9-5-2019 OLIVA CAMPO, VALENCIA - CHINABERRY (Melia azedarach)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as the chinaberry tree, pride of India, bead-tree, Cape lilac, syringa berrytree, Persian lilac, Indian lilac, or white cedar, is a species of deciduous tree in the mahogany family, Meliaceae, that is native to Indomalaya and Australasia.

The fully grown tree has a rounded crown, and commonly measures 7–12 metres (20–40 feet) tall, exceptionally 45 m (150 ft).

The leaves are up to 50 centimetres (20 inches) long, alternate, long-petioled, two or three times compound (odd-pinnate); the leaflets are dark green above and lighter green below, with serrate margins.

The flowers are small and fragrant, with five pale purple or lilac petals, growing in clusters.

The fruit is a drupe, marble-sized, light yellow at maturity, hanging on the tree all winter, and gradually becoming wrinkled and almost white.

Melia azedarach has a short lifespan, averaging about 20 years.

Melia azedarach should not be confused with the Azadirachta trees, which are in the same family, but a different genus.

Its common name derives from the fact that its range includes China and it produces berries.

Some hummingbirds like the sapphire-spangled emerald (Amazilia lactea), glittering-bellied emerald (Chlorostilbon lucidus) and planalto hermit (Phaethornis pretrei) have been recorded as feeding on and pollinating the flowers; these only take it opportunistically.

Bees and butterflies do not use the flower (or the nectar) so it serves no pollinator benefit in the US.

Pests such as cape lilac tree caterpillars, Leptocneria reducta, can severely defoliate the tree and cause a lot of damage to the tree in Australia.

Fungal plant pathogen Pseudocercospora subsessilis is found on the leaves of the tree, causing leaf spots.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - VOMITDAISIES (Genus Geigeria)

Geigeria is a genus of African flowering plants in the daisy family.

Species

Geigeria acaulis

Geigeria acicularis

Geigeria affinis

Geigeria alata

Geigeria angolensis

Geigeria aspalathoides

Geigeria aspera

Geigeria brachycephala

Geigeria brevifolia

Geigeria burkei

Geigeria decurrens

Geigeria elongata

Geigeria englerana

Geigeria filifolia

Geigeria hoffmanniana

Geigeria lata

Geigeria linosyroides

Geigeria mendoncae

Geigeria nianganensis

Geigeria obtusifolia

Geigeria odontoptera

Geigeria ornativa

Geigeria otaviensis

Geigeria pectidea

Geigeria pilifera

Geigeria plumosa

Geigeria rigida

Geigeria schinzii

Geigeria spinosa

Geigeria vigintisquamea

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - BRONZE MANNIKIN (Spermestes cucullatus)

                   

The Bronze Mannikin, or Bronze Munia (Spermestes cucullata), presents itself as a diminutive passerine, a member of the estrildid finch family. This bird, with its compact form and a weight between 7 and 12 grams, is the smallest and most widespread of the four munia species found on the African mainland.

Adult Bronze Mannikins are characterized by their black to brownish-black heads, chins, throats, and central chests, with a subtle purple-green iridescence adorning the face and sides of the breast. Their upper parts are greyish brown, while the underparts are white with irregular barring on the flanks and rump. Notably, a small green iridescent patch can be seen on the outer scapular feathers. Both sexes appear similar, and the immature birds are distinguishable by their dun brown upper parts and buff head and underpart plumage.

These birds are commonly found in mesic savanna or forest margin habitats across the Afrotropics.

The Bronze Mannikin is a resident, nomadic, or irruptive species across much of Africa south of the Sahara Desert. It also inhabits the islands of Bioko, Pemba, Zanzibar, Mafia, and Comoro, and has been introduced to Puerto Rico.

Bronze Mannikins are highly social and gregarious, often seen in flocks. They exhibit a communal lifestyle, especially evident in their nesting habits, where they construct ball-shaped nests for roosting. These nests are frequently rebuilt using materials from dismantled ones. The flocks are known to defend their nesting area vigorously, yet they are welcoming to new flock members.

The Bronze Mannikin communicates with a variety of calls, including a 'rreep-rreeep' in flight and a twittering series of wheezy or buzzing notes when perched. The male's song consists of a repetitive series of notes.

Breeding Bronze Mannikins are prolific nest builders, capable of raising up to four broods annually under favorable conditions. Their nests are large domed structures made of grass, placed in trees. Each clutch consists of 4 to 8 small, white eggs, with a 12-day incubation period. Fledging occurs after three weeks, with independence reached three weeks thereafter.

The Bronze Mannikin can be confused with other munia species, but its size and specific plumage details, such as the barring on the flanks and the green iridescent patch, aid in its identification.

Their diet primarily consists of seeds, including those from wild grasses, millet, rice, and grain. They may also consume termites, nectar, or algae.

The Bronze Mannikin is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population across its extensive range.

8-5-2019 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - MALLARD (JUVENILE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

Mallard ducklings are "precocial," meaning they can walk, swim, and find their own food shortly after hatching, though the mother provides guidance and protection. The female builds the nest and incubates the five to 14 eggs for about 27-30 days, while the male leaves after a few days. Ducklings fledge (are able to fly) in 50 to 60 days and stay with their mother for around 42 to 60 days. 

Hatching and early life 

Precocious and mobile: Ducklings are born with downy feathers, alert, and can leave the nest within 12 to 16 hours of hatching.

Follow the leader: Once dry, the female leads the ducklings to water to begin their lives of swimming and feeding.

Independent but protected: While they can find their own food, they rely on their mother for protection, guidance to safe habitats, and waterproofing.

Fledging: The ducklings are able to fly approximately 50 to 60 days after hatching. 

Parenting and nesting 

Female's role: The female builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and raises the young entirely on her own.

Male's role: After a short period of guarding the female during the initial stages of incubation, the male leaves to be with other males.

Nest and eggs: Nests are typically a shallow bowl of grass on the ground, often lined with down. The female lays five to 14 eggs, which take 27-30 days to incubate.

Re-nesting: If a nest is destroyed, a female will re-nest, but she will likely lay fewer eggs in the second nest. 

8-5-2019 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - MALLARD (FEMALE AND YOUNG) (Anas platyrhynchos)

Female mallards, or hens, have mottled brown and buff plumage for camouflage and build their ground nests near water. They are responsible for laying between nine and thirteen eggs, incubating them for about a month, and leading their ducklings to food and water after they hatch. Both sexes have an iridescent purple-blue speculum on their wings, bordered by white. 

Appearance

Plumage: Mottled brown and buff feathers provide camouflage, especially on the ground.

Head: A dark crown and an eye-stripe are visible, with buff cheeks and a darker throat.

Bill: The bill is orange with dark markings.

Wings: Both males and females have a distinct iridescent purple-blue "speculum" on their wings that is edged with white. 

Nesting and reproduction

Nest building: They build nests on the ground, often in a depression lined with grasses, leaves, and down from their own bodies.

Eggs: A typical clutch has nine to thirteen eggs, though they can lay up to 18.

Incubation: The female incubates the eggs for about a month.

Parental care: Once ducklings hatch, they are able to walk, swim, and feed themselves, but the female leads them to food and keeps them safe. 

Diet and behavior

Diet: As omnivores, they eat aquatic vegetation, insects, worms, and snails.

Adaptability: Mallards are highly adaptable and can even nest in urban areas like city parks if a small body of water is nearby.

Flight: They are known to be able to take flight directly from the water when alarmed. 

21-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN STEENBOK (Raphicerus campestris ssp. campestris)

The steenbok /ˈsteɪnbɒk, ˈstiːn-/[a] (Raphicerus campestris) is a common small antelope of southern and eastern Africa. It is sometimes known as the steinbuck or steinbok.

Steenbok resemble small oribi, standing 45–60 cm (16"–24") at the shoulder, and weigh 7–16 kg (15–35 lb). Their coat is any shade from fawn to rufous, typically rather orange. The underside, including chin and throat, is white, as is the ring around the eye. Ears are large with "finger-marks" on the inside. Males have straight, smooth, parallel horns 7–19 cm (2.8–7.5 in) long (see image left). There is a black crescent-shape between the ears, a long black bridge to the glossy black nose, and a black circular scent-gland in front of the eye. The tail is not usually visible, being only 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) long.

There are two distinct clusters in steenbok distribution. In East Africa, it occurs in central and southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. It was formerly widespread in Uganda, but is now almost certainly extinct there. In Southern Africa, it occurs in Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and probably Lesotho.

Steenbok live in a variety of habitats from semi-desert, such as the edge of the Kalahari Desert and Etosha National Park, to open woodland and thickets, including open plains, stony savannah, and Acacia–grassland mosaics. They are said to favour unstable or transitional habitats. At least in the central part of Kruger National Park, South Africa, Steenbok show a distinct preference for Acacia tortilis savannah throughout the year, with no tendency to migrate to moister areas during the dry season (unlike many larger African savannah ungulates, including species sympatric with Steenbok in the wet season).

Population density is typically 0.3–1.0 individuals per square kilometre, reaching 4 per km2 in optimal habitats.

21-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - RED BILLED SPURFOWL (Pternistis adspersus)

The Red-billed Spurfowl, or Pternistis adspersus, presents a striking figure with its barred underparts and a distinctive yellow eye-ring. This bird, also known as the Red-billed Francolin, is a member of the Phasianidae family. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the males are notably larger, reaching lengths of 38 cm and weights between 340-635 grams, while the females are slightly smaller at 33 cm in length and weighing 340-549 grams.

When observing the Red-billed Spurfowl, look for the characteristic barred pattern on the underparts, which sets it apart from similar species such as the Natal Spurfowl. The yellow eye-ring is a conspicuous feature to aid identification. Males are larger than females, which can be a helpful distinction in the field.

The Red-billed Spurfowl is native to Southern Africa, where it frequents a variety of habitats.

This species is widely distributed across Southern Africa, with its range encompassing Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Red-billed Spurfowl is known for its terrestrial habits, often seen foraging on the ground.

The Natal Spurfowl is similar in appearance but can be distinguished by the lack of barred underparts which are present in the Red-billed Spurfowl.

The IUCN Red List has classified the Red-billed Spurfowl as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - NATAL FRANCOLIN (Pternistis natalensis)

The Natal spurfowl, also known as the Natal francolin, is a bird belonging to the family Phasianidae. It is a creature of considerable charm, with a plumage that blends seamlessly into the brushwood thickets it calls home.

When attempting to identify the Natal spurfowl, look for a bird with a robust build typical of the Phasianidae family. Its feathers are artfully patterned to provide camouflage in its natural habitat.

The Natal spurfowl is most commonly found amidst the brushwood thickets, where it can easily conceal itself. These environments provide the cover and resources it requires.

This species graces the landscapes of several African countries, including Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is a bird that knows no borders, thriving across a diverse range of southern African territories.

BirdLife International has classified the Natal spurfowl as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species graces the African skies in healthy numbers.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - JACOBIN CUCKOO (Clamator jacobinus)

The Jacobin cuckoo, also known as the pied cuckoo or pied crested cuckoo, is a medium-sized, slim bird with a distinctive black and white plumage and a crest. Its striking appearance is characterized by a white wing patch on the black wing, which is particularly noticeable in flight.

When observing the Jacobin cuckoo, look for its black and white coloration and the prominent white wing patches and tail edges during flight. The bird's crest and the pattern of its plumage make it unmistakable among its avian peers.

This species favors thorny, dry scrub or open woodland, typically avoiding dense forests or extremely arid environments.

The Jacobin cuckoo is found south of the Sahara in Africa and south of the Himalayas in India, extending to Sri Lanka and parts of Myanmar. It is partially migratory, with some populations moving seasonally.

During the breeding season, these birds are quite vocal and engage in aerial displays, including slow wing-beats and pigeon-like clapping flight. They are known for their brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly babblers.

The Jacobin cuckoo's call is a series of ringing whistling notes, described as "piu-piu." The calls vary slightly between subspecies, with the nominate form's calls being more rapid and slightly mellower.

As a brood parasite, the Jacobin cuckoo does not build its own nest but instead lays eggs in the nests of host species. The eggs of this cuckoo often match the color of the host's eggs, aiding in the deception.

The diet of the Jacobin cuckoo primarily consists of insects, including hairy caterpillars. They have a unique method of pressing caterpillars to remove their guts before consumption and will also eat fruits occasionally.

The Jacobin cuckoo is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or extinction.

6-5-2019 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

The Common Blackbird is territorial, especially during breeding season, with males displaying distinctive threat behaviors to ward off rivals. Outside of breeding season, they can be more sociable, often forming small flocks. The species is known for its adaptability to urban environments, where it may overwinter more readily than in rural settings.

The male's song is a melodious and fluted warble, often heard from elevated perches during the breeding season. The Common Blackbird also has a repertoire of calls including a sharp "seee" when agitated and a "pook-pook-pook" to signal ground predators.

6-5-2019 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

6-5-2019 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

6-5-2019 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - BLUE CROWN PASSION FLOWER (Passiflora caerulea)

3-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FALSE BLISTER BEETLE (Chrysanthia reitteri)

Chrysanthia reitteri is a species of insects with 144 observations

3-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROSE EVENING PRIMROSE (Oenothera rosea)

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - GOLDEN TAILED WOODPECKER (Campethera abingoni)

The Golden-tailed Woodpecker, known scientifically as Campethera abingoni, is a bird that captures the eye with its barred, greenish upper part plumage and streaked underparts. The golden-olive tail, while not markedly different from related species, adds a touch of elegance to its appearance. This bird measures between 20 to 21 centimeters from bill to tail tip, with the southern races being slightly heavier at around 70 grams compared to the northern race's 55 grams. Males are generally larger and heavier than females.

To distinguish between the sexes, one must look to the head markings. Males boast red and brown fore-crowns, while females display black with white spots. The malar stripes also differ, with males showing red and females a mottled black and white pattern. The iris of this species is typically dark red, though it can vary, and the mandibles are slate grey. The legs and feet are a greenish-olive hue. Juveniles can be identified by their heavy streaking on the throat and breast, barred bellies, mottled malar stripes, and a brown to brownish-grey iris.

The Golden-tailed Woodpecker is found in a variety of woodland habitats, including coastal forest, miombo, mopane, and acacia woodlands. It has a particular fondness for riparian woodland, especially in the drier regions of southern Africa. This bird tends to forage intensively in the lower to middle strata of trees within its territory, which can span 10 to 15 hectares.

This species is quite widespread in woodlands and forests south of the equator and is more localized to the north. Its range extends across numerous African countries, from Angola to Zimbabwe, including regions such as the Ivory Coast, Kenya, and South Africa.

The Golden-tailed Woodpecker is known for establishing large territories and may travel some distance between foraging sites. It is a solitary bird, often seen probing and gleaning for food.

The bird's vocal repertoire includes a single, strident call-note, often described as "waaa" or "weeea," typically emitted by the male. It also produces a long-range, repeated "yaooaak-yaaaaaak" call and is known to drum softly.

Breeding occurs in the early summer, with both sexes participating in the excavation of the nest, usually on the underside of a branch. They lay two to three glossy white eggs, which are incubated by both parents, with the male taking the night shift. The incubation period lasts about 13 days, and the chicks, fed regurgitated food, fledge after 22 to 25 days. Their nests are sometimes parasitized by various species of honeyguide.

The Mombasa Woodpecker, with its yellower plumage below and brighter golden-green upper parts, is a similar species. Other woodpeckers like the Cardinal, Bennett's, Reichenow's, and Nubian are browner above and more clearly barred, with only the Cardinal Woodpecker also displaying streaking below.

The Golden-tailed Woodpecker primarily feeds on arboreal ants and termites, but it also consumes millipedes, wood-boring larvae, and leaf-feeding moth larvae. It is often seen alongside the Cardinal Woodpecker, which tends to exploit thinner branches.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Golden-tailed Woodpecker as Least Concern, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its survival.

5-5-2019 ULLAL DE BALDOVI , VALENCIA - PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLY (Vanessa cardui)

Vanessa cardui is the most widespread of all butterfly species. It is commonly called the painted lady, or formerly in North America the cosmopolitan.

V. cardui occurs in any temperate zone, including mountains in the tropics. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates in spring, and sometimes again in autumn. It migrates from North Africa and the Mediterranean to Britain and Europe in May and June, occasionally reaching Iceland, and from the Red Sea basin, via Israel and Cyprus, to Turkey in March and April. The occasional autumn migration made by V. cardui is likely for the inspection of resource changes; it consists of a round trip from Europe to Africa.

For decades, naturalists have debated whether the offspring of these immigrants ever make a southwards return migration. Research suggests that British painted ladies do undertake an autumn migration, making 14,500 km (9,000 mi) round trip from tropical Africa to the Arctic Circle in a series of steps by up to six successive generations. The Radar Entomology Unit at Rothamsted Research provided evidence that autumn migrations take place at high altitude, which explains why these migrations are seldom witnessed. In recent years, thanks to the activity of The Worldwide Painted Lady Migration citizen science project, led by the Barcelona-based Institute of Evolutionary Biology (Catalan: Institut de Biologia Evolutiva), the huge range of migration has begun to be revealed. For example, some butterflies migrated from Iceland to the Sahara desert, and even further south.

V. cardui is known for its distinct migratory behaviour. In California, they are usually seen flying from north to north-west. These migrations appear to be partially initiated by heavy winter rains in the desert where rainfall controls the growth of larval food plants. In March 2019, after heavy rain produced an abundance of vegetation in the deserts, Southern California saw these butterflies migrating by the millions across the state.

Similarly, heavier than usual rain during the 2018-2019 winter seems to have been the cause of the extraordinarily large migration observed in Israel at the end of March, estimated at a billion individual butterflies. Painted lady migration patterns are highly erratic and they do not migrate every year. Some evidence suggests that global climatic events, such as el Niño, may affect the migratory behaviour of the painted lady butterflies, causing large-scale migrations. The first noticeable wave of migration in eastern Ukraine was noted in the 20s of April 2019. From May 15, numbers began to grow and it was possible to observe hundreds of this species in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, including in the city streets of Kharkiv.

5-5-2019 ULLAL DE BALDOVI , VALENCIA - CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Colias croceus)

The clouded yellow is a migratory, golden-yellow butterfly that visits areas like Britain and Ireland from North Africa and southern Europe, often appearing in large numbers during "Clouded Yellow years". It is a medium-sized butterfly with dark wing tips on the male, and its caterpillars feed on plants like clovers and bird's-foot trefoil. Clouded yellows can be found in various open habitats, especially those with their foodplants, and they are active from spring through autumn. 

Key facts

Appearance: A medium-sized, golden-yellow butterfly. Males have dark wing tips, while the female is a pale yellow and can be confused with other species.

Migration: It is a strong migratory species, arriving in waves from North Africa and southern Europe, and leaving again to head south.

Habitat: It is found in many open habitats, and is particularly fond of flowery places, chalk grasslands, and semi-improved meadows.

"Clouded Yellow years": The butterfly appears in small numbers most years, but occasionally mass immigrations occur, which are remembered as "Clouded Yellow years".

Larval food plants: The caterpillars feed on plants such as wild and cultivated clovers and common bird's-foot trefoil.

Life cycle: They appear from spring to autumn. Some individuals may overwinter as a caterpillar.

5-5-2019 ULLAL DE BALDOVI , VALENCIA - CABBAGE WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rapae)

5-5-2019 ULLAL DE BALDOVI , VALENCIA - CHICORY (Cichorium intybus)

5-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ALOE VERA (Aloe vera)

Aloe vera (/ˈæloʊ(i) vɛrə, vɪər-/) is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. It is widely distributed, and is considered an invasive species in many world regions.

An evergreen perennial, it originates from the Arabian Peninsula, but grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. It is cultivated for commercial products, mainly as a topical treatment used over centuries. The species is attractive for decorative purposes, and succeeds indoors as a potted plant.

The leaves of Aloe vera contain significant amounts of the polysaccharide gel acemannan which can be used for a wide range of medical purposes. The skin contains aloin which is toxic. Products made from Aloe vera usually only use the gel.

5-5-2019 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), also known as the waterhen or swamp chicken, is a bird species in the rail family (Rallidae). It is distributed across many parts of the Old World.

The common moorhen lives around well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and other wetlands. The species is not found in the polar regions or many tropical rainforests. Elsewhere it is likely the most common rail species, except for the Eurasian coot in some regions.

The closely related common gallinule of the New World has been recognized as a separate species by most authorities, starting with the American Ornithologists' Union and the International Ornithological Committee in 2011.

The moorhen is a distinctive species, with predominantly black and brown plumage, with the exception of a white under-tail, white streaks on the flanks, yellow legs and a red frontal shield. The bill is red with a yellow tip. The young are browner and lack the red shield. The frontal shield of the adult has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides; the tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is a smooth waving line. In the related common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) of the Americas, the frontal shield has a fairly straight top and is less wide towards the bill, giving a marked indentation to the back margin of the red area.

The common moorhen gives a wide range of gargling calls and will emit loud hisses when threatened. A midsized to large rail, it can range from 30 to 38 cm (12 to 15 in) in length and span 50 to 62 cm (20 to 24 in) across the wings. The body mass of this species can range from 192 to 500 g (6.8 to 17.6 oz).

This is a common breeding and resident bird in marsh environments, rivers, well-vegetated lakes and even in city parks. Populations in areas where the waters freeze, such as eastern Europe, will migrate to more temperate climates. In China, common moorhen populations are largely resident south of the Yangtze River, whilst northern populations migrate in the winter, therefore these populations show high genetic diversity.

This species will consume a wide variety of vegetable material and small aquatic creatures. They forage beside or in the water, sometimes walking on lilypads or upending in the water to feed. They are often secretive, but can become tame in some areas. Despite loss of habitat in parts of its range, the common moorhen remains plentiful and widespread.

5-5-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron in the family Ardeidae. It is a white bird with a slender black beak, long black legs and, in the western race, yellow feet. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small creatures. It breeds colonially, often with other species of water birds, making a platform nest of sticks in a tree, bush or reed bed. A clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs is laid and incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at about six weeks of age.

Its breeding distribution is in wetlands in warm temperate to tropical parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. A successful colonist, its range has gradually expanded north, with stable and self-sustaining populations now present in the United Kingdom.

In warmer locations, most birds are permanent residents; northern populations, including many European birds, migrate to Africa and southern Asia to over-winter there. The birds may also wander north in late summer after the breeding season, and their tendency to disperse may have assisted in the recent expansion of the bird's range. At one time common in Western Europe, it was hunted extensively in the 19th century to provide plumes for the decoration of hats and became locally extinct in northwestern Europe and scarce in the south. Around 1950, conservation laws were introduced in southern Europe to protect the species and their numbers began to increase. By the beginning of the 21st century the bird was breeding again in France, the Netherlands, Ireland and Britain. Its range is continuing to expand westward, and the species has begun to colonise the New World; it was first seen in Barbados in 1954 and first bred there in 1994. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the bird's global conservation status as being of "least concern".

4-12-2015 JURONG, SINGAPORE - WHITE FRONTED PARROT (Amazona albifrons)

The white-fronted amazon (Amazona albifrons) also known as the white-fronted parrot, or spectacled amazon parrot, is a Central American species of parrot. They can imitate a range from 30 to 40 different sounds. Like other large parrots, the white-fronted parrot has a long potential life span, usually around 40 years.

The white-fronted amazon, at about 25 cm (9.8 in) long, is the smallest of the amazon parrots. This species is named for the bright white patch of feathers on its forehead, although the amount of white varies from individual to individual. They have mostly green plumage with some blue colouring on their outspread wings. They have bright red colouring around their eyes (in some individuals almost like spectacles) and blue colouring behind the patch of white on their foreheads. Together with the red-spectacled amazon and the yellow-lored amazon, it is the only amazon species in which adult males and females easily can be distinguished by external appearance (sexual dimorphism): Males have bright red feathers on their "shoulders" (alula), while females have green "shoulders". Juveniles have pale grey irises and less red on their face and the white area is replaced with a smaller yellowish area.

4-12-2015 JURONG, SINGAPORE - LILAC CROWNED PARROT (Amazona finschi)

The lilac-crowned amazon (Amazona finschi), also known as lilac-crowned parrot, Finsch's parrot or Finsch's amazon, is a parrot endemic to the Pacific slopes of Mexico. Also known as Finsch's amazon, it is characterised by green plumage, a maroon forehead, and a violet-blue crown and neck.

The binomial of this bird commemorates the German naturalist and explorer Otto Finsch.

In 2006, BirdLife International classified this species as vulnerable. In 2014, IUCN uplisted this species to Endangered.

The lilac-crowned amazon's endemic range spans along the pacific coast of Mexico, beginning in southeastern Sonora and southwestern Chihuahua down to southern Oaxaca. In Sinaloa and northern Nayarit the geographic range of the lilac-crowned parrot is above 375 meters of elevation and does not reach sea level until southern Nayarit, where it remains so through Jalisco and Oaxaca.

The lilac-crowned amazon's natural habitat in Mexico is often threatened. The decline in population size has been recorded in almost all of its natural habitat locations. Based on a collection of data and resident accounts, Amazona finschi population range has decreased by 20% due to habitat loss.

An increasingly growing population of approximately 100 individuals is found in Southern California, especially in the San Gabriel Valley and Orange Country. This increase could also be attributed to a more reliable source of measurement of population than in past years. These populations often are found in residential areas and occasionally in nesting groups with red-crowned parrots in native conifer forests or non-native captive plants.