldt.

This species is widely distributed across Southern Africa, with sightings confirmed in Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and northern South Africa.

18-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - SOUTHERN PALE CHANTING GOSHAWK (Melierax canorus ssp. canorus)

The pale chanting goshawk (Melierax canorus) is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. This hawk breeds in southern Africa and is a resident species of dry, open semi-desert with 75 cm or less annual rainfall. It is commonly seen perched on roadside telephone poles.

This species is approximately 55 cm in length with a wingspan of 110 cm. The adult has grey upperparts with a white rump. The central tail feathers are black tipped with white and the outer tail feathers are barred grey and white. The head and upper breast are pale grey while the rest of the underparts are finely barred in dark grey and white. The eyes are dark brown in the adult and pale yellow in the immature. The bill is red at the base and dark grey at the tip. The cere, facial skin and long legs are also red. In flight, the adult has black primary flight feathers, very pale grey (white from a distance) secondaries, and grey forewings. Immatures have brown upperparts, with a white rump and black bars on the tail. From below, the flight feathers and tail are white with black barring, the throat is dark-streaked white, and the rest of the underparts are rufous. It is larger and paler than the barred-rumped dark chanting goshawk, Melierax metabates.

Both sexes are vocal during the breeding season. The call is a tuneful whistling kleeu-kleeu-kleeu-ku-ku-ku usually given from a tree-top perch.

4-9-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (Tarentola mauritanica)

Tarentola mauritanica, known as the common wall gecko, is a species of gecko (Gekkota) native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe. It has been introduced to Madeira and Balearic Islands, and the Americas (in Montevideo, Buenos Aires and California). A nocturnal animal with a predominantly insectivorous diet, it is commonly observed on walls in urban environments in warm coastal areas; it can be found further inland, especially in Spain where it has a tradition of cohabitation with humans as an insect hunter. A robust species, up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long, its tubercules are enlarged and give the species a spiny armoured appearance.

The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is also known as moorish gecko, crocodile gecko, European common gecko, and, regionally, as osga (in Portuguese), salamanquesa (in Spanish) and dragó (in Catalan).

The Common wall gecko is a small lizard native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe. It is commonly observed on walls in urban environments, mainly in warm coastal areas. However, the Common wall gecko can be found further inland, especially in Spain where it has a tradition of cohabitation with humans as insect hunter. This little creature is brownish-grey or brown in color with darker or lighter spots. These colors change in intensity according to the light. When geckos are active by day their color is darker than during the night.

Common wall geckos are mainly nocturnal or crepuscular. They may also be active during the day, on sunny days especially at the end of the winter. They like to receive sunlight near their refuge. They prefer to forage and spend their time singly; in the warmer months of the year, geckos can often be seen hunting nocturnal insects near light sources and street lamps.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - 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.

IAdult 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.

3-9-2018 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

3-9-2018 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - GREEN SANDPIPER (Tringa ochropus)

The Green Sandpiper, Tringa ochropus, is a small wader, or shorebird, with a somewhat plump appearance. It boasts a dark greenish-brown back and wings, complemented by a greyish head and breast. The underparts are predominantly white, with the back featuring white spots that vary in extent depending on the season and age of the bird. The legs and short bill are a matching dark green, creating a harmonious color palette for this avian species.

When observing the Green Sandpiper, look for its distinctive flight pattern, which reveals dark wings above and below, punctuated by a striking white rump. This feature is a reliable identifier, setting it apart from its close relative, the slightly smaller Solitary Sandpiper of North America. Additionally, the Green Sandpiper's white-spotted back is most pronounced in breeding adults and less so in winter and juvenile plumage.

The Green Sandpiper is a freshwater aficionado, often found in more confined spaces than other waders, which typically prefer open vistas. It thrives in a variety of freshwater habitats, avoiding the more gregarious nature of some wader congregations.

This bird breeds across subarctic Europe and extends its range east across the Palearctic. It is migratory, seeking winter respite in southern Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and tropical Africa.

The Green Sandpiper is not known for its sociability, as it is rarely seen in large groups. It prefers to forage alone, methodically picking small invertebrate prey from the mud along the edges of ponds and streams.

In flight, the Green Sandpiper emits a characteristic three-note whistle, which can be heard over the quiet waters it frequents.

A unique nester among waders, the Green Sandpiper lays 2 to 4 eggs in the abandoned arboreal nests of other bird species, such as the Fieldfare. The eggs incubate for approximately three weeks before hatching.

The Solitary Sandpiper (T. solitaria) is the Green Sandpiper's closest living relative and the most similar in appearance. However, the Solitary Sandpiper can be distinguished by its smaller size and different geographical range, being native to North America.

The diet of the Green Sandpiper consists of small invertebrates, which it diligently collects from the muddy edges of its freshwater habitat.

The IUCN classifies the Green Sandpiper as Least Concern, indicating a stable global population. It is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), ensuring concerted efforts for its conservation.

3-9-2018 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - COPPER DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (MALE) (Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis)

Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis is a species of damselfly in the family Calopterygidae known by the common names copper demoiselle and Mediterranean demoiselle.

This species is native to the western Mediterranean Basin in Europe (Iberia, southern France, Italy, Monaco) and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia). It is common in much of its range.

It lives along rivers and streams, but also in sunny larger waters. Though it may be affected by habitat changes such as water pollution.

Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis can reach a body length of about 45–48 millimetres (1.8–1.9 in). The abdomen length is of about 34–43 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in) in males, of 31–43 millimetres (1.2–1.7 in) in females. The length of the wings is of 23–32 millimetres (0.91–1.26 in) in males, of 25–37 millimetres (0.98–1.46 in) in the females.

The males have a dark, metallic shining body, the color of which can be red-violet, golden or copper-colored. On the underside of the last three abdominal segments there red area, the so-called "red lantern" (hence the Latin species name haemorrhoidalis, meaning "blood flow"). The wings of males show a large dark area, while the females have a brown band to the wing tip and a metallic-green to bronze-colored body, with a brown belt on the back.

The flight time of this species ranges from May to September. The males have a characteristic mating dance, showing the abdomen end and spreading their wings wide. The male of this species is territorial, defending sites where females may choose to lay eggs.

This species can hybridize with Calopteryx splendens.

3-9-2018 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - BLACK HEADED GULL (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.

In flight, the white leading edge of the wing is a distinctive field mark. The summer adult's brown head, red bill, and legs are key identifiers, while the winter plumage features two dark spots on the head. Juveniles can be recognized by their mottled brown pattern and black tail band.

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.

Highly gregarious in winter, the black-headed gull is an opportunistic feeder, consuming a wide range of food from insects to carrion. It is known for its "kree-ar" call and displays various behaviors such as eggshell removal from the nest, which is believed to reduce predation risk.