27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN CORDONBLEU (MALE) (Uraeginthus angolensis)

The blue waxbill (Uraeginthus angolensis), also called southern blue waxbill, blue-breasted waxbill, southern cordon-bleu, blue-cheeked cordon-bleu, blue-breasted cordon-bleu and Angola cordon-bleu, is a common species of estrildid finch found in Southern Africa. It is also relatively commonly kept as an aviary bird.

The blue waxbill has powder-blue face, breast, rump, and flanks with pale brown upperparts. The female is paler than the male and the blue is confined to the rump, tail, head, and upper breast, with the rest of the underparts being buffy brown. They measure 12–13 cm in length.

The call is a soft 'seee-seee', often repeated as bird flits through the lower parts of bush and scrub.

The blue waxbill occurs in southern Africa from Cabinda and the Congo to Kenya and Tanzania in the east south to northern South Africa. It may have been introduced to the islands of São Tomé and to Zanzibar.

The blue waxbill occurs in a variety of habitats but generally prefers well-watered and semi-arid savanna, particularly where umbrella thorns Vachellia tortilis grow, also occupying natural growth in cultivated land, mopane Colosphermum mopane and forest edges.

25-5-2019 MANA POOLS , ZIMBABWE - EASTERN NICATOR (Nicator gularis)

The Eastern Nicator, scientifically known as Nicator gularis, is a captivating species of songbird belonging to the family Nicatoridae. This avian wonder was once referred to as the "yellow-spotted nicator," though this moniker has since been reassigned to its relative, the Western Nicator.

While observing these birds, one may note their absence of distinctive yellow spots, a feature now attributed to their Western counterparts.

The Eastern Nicator thrives in a variety of environments, including subtropical or tropical dry forests, dry savannas, and moist shrublands. These habitats offer the perfect blend of cover and foraging opportunities for this species.

This bird graces the landscapes of several African countries, including Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Birdwatchers in South Africa may find it as far south as Mtunzini in northern KwaZulu-Natal, while those in East Africa can spot it in lowland areas and along the Zambezi River's inland stretches.

Diet and Feeding

The Eastern Nicator is an insectivore, skillfully hunting insects to sustain itself.

24-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - SPINY CROSSANDRA (Crossandra spinescens)

Crossandra spinescens is a woody perennial subshrub native to parts of southern Africa that has striking flowers in shades of orange, yellow, or red. The "spinescens" part of the name refers to the spiny margins on the plant's bracts, the leaf-like structures that enclose the flowers. It thrives in full sun and rocky or woodland habitats but can be cultivated in well-draining soil. 

Characteristics

Appearance: A woody perennial herb or small shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall.

Leaves: Glossy, dark green, and oval- or lance-shaped.

Flowers: Tubular and very striking, with colors ranging from yellow and orange to red. They are found in terminal inflorescences.

Distinguishing feature: The flower bracts have spiny margins.

Habitat: Rocky slopes, mopane woodlands, and streamsides. 

Cultivation

Light: Prefers full sun.

Soil: Thrives in well-draining soil, such as a normal potting mix, and is often found in rocky or woodland environments.

Watering: Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. 

23-5-2019 RAYA REAL, COTO DE REY - IBERIAN LYNX (Lynx pardinus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/41975-Lynx-pardinus

 

22-5-2019 HWANGE, ZIMBABWEE - THREE BANDED COURSER (Rhinoptilus cinctus)

The Three-banded Courser, Rhinoptilus cinctus, is a distinctive bird belonging to the family Glareolidae. It presents a unique appearance with its three prominent bands across its head and neck.

To identify the Three-banded Courser, look for its characteristic head pattern with three dark bands. The bird's overall plumage is a blend of earthy tones, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.

This species thrives in semi-arid environments, where it can blend seamlessly with the sandy and stony terrain.

The Three-banded Courser is found across a broad range of the African continent, including countries such as Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, Somaliland, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Observing the behaviour of the Three-banded Courser reveals its adeptness at remaining inconspicuous within its habitat, a survival trait that serves it well against potential predators.

15-5-2019 BOTANICAL GARDENS, BARCELONA - CATALONIAN WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

15-5-2019 BOTANICAL GARDENS, BARCELONA - BLACK BURROWING BUG ( Cydnus aterrimus)

Cydnus aterrimus is a species of burrowing bug in the family Cydnidae. It is found in the Caribbean, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia.

15-5-2019 BOTANICAL GARDENS, BARCELONA - MARSH FRITILLARY (Euphydryas aurinia)

 

The marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. Commonly distributed in the Palearctic region, the marsh fritillary's common name derives from one of its several habitats, marshland. The prolonged larval stage lasts for approximately seven to eight months and includes a period of hibernation over the winter. The larvae are dependent on the host food plant Succisa pratensis not only for feeding but also for hibernation, because silken webs are formed on the host plant as the gregarious larvae enter hibernation. Females lay eggs in batches on the host plant and are, like other batch-layers, selective about the location of oviposition because offspring survivorship levels for batch-layers are more tied to location selection than they are for single-egg layers.

As of 2019 the butterfly's global conservation status is considered of least concern, but it has faced rapid decline and is considered regionally vulnerable or endangered over much of its range.

14-5-2019 MIRO PARQUE, BARCELONA - MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)

The Monk Parakeet, also known as the Quaker Parrot, is a small and vibrant green parrot with a greyish breast and a greenish-yellow abdomen. This charming bird is a member of the true parrot family, Psittacidae, and is known for its relatively long lifespan of 20-30 years.

Adult Monk Parakeets measure approximately 29 cm (11 in) in length with a wingspan of 48 cm (19 in), and an average weight of 100 g (3.5 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being 10-20% smaller than males. They possess bright-green upperparts, a pale gray forehead and breast with darker scalloping, and very light-green to yellow underparts. Their remiges are dark blue, and they have a long, tapering tail. The bill is a notable orange color. Vocalizations include a loud and throaty chape(-yee) or quak quaki quak-wi quarr, and screeches skveet.

Monk Parakeets are adaptable birds that originally inhabit temperate to subtropical areas of South America. They are known to build stick nests in trees or on man-made structures, a unique behavior among parrots.

Native to South America, these birds are common in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. They have established feral populations in North America and Europe, mainly in urban areas and regions with climates similar to their native habitat.

Monk Parakeets are gregarious and often breed colonially. They construct large communal nests with separate entrances for each pair. These nests can become quite sizable and may house other species. The birds are known to have helper individuals that assist with feeding the young, a behavior known as kin selection.

The Monk Parakeet's call is a distinctive and throaty chape(-yee) or quak quaki quak-wi quarr, with screeches of skveet. These vocalizations are important for communication within the species.

These parakeets breed in colonies, with nests that can house multiple pairs. Each pair has its own entrance to the communal nest. They lay five to 12 white eggs, which hatch in about 24 days.

The Cliff Parakeet (Myiopsitta luchsi) is similar in appearance but is considered a separate species due to morphological, behavioral, and geographical differences.

Monk Parakeets are known to feed on various seeds, fruits, and vegetation. In their native range, they are sometimes considered agricultural pests due to their feeding habits.

The Monk Parakeet is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, in some introduced areas, they are subject to control measures due to concerns about their impact on local ecosystems and agriculture.

14-5-2019 MIRO PARQUE, BARCELONA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (MALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

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

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

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

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

4-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - WHITE BROWED SCRUB ROBIN (Cercotrichas leucophrys)

The White-browed Scrub Robin, or Red-backed Scrub-Robin, is a small, unassuming bird with a distinctive pale superciliary stripe that graces its face like an elegant brow. Both sexes share a similar appearance, with a plumage that varies subtly across their range. The bird's overall length ranges from 14.0 to 16.5 cm, from the tip of its bill to the end of its tail.

Upon encountering this species, one should note the clear white tips on the greater and lesser wing coverts, which are a hallmark of the bird. The tail, a blend of greyish brown to rufous tones, features a black subterminal band and white tips that are particularly noticeable when the bird fans its tail. The breast may exhibit streaking, and the flanks are tinged with tawny buff, though this can vary among individuals and subspecies.

The White-browed Scrub Robin is a versatile inhabitant of woodlands and savannas, from arid to mesic environments. It thrives in areas with sufficient cover, such as open scrub or thickets, and is often found in grassy locales that are conducive to nesting.

This bird's range extends across a swath of sub-Saharan Africa, from Angola to Zimbabwe, and from Ethiopia to South Africa. It occupies a variety of latitudes, from tropical to temperate zones.

The White-browed Scrub Robin is a sedentary bird, generally remaining within its territory throughout the year. It is known for its skittish yet curious nature, often singing from the seclusion of dense shrubbery. On the ground, it moves with a distinctive hop as it forages, and it frequently flicks and fans its tail—a behavior shared with its close relatives.

13-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (JUVENILE) (Muscicapa striata)

The Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata, is a modestly adorned yet charming small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and the Palearctic as far as Siberia, and spending the winter months in Africa and southwestern Asia. Despite its widespread presence, there is concern over its decline in certain areas.

Adult Spotted Flycatchers possess grey-brown upperparts and a somewhat pallid underbelly. Their crown and breast are streaked, which is the origin of their common name. They have short, black legs and a black bill shaped to suit their insectivorous diet. Juveniles can be distinguished by their browner plumage and the presence of spots on their upperparts.

These birds favor deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly those with open spaces amidst trees.

The Spotted Flycatcher has a broad breeding range, extending from Europe to western Siberia and northwest Africa. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to southern Africa.

With an upright posture, these flycatchers are often seen hunting from prominent perches, darting out to snatch flying insects and frequently returning to the same spot.

The call of the Spotted Flycatcher is a soft, high-pitched, and slightly descending 'tssssseeeeeppppp'.

The Spotted Flycatcher constructs an open nest in a recess, often against a wall, and is amenable to using open-fronted nest boxes. Clutches typically consist of 4-6 eggs. Remarkably, they exhibit excellent egg recognition, a likely evolutionary response to past parasitism by the common cuckoo.

The Mediterranean flycatcher, previously considered a subspecies, is similar in appearance but has been recognized as a separate species due to genetic differences.

As aerial insectivores, Spotted Flycatchers feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air from their vantage points.

13-5-2019 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.

12-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (Tarentola mauritanica)

18-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - LAPPET FACED VULTURE (Torgos tracheliotos)

The lappet-faced vulture or Nubian vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) is an Old World vulture belonging to the bird order Accipitriformes, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is the only member of the genus Torgos. It is not closely related to the superficially similar New World vultures, and does not share the good sense of smell of some members of that group.

The lappet-faced vulture was formerly considered monotypical, but now is separated into two subspecies. The nominate race lives throughout Africa. The subspecies T. t. negevensis, differing considerably in appearance from African vultures (as described below) is endemic to the Arabian peninsula.

This species is patchily distributed through much of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, though it is absent from much of the central and western parts of the continent and declining elsewhere in its range. The lappet-faced vulture breeds in Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. On the Arabian Peninsula, it breeds in Yemen, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. It is also present in Gambia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Benin, the Central African Republic and Angola, as well as a single vagrant record in Kuwait.

12-5-2019 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

12-5-2019 POTRIES, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

12-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

The Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a dove species native to Europe and Asia. During the 20th century, the Eurasian collared dove spectacularly expanded its range from the Middle East to right across Europe. Accidentally introduced in 1974 into the Bahamas, this pale chunky bird soon spread to the mainland in Florida. A relative of the mourning dove, its name comes from its black half-collar around its neck.

The Eurasian collared dove is grey-buff to pinkish-grey overall, a little darker above than below, with a blue-grey underwing patch. The tail feathers are grey-buff above, and dark grey and tipped white below; the outer tail feathers are also tipped whitish above. It has a black half-collar edged with white on its nape. The short legs are red and the bill is black. The iris is red, but from a distance, the eyes appear to be black, as the pupil is relatively large and only a narrow rim of reddish-brown iris can be seen around the black pupil. The eye is surrounded by a small area of bare skin, which is either white or yellow. The two sexes are virtually indistinguishable; juveniles differ in having a poorly developed collar, and a brown iris.

The original range of this bird was warmer temperate regions across southeastern Europe and Japan. However, during the twentieth century, it extended across all of Europe, by 1953 reaching Great Britain, and Ireland soon after. Now it also breeds in Scandinavia. In the 1970s it was introduced into the Bahamas, and to Florida in the 1980s, and has gradually colonized the North American continent. Eurasian collared doves do not migrate and live in towns and cities, in urban gardens and parks. In their original range, they typically occur in semi-desert regions with scattered trees, or mixed thickets and orchards.

12-5-2019 POTRIES, VALENCIA - ROSE EVENING PRIMROSE (Oenothera rosea)

Oenothera rosea, also known as rosy evening-primrose, rose evening primrose, pink evening primrose, or Rose of Mexico, is an invasive species of flowering plant in the family Onagraceae. It is native to the Americas but can also be found as an introduced species in several regions of the world. It can spread quickly across yards and fields, and removal takes years of sustained effort.

Oenothera rosea has flowers with less than 2.5 cm (0.98 in) diameter. The shade varies from pink to red.

12-5-2019 POTRIES, VALENCIA - RUEPPELL'S GLOBETAIL (Sphaerophoria rueppellii)

Sphaerophoria rueppellii is a European species of hoverfly. Larvae are predators of aphids, and the species has been commercialized for biological pest control of aphids. The larvae go through three instars.

A rather distinct short-bodied Sphaerophoria due to the bulbous abdomen of the male (broadest at the tip), the oblique/curved bands and spots on the tergites, and the truncated nature of the yellow stripe on the shoulder which does not extend rearwards above the wingbases as in other Sphaerophoria species (except S. loewi). The male genitalia is also very distinct.

Flight period is from April to October.

12-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (Tarentola mauritanica)

Moorish geckos are native to the Mediterranean and North Africa, but have been introduced to the Americas and Asia. They are nocturnal, but may bask in the sun, have robust, flattened bodies with rough skin, and use adhesive toe pads to climb walls and other vertical surfaces. They eat insects and other invertebrates and can change the intensity of their color to adapt to their environment, being darker in daylight and paler at night. 

Appearance and physical characteristics

Size: Adults can grow up to 15 cm (6.25 inches) in length, including the tail.

Color: Their color varies from brownish-grey to brown, with darker or lighter spots for camouflage. Color intensity can change based on light levels.

Skin: They have a robust, flattened body covered in prominent, conical tubercles (warts) that give them a rough, spiny appearance.

Head: The head is flat with a broad, obtuse mouth and large eyes with vertical pupils and no eyelids.

Feet: Their fingers have adhesive pads, which allow them to climb vertical surfaces like walls and glass.

Tail: The tail can break off to escape predators and regenerates, but the new tail lacks tubercles. 

Habitat and behavior

Native range: They are found in the Mediterranean coastal areas of Europe and North Africa, including countries like Spain, France, and Morocco.

Introduced range: They have been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States (California, Florida) and South America.

Preferred environment: They thrive in both natural rocky areas and human-modified habitats, such as buildings, stone walls, and ruins.

Activity: They are primarily nocturnal but may also be active during the day, especially when basking in the sun.

Vocalization: Males make squeaking sounds to defend their territory. 

Diet

Carnivorous: They are carnivores that primarily eat insects and other small invertebrates.

Opportunistic feeding: They often congregate near lights to hunt insects that are attracted to the light. 

11-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - TROPICAL TENT SPIDER (Cyrtophora citricola)

11-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HALF EDGED WALL JUMPING SPIDER (Menemerus semilimbatus)

Menemerus semilimbatus are about 6.5–8.4 millimetres (0.26–0.33 in) long, the male being slightly smaller than the female. These fairly big jumping spiders are dorso-ventrally flattened and are covered with short dense, grayish-white hairs, with hairy whitish palps and a white band on the side margins of the carapace, showing also a small white, triangular marking in the middle. The eyes are large and forward-facing. The legs are light brown with darker rings and patches, while the abdomen is dorsally yellowish or grayish, with a characteristic pattern of several bright V-shaped markings. The females show a notch at the posterior edge of the epigyne and two oval depressions in the anterior half.

Menemerus semilimbatus is a Mediterranean species widely distributed in Europe, southern Asia and in Africa. In the Americas, it has been reported in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and USA.

These spiders are synanthropic living in gardens and inside and on the outside of houses. It is usually found on the walls of buildings where it stalks its prey.

Menemerus semilimbatus is a jumping spider, and jumping spiders are venomous, according to WebMD and Healthline. However, their venom is not considered dangerous to humans. While they can bite if they feel threatened, their venom is generally not strong enough to cause serious illness. 

11-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ONION SUBFAMILY (Genus Nothoscordum)

Nothoscordum is a genus of New World plants in the onion tribe within the Amaryllis family. It is probably paraphyletic. The genus is native to North, Central and South America, though a few species have become naturalized in various parts of the Old World.

Nothoscordum is a conserved name. It's synonymous with Pseudoscordum, which was described in 1837 by William Herbert as a reclassification of some Allium species. The term Nothoscordum comes from the fourth volume of Carl Sigismund Kunth's work Enum. Pl., published six years later in 1843.

Nothoscordum is a genus of New World plants in the onion tribe within the Amaryllis family. It is probably paraphyletic. The genus is native to North, Central and South America, though a few species have become naturalized in various parts of the Old World.

Nothoscordum is a conserved name. It's synonymous with Pseudoscordum, which was described in 1837 by William Herbert as a reclassification of some Allium species. The term Nothoscordum comes from the fourth volume of Carl Sigismund Kunth's work Enum. Pl., published six years later in 1843.

21-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN LEOPARD (FEMALE)

The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) is the nominate subspecies of the leopard, native to many countries in Africa. It is widely distributed in most of sub-Saharan Africa, but the historical range has been fragmented in the course of habitat conversion. Leopards have also been recorded in North Africa as well.

The African leopard exhibits great variation in coat color, depending on location and habitat. Coat colour varies from pale yellow to deep gold or tawny, and sometimes black, and is patterned with black rosettes while the head, lower limbs and belly are spotted with solid black. Male leopards are larger, averaging 58 kg (128 lb) with 90 kg (200 lb) being the maximum weight attained by a male. Females weigh about 37.5 kg (83 lb) on average.

The African leopard is sexually dimorphic; males are larger and heavier than females. Between 1996 and 2000, 11 adult leopards were radio-collared on Namibian farmlands. Males weighed 37.5 to 52.3 kg (83 to 115 lb) only, and females 24 to 33.5 kg (53 to 74 lb). The heaviest known leopard weighed about 96 kg (212 lb), and was recorded in South West Africa.

The African leopards inhabited a wide range of habitats within Africa, from mountainous forests to grasslands and savannahs, excluding only extremely sandy desert. It is most at risk in areas of semi-desert, where scarce resources often result in conflict with nomadic farmers and their livestock.

It used to occur in most of sub-Saharan Africa, occupying both rainforest and arid desert habitats. It lived in all habitats with annual rainfall above 50 mm (2.0 in), and can penetrate areas with less than this amount of rainfall along river courses. It ranges up to 5,700 m (18,700 ft), has been sighted on high slopes of the Ruwenzori and Virunga volcanoes, and observed when drinking thermal water 37 °C (99 °F) in the Virunga National Park.

It appears to be successful at adapting to altered natural habitat and settled environments in the absence of intense persecution. It has often been recorded close to major cities. But already in the 1980s, it has become rare throughout much of West Africa. Now, it remains patchily distributed within historical limits. During surveys in 2013, it was recorded in Gbarpolu County and Bong County in the Upper Guinean forests of Liberia.

Leopards are rare in North Africa. A relict population persists in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, in forest and mountain steppe in elevations of 300 to 2,500 m (980 to 8,200 ft), where the climate is temperate to cold.

In 2014, a leopard was killed in the Elba Protected Area in southeastern Egypt. This was the first sighting of a leopard in the country since the 1950s.