23-5-2019 KRUGER NAT PARK, SOUTH AFRICA - SPRINGBOK (Antidorcas marsupialis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/42283-Antidorcas-marsupialis

 

23-4-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (Tarentola mauritanica)

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - RED CHESTED CUCKOO (Cuculus solitarius)

The red-chested cuckoo, known scientifically as Cuculus solitarius, is a medium-sized bird that graces the African skies south of the Sahara. With a length of about 31 cm, the male boasts slate-grey upper parts and a pale grey throat, with the sides of his head complementing his dark grey tail, which is tipped with white. His breast is a striking rufous or cinnamon, occasionally barred, leading to a creamy-white or pale buff belly. The female mirrors the male in plumage, though her breast is a tad duller and may show varying degrees of barring.

When attempting to identify the red-chested cuckoo, look for the distinctive rufous or cinnamon breast in males, which can sometimes be barred. The slate-grey upper parts and pale grey throat are also key characteristics. Females are similar but with a duller breast color and more variable barring.

The red-chested cuckoo favors woodlands as its preferred habitat, thriving in the lush greenery that these environments provide.

This bird's range is extensive across the African continent, from Angola to Zimbabwe, including countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania. In Southern Africa, it is a common breeding migrant, though it tends to avoid the drier western regions.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - WHITE THROATED ROBIN CHAT (Cossypha humeralis)

The white-throated robin-chat or white-throated robin (Dessonornis humeralis) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are dry savannah and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.

The white-throated robin-chat is found in dry savannah woodland and shrubland.

The White-throated Robin-chat, Dessonornis humeralis, presents itself as a charming bird of the Muscicapidae family. It is recognized by its distinctive white throat, which contrasts with its otherwise muted plumage.

This species can be identified by its white throat, a feature that stands out against its greyish body. The bird's upper parts are brown, while the underparts are paler, providing a subtle yet elegant appearance.

The White-throated Robin-chat is a denizen of dry savannah woodlands and shrublands, where it finds the conditions ideal for its lifestyle.

Endemic to the southern regions of Africa, this bird graces the landscapes of Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe with its presence.

An insectivorous bird by nature, the White-throated Robin-chat also partakes in small vertebrates and some plant material. It is known to forage on the ground, often flipping leaves and debris to uncover hidden prey.

The diet of this bird is quite varied, including beetles, termites, ants, crickets, caterpillars, bugs, spiders, and millipedes. It also enjoys the fruits of several indigenous plants such as the woolly caper-bush and the magic guarrie.

Breeding season for the White-throated Robin-chat occurs in the spring, with nests typically found on or near the ground. The female incubates two or three eggs for about two weeks, and both parents are involved in feeding the chicks. After leaving the nest, the young birds continue to rely on their parents for an additional period.

The White-throated Robin-chat is fortunate to be listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, with a stable population across its substantial range in southern Africa.

5-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - SOUTHERN BANDED GROUNDLING DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Brachythemis leucosticta

Brachythemis leucosticta, the banded groundling or Southern banded groundling, is a species of dragonfly belonging to the family Libellulidae. It is found in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Brachythemis leucosticta was first formally described as Libellula leucosticta in 1839 by the German entomologist Hermann Burmeister with its type locality designated as Port Natal. It was long considered that there was a single species, the banded groundling, but in 2009 they were split into two species; the Southern banded groundling (B. leucosticta) and the Northern Banded Groundling (B. impartita) with a wide area of overlap in central Africa.

Brachythemis leucosticta is a small species of dragonfly with a length of up to 33 mm (1.3 in) and a wingspan of up to 57 mm (2.2 in). The males have a completely black abdomen and thorax, pterostigmata which are bicoloured including yellow, a very dark brown or blackish band near the tip of each wing and a black face and eyes. The females have a yellow and black thorax and abdomen the colour becoming less bright in older individuals and they have brown banded eyes.

Brachythemis leucosticta is found in East and Central Africa, and its presence has been confirmed in Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It may also occur in Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Sudan and Sudan. In South Africa it is found in the northern and eastern parts and is largely absent from the Cape region with a few scattered records in the Eastern Cape and a single record from the Western Cape.[5] It is found round small pools in open or savannah area, these pools may or may not have aquatic or emergent vegetation. The females and young males may be encountered some distance from water.

Brachythemis leucosticta prefers to be on or near the ground and will sit in the open. It is a tame species which often follows larger animals, including humans, catching small insects flushed by the larger animals as they walk through the grass. They are rather sociable and gather in mixed sex aggregations. In South Africa the adults are most active between September and May but in more tropical areas the adults are active throughout the year.

5-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - VIOLET DROPWING DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Trithemis annulata)

Trithemis annulata, commonly known as the violet dropwing, violet-marked darter, purple-blushed darter, or plum-coloured dropwing, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in most of Africa, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, and southern Europe. These dragonflies are called dropwings because of their habit of immediately lowering their wings after landing on a perch. Males of this species are violet-red with red veins in the wings, while females are yellow and brown. Both sexes have red eyes.

Trithemis annulata is a robust medium-sized species with a wingspan of 60 mm (2.4 in). The mature male has a dark red head and a yellow labium with a brown central spot. The eyes are red with white spots on the rear edge, and the frons is dark metallic purplish-red. The prothorax is violet with slightly darker longitudinal stripes. The membranous wings have distinctive red veins, the pterostigma is orange-brown, and there is a large orange-brown splash at the base of the hind wings. The abdomen is fairly broad and is pinkish-violet, with purple markings on the top of each segment and blackish markings on the terminal three segments. Females are a similar size to males, but the thorax is brownish, and the abdomen is yellow with dark brown markings. The wings of females lack the red veins of males but have similar orange-brown patches. It is very similar in appearance to the red-veined dropwing (Trithemis arteriosa), but that species has a more slender abdomen and a wedge-shaped black area on either side of the tip of the abdomen.

5-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - SOUTHERN BANDED GROUNDLING DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Brachythemis leucosticta)

Brachythemis leucosticta, the banded groundling or Southern banded groundling, is a species of dragonfly belonging to the family Libellulidae. It is found in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Brachythemis leucosticta was first formally described as Libellula leucosticta in 1839 by the German entomologist Hermann Burmeister with its type locality designated as Port Natal. It was long considered that there was a single species, the banded groundling, but in 2009 they were split into two species; the Southern banded groundling (B. leucosticta) and the Northern Banded Groundling (B. impartita) with a wide area of overlap in central Africa.

Brachythemis leucosticta is a small species of dragonfly with a length of up to 33 mm (1.3 in) and a wingspan of up to 57 mm (2.2 in). The males have a completely black abdomen and thorax, pterostigmata which are bicoloured including yellow, a very dark brown or blackish band near the tip of each wing and a black face and eyes. The females have a yellow and black thorax and abdomen the colour becoming less bright in older individuals and they have brown banded eyes.

Brachythemis leucosticta is found in East and Central Africa, and its presence has been confirmed in Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It may also occur in Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Sudan and Sudan. In South Africa it is found in the northern and eastern parts and is largely absent from the Cape region with a few scattered records in the Eastern Cape and a single record from the Western Cape. It is found round small pools in open or savannah area, these pools may or may not have aquatic or emergent vegetation. The females and young males may be encountered some distance from water.

Brachythemis leucosticta prefers to be on or near the ground and will sit in the open. It is a tame species which often follows larger animals, including humans, catching small insects flushed by the larger animals as they walk through the grass. They are rather sociable and gather in mixed sex aggregations. In South Africa the adults are most active between September and May but in more tropical areas the adults are active throughout the year.

5-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

The scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Its common names include broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter.

The scarlet dragonfly is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa. It also occurs across western Asia as far as southern China. It is a very rare vagrant in Britain. Its first record in the country was at Hayle Kimbro Pool, The Lizard, Cornwall, on 7 August 1995. Since then there have been a few further records at scattered locations throughout Britain.

A wide range of both running and standing waters, except those that are shaded. Adults may be found some distance from water in habitats ranging from desert to open woodland; absent from dense forest.

Crocothemis erythraea can reach a length of 33–44 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in). These dragonflies haves a flattened and rather broad abdomen. The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. Also the veins on the leading edges of the wings are red. Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

21-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN LION (FEMALE) (Panthera leo)

The lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera, native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; a short, rounded head; round ears; and a dark, hairy tuft at the tip of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions are larger than females and have a prominent mane. It is a social species, forming groups called prides. A lion's pride consists of a few adult males, related females, and cubs. Groups of female lions usually hunt together, preying mostly on medium-sized and large ungulates. The lion is an apex and keystone predator.

The lion inhabits grasslands, savannahs, and shrublands. It is usually more diurnal than other wild cats, but when persecuted, it adapts to being active at night and at twilight. During the Neolithic period, the lion ranged throughout Africa and Eurasia, from Southeast Europe to India, but it has been reduced to fragmented populations in sub-Saharan Africa and one population in western India. It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1996 because populations in African countries have declined by about 43% since the early 1990s. Lion populations are untenable outside designated protected areas. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are the greatest causes for concern.

8-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - DIDERIC CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx caprius)

The diederik cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius), formerly dideric cuckoo or didric cuckoo is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes, which also includes the roadrunners and the anis.

It is a common resident breeder in Sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula. It has been recorded as far north as Cyprus (1982 & 2023). It is a short-distance seasonal migrant, moving with the rains. It is a solitary bird, found in open woodland, savanna and riverside bushes.

A small, greenish cuckoo. The male has barred flanks, white flecking on the wing, white patches in front of and behind the eye, and a distinctly red eye surrounded by a red eye-ring. The bronzy-green female has a diagnostic white patch in front of the eye, a plain back, and white patches in the wings. 

This common resident and migrant is not a habitat specialist, but it prefers riverine and wetland areas where its preferred brood-parasite hosts, weavers and bishops, are common. The distinctive call is a loud, rising, high-pitched “deee-deee-deee-deee-dederik”.

27-3-2017 VILLA LAPAS, COSTA RICA - VARIABLE CRACKER BUTTERFLY (Hamadryas feronia)

Hamadryas feronia, the blue cracker or variable cracker, is a species of cracker butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found in the southern parts of North America and South America and southwards Brazil.

Hamadryas feronia is similar in appearance to Hamadryas guatemalena and Hamadryas iphthime. The upperside of the fore wing is a mosaic pattern of white, brown and bluish-grey, with a row of small eyespots parallel with the outer margin; a small red bar occupies the discal cell. The upperside of the hind wing is similar but has few white patches and larger more distinct eyespots. The underside of the fore wing is white or whitish-tan with dark markings, a small red bar and a black submarginal eyespot, and the under hind wing is white or whitish-tan, with dark markings and blue rings containing larger eyespots near the rear margin.

The larva has two colour morphs; it is either bluish-black above with brownish-white speckles and reddish spots on the side, or it is greyish-green with a pale-coloured longitudinal line on the side. It has dorsal spines on the second and third thoracic segments and on the seventh and eighth abdominal segments. The pupa has two long processes on its anterior end.

Two subspecies are recognised; H. feronia feronia occurs in Brazil, Paraguay and Peru, and H. feronia farinulenta occurs in Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, Colombia and Trinidad. This butterfly is found in open areas with trees.

21-3-2017 HOTEL BOUGANVILLEA, COSTA RICA - MEXICAN SILVERSPOT BUTTERFLY (Dione moneta)

Dione moneta, the Mexican silverspot, is a species of butterfly of the subfamily Heliconiinae in the family Nymphalidae, found from the southern United States to South America.

D. moneta has an orange upperside, and the wing bases are brown in color. It has thick, dark veins. The hind wing of the underside of these butterflies is brown and covered in big, silver spots. Its wings span from 3 – 3 and 1/4 inches.

Moneta is a name given to two goddesses from Roman mythology, both representing fortune and wealth.

Subspecies

Listed alphabetically:

D. m. butleri Stichel, [1908]

D. m. moneta Hübner, [1825]

D. m. poeyii Butler, 1873

4-5-2018 ULAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - GULL BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica)

The gull-billed tern (Gelochelidon nilotica), formerly Sterna nilotica, is a tern in the family Laridae. It is widely distributed and breeds in scattered localities in Europe, Asia, northwest Africa, and the Americas. The Australian gull-billed tern was previously considered a subspecies.

This is a fairly large and powerful tern, similar in size and general appearance to a Sandwich tern, but the short thick gull-like bill, broad wings, long legs and robust body are distinctive. The summer adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, a black cap, strong black bill and black legs. The call is a characteristic ker-wik. It is 33–42 cm (13–17 in) in length and 76–91 cm (30–36 in) in wingspan. Body mass ranges from 150–292 g (5.3–10.3 oz).

In winter, the cap is lost, and there is a dark patch through the eye like a Forster's tern or a Mediterranean gull. Juvenile gull-billed terns have a fainter mask, but otherwise look much like winter adults.

23-3-2017 TAPANTI, COSTA RICA - PRONG BILLED BARBET (Semnornis frantzii)

The prong-billed barbet (Semnornis frantzii) is a distinctive, relatively large-billed bird native to humid highland forest of Costa Rica and western Panama.

The prong-billed barbet is found in the mountains from Costa Rica's Cordillera de Tilarán to western Panama's Veraguas Province. In elevation it mostly ranges between 750 and 2,450 m (2,500 and 8,000 ft) on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, between 1,500 and 1,450 m (4,900 and 4,800 ft) on the Pacific side, and between 1,500 and 2,250 m (4,900 and 7,400 ft) in Panama. (Locally it occurs somewhat lower in both countries.) It inhabits the interior and edges of extremely humid montane evergreen forest, a landscape characterized by many epiphytes and mosses and frequent fog.

The Prong-billed Barbet, Semnornis frantzii, is a bird of considerable charm, with a robust silhouette and a notably large bill, which is silvery gray to bluish with a dark tip. This bill, featuring a distinctive notch at the tip of the mandible, gives the bird its name. Adults sport a dull golden brown crown, with a brownish olive nape and upper back, transitioning to an olive green lower back, rump, and uppertail coverts. Males are distinguished by a glossy black tuft at the rear of the crown, a feature absent in females. Both sexes share dull slaty black lores, cheeks, and chin, with the sides of their head, neck, and upper breast a buffy olive that turns yellowish on the lower breast. The belly is pale yellow, flanks are a dull grayish with a pale yellowish wash, and the wings are dusky.

This species thrives in the interior and edges of extremely humid montane evergreen forests, a habitat rich with epiphytes, mosses, and frequent fog.

The Prong-billed Barbet is native to the highland forests of Costa Rica and western Panama, ranging in elevation from 750 to 2,450 meters on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, and from 1,500 to 2,250 meters in Panama.

A non-migratory bird, the Prong-billed Barbet is known to forage in flocks of up to 12 outside the breeding season and roost communally in tree cavities. During the breeding season, they exhibit monogamous and territorial behavior.

8-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SPOTTED HYENA (Crocuta crocuta)

A highly misunderstood animal, the Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) has the reputation of being cowardly and sly, but it is actually a fascinating and intelligent creature with a very interesting social system. It looks like a dog but is closer related to cats, civets, and genets. It is also called the laughing hyena. It is a strong and capable hunter and the largest member of the hyena family. Females and males look exactly the same except that females are a little larger.

The spotted hyena has a strong and well-developed neck and forequarters, but relatively underdeveloped hindquarters. The rump is rounded rather than angular, which prevents attackers coming from behind from getting a firm grip on it. The head is wide and flat with a blunt muzzle and broad rhinarium. In contrast to the striped hyena, the ears of the spotted hyena are rounded rather than pointed. Each foot has four digits, which are webbed and armed with short, stout, and blunt claws. The paw-pads are broad and very flat, with the whole undersurface of the foot around them being naked. The tail is relatively short, being 300-350 mm (12-14 in) long, and resembles a pompom in appearance. Unusually among hyaenids, and mammals in general, the female Spotted hyena is considerably larger than the male. Both sexes have a pair of anal glands that produce a white, creamy secretion that is pasted onto grass stalks by everting the rectum. The odor of this secretion is very strong, smelling of boiling cheap soap or burning, and can be detected by humans several meters downwind.

26-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA - NORTHERN EMERALD TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus prasinus)

The emerald toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) is a species of near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found from Mexico to Nicaragua.

The emerald toucanet is non-migratory.

The emerald toucanet is gregarious and frequently gathers in groups of up to about 10.

The emerald toucanet forages by gleaning, usually while perched. Its diet is eclectic and includes a wide variety of fruits, invertebrates of many orders, and vertebrate prey such as birds, eggs, lizards, and snakes.

The emerald toucanet's breeding season is from March to July. It nests in tree cavities, either natural or those abandoned by woodpeckers. They can be as high as 27 m (89 ft) above the ground. The typical clutch size is three or four but can range from one to five. Both sexes incubate the eggs but the female does so more than the male. The incubation period is 16 days and fledging occurs 42 to 45 days after hatch.

11-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - CARDINAL WOODPECKER (Chloropicus fuscescens)

The cardinal woodpecker, Dendropicos fuscescens, is a diminutive avian artisan, measuring a mere 14 to 15 cm from the tip of its bill to the end of its tail. Exhibiting the quintessential woodpecker physique, it boasts a straight, pointed bill and a rigid tail for support against the arboreal surfaces it frequents. Its zygodactyl feet, with two toes pointing forward and two backward, are perfectly adapted for an arboreal lifestyle. The plumage is a muted olive, adorned with paler dots and bands, while the underparts are a stark white with bold black streaks. The rump is tinged with tawny, and a striking black malar stripe sets off the white throat and face. The male is distinguished by a red hind crown and nape, whereas the female sports a dark hind crown and black nape. Juveniles and adults alike may raise their small crests when agitated or excited.

To identify the cardinal woodpecker, look for its small size and typical woodpecker body shape. The back is olive with pale markings, and the underparts are white with black streaks. The male's red hind crown and nape contrast with the female's darker head pattern. When observing behavior, note the species' propensity to raise its crest when excited.

This species thrives in a variety of environments, from the dense canopies of forests to the sparse foliage of thorn bushes. Its adaptability allows it to inhabit a broad spectrum of the sub-Saharan landscape.

The cardinal woodpecker's domain stretches across the tropical regions of western and central Africa, with a presence in numerous countries including Angola, Kenya, and South Africa. Its widespread distribution is a testament to its versatility in habitat preference.

The cardinal woodpecker is often seen in small familial groups or as part of mixed-species foraging parties. It predominantly seeks sustenance in the lower strata of the forest, navigating through shrubs, vines, and even agricultural remnants like maize stalks. Its foraging technique involves rapid pecking and probing, and it is adept at maneuvering along slender twigs. This species is also known for its soft drumming and frequent sightings.

The cardinal woodpecker communicates with a high-pitched "krrrek-krrrek-krrrek," a call that is as distinctive as it is indicative of the bird's presence in its natural habitat.

During the breeding season, typically in spring or early summer, the cardinal woodpecker dedicates several weeks to excavating a new nesting cavity, often avoiding proximity to the previous year's site. The nest, an oval entrance hole about 2 meters off the ground, is simple, with a bed of wood chips for the glossy white eggs. Clutch size ranges from one to three eggs, incubated by both parents for approximately 12 days. Fledging occurs around 27 days post-hatching, with parental care extending another 8 to 10 weeks. Notably, the scaly-throated honeyguide may parasitize their nests.

As an insectivore, the cardinal woodpecker's diet consists primarily of insects, which it skillfully extracts from its arboreal hunting grounds using its long, darting tongue.

28-3-2017 TARCOLES RIVER COSTA RICA - AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)

                             

The Amazon kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) is a species of "water kingfisher" in subfamily Cerylinae of family Alcedinidae. It is found in the lowlands of the American tropics from southern Mexico south through Central America to northern Argentina.

The Amazon kingfisher resembles the green kingfisher which shares its range, but it is much larger than its relative, and three to four times as heavy. It is 30 cm (12 in) in length and weighs 98–140 g (3.5–4.9 oz). It has the typical kingfisher shape, with a short tail and long bill. It is oily green above, with a shaggy crest and a white collar around the neck. It lacks the white markings on the wings shown by green kingfisher.

Males have white underparts apart from a broad chestnut breast band and some green streaks on the flanks. Females have white underparts with green patches on the side of the chest and green flank streaks. Young birds resemble the adult female, but have white spots on the wings. These birds often give a harsh teck call. The rarely heard song, given from a tree top, is a whistled see see see see.

This large kingfisher breeds by streams. The unlined nest is in a horizontal tunnel made in a river bank, and up to 1.6 m (5.2 ft) long and 10 cm (3.9 in) wide. The female lays three, sometimes four, white eggs.

Amazon kingfishers are often seen perched on a branch or rock close to water before plunging in head first after their fish prey. They also feed on insects and amphibians. They are the most likely American green kingfisher to be seen on large rivers.

17-4-2019 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - SAGE LEAVED ROCK ROSE (Cistus salviifolius)

Cistus salviifolius

sage-leaved rock rose

A fast-growing, spreading, evergreen shrub, producing stems to 60cm (2ft) high and 80cm (32in) across, with oval to lance-shaped, dark green leaves. The leaves and young stems are aromatic to the touch. White saucer-shaped flowers with a central boss of bright yellow stamens, are produced from crimson buds in summer. 

The plant requires full sun and very well-drained soil in which to grow successfully, particularly overwinter, when rainfall may be higher.

Grows well in poor, but well drained soil, in a sheltered site and full sun. The foliage may become chlorotic with age when the shrubs are grown on chalky soil.

It may be susceptible to honey fungus.

17-4-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SMALL DUSTY WAVE MOTH (Idaea seriata)

17-4-2019 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus, stands as the most widespread and largest member of the flamingo family. This majestic bird is adorned with pinkish-white plumage, save for the red wing coverts and contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers. The bill is a striking pink with a black tip, and the legs are a uniform pink, completing the iconic look of this species.

Adult greater flamingos can be identified by their height, ranging from 110 to 150 cm, and their weight between 2 and 4 kg. The largest males can reach up to 187 cm tall and weigh 4.5 kg. Observers should note the distinctive coloration, with the majority of the body being pinkish-white, red wing coverts, and black flight feathers. The pink bill with a black tip and entirely pink legs are also key identification features. The call of the greater flamingo is reminiscent of a goose-like honking.

Greater flamingos favor mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with saline water, where they can be seen stirring the mud with their feet in search of food.

This species is common in the Old World, with a range that includes Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, and Southern Europe. Notably, they are found in coastal regions and along water bodies such as the Nile River, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.

Greater flamingos are social birds, often found in large flocks. They feed with their heads down, filtering out sustenance from the water with their specially adapted bills. During the breeding season, these birds engage in a fascinating display of spreading uropygial secretions over their feathers to enhance their color, a behavior likened to applying "make-up."

The vocalization of the greater flamingo is a distinctive honking, similar to that of a goose, which can be heard over considerable distances.

The species lays a single chalky-white egg on a mud mound, a typical breeding behavior for flamingos.

While similar to the American flamingo, the greater flamingo can be distinguished by differences in head, neck, body, and bill coloration.

Greater flamingos feed on a diet that includes small shrimp, seeds, blue-green algae, microscopic organisms, and mollusks. They filter their food from the water with their downward-facing heads and movable upper jaws.

The IUCN Red List classifies the greater flamingo as Least Concern, indicating a stable population. However, they face threats from habitat encroachment and pollution in their water supplies.

In the voice of David Attenborough, one might say: "The greater flamingo, with its elegant stature and vibrant hues, is a testament to the wonders of the avian world. As it sifts through the shallows, one cannot help but be captivated by its grace and the delicate balance it maintains within its ecosystem."

17-4-2019 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - BLACK HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

17-4-2019 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - COMMON SHELDUCK (MALE) (Tadorna tadorna)

The common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna, is a waterfowl species that graces the Euro-Siberian region with its presence. It is a medium-sized bird, akin to a small, short-necked goose, and is quite the sight with its white plumage contrasted by chestnut patches and a black underbelly. The head and neck are a dark, iridescent green, and the bill is a reddish-pink, with the male sporting a conspicuous knob on the forehead during the breeding season. Pink feet complete the ensemble, making this bird a striking figure in its habitat.

To identify the common shelduck, look for the distinctive reddish-pink bill and pink feet. The male, especially in breeding plumage, has a bright red bill with a prominent knob. The female is slightly smaller and has white facial markings. Both sexes have a white body with chestnut patches, a black belly, and a dark green head and neck. In flight, the green and chestnut secondary feathers become visible, contrasting with the predominantly white underwings.

The common shelduck is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including temperate lakes and rivers, as well as estuaries and tidal mudflats in winter. It has a particular fondness for salt marshes and estuaries and is known to breed in rabbit burrows, tree holes, and even haystacks.

This species is widespread across temperate Eurasia. It breeds in temperate regions and migrates to subtropical areas for wintering. Some populations remain resident in the westernmost parts of Europe, while others undertake movements to moulting grounds like the Wadden Sea.

The common shelduck is a sociable bird, often seen in large moulting flocks that can number up to 100,000 individuals. It is known for leaving its young in crèches supervised by a few adults. The species is also covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), highlighting its ecological importance.

The vocalization of the common shelduck is a loud, unmistakable honk, which can be heard over considerable distances.

During the breeding season, the male's bill becomes particularly vibrant, and the species is known to nest in a variety of locations, from rabbit burrows to tree holes.

While the common shelduck is quite distinctive, it could potentially be confused with other shelduck species. However, its unique coloration and size generally make it easy to distinguish.

The common shelduck feeds on a variety of items, including mollusks and small aquatic creatures, which it often forages for in the mudflats during low tide.

The IUCN Red List classifies the common shelduck as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers on a global scale.

17-4-2019 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - COMMON SHELDUCK (FEMALE) (Tadorna tadorna)

17-4-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola)

The Wood Sandpiper, Tringa glareola, presents as a small wader, the most diminutive of the shanks within the Scolopacidae family. It is characterized by its fine bill, brown back, and notably longer yellowish legs, giving it a delicate appearance.

When identifying the Wood Sandpiper, look for a bird with a longer-legged stature compared to the Green Sandpiper (T. ochropus) or the Solitary Sandpiper (T. solitaria). It can be distinguished from the Green Sandpiper by its smaller and less contrasting white rump patch, while the Solitary Sandpiper lacks a white rump patch entirely.

During migration and wintering periods, the Wood Sandpiper is typically found on freshwater bodies, where it can be seen probing in shallow waters or wet mud.

The Wood Sandpiper breeds in the subarctic wetlands, ranging from the Scottish Highlands across Europe and into the Palearctic. It migrates to Africa, Southern Asia, particularly India, and Australia. Notably, vagrant birds have reached as far as the Hawaiian Islands, and it is a regular visitor to the Mariana Islands and Palau.

This species exhibits a probing foraging style, mainly consuming insects and similar small prey. It nests on the ground or may opportunistically use an abandoned tree nest of another bird species.

Breeding occurs in subarctic wetlands, with four pale green eggs laid between March and May, either on the ground or in reused nests from other bird species like the Fieldfare.

The Wood Sandpiper can be confused with the Green Sandpiper or the Solitary Sandpiper but can be differentiated by leg length, bill size, and the presence or absence of a white rump patch.

The diet consists primarily of insects and small prey, which the Wood Sandpiper forages for by probing in shallow waters or on wet mud.

The Wood Sandpiper is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a widespread and stable population. It is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).