29-7-2019 ISABEL CATOLICA PARQUE GIJON, ASTURIAS - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

29-7-2019 ISABEL CATOLICA PARQUE GIJON, ASTURIAS - BLACK SWAN (Cygnus atratus)

Black swans are the only entirely black swan species, with dark body plumage, white wing tips, and a red bill with a white band. They are native to Australia but have been introduced elsewhere and prefer habitats like lakes and rivers where they feed on aquatic plants. They form monogamous, lifelong bonds and both parents incubate eggs and raise their young (cygnets). 

Physical characteristics

Color: Almost entirely black with white tips on the wings, which are only visible in flight or when lifted.

Bill: Deep orange-red with a narrow white band near the tip.

Eyes: Red.

Size: Lengths are typically 110–140 cm (43–55 in), and they can weigh up to 9 kg (20 lbs).

Neck: Have the longest neck-to-body ratio of any swan species, with 24 or 25 neck vertebrae compared to a human's seven. 

Habitat and diet

Native range: Australia and Tasmania.

Introduced range: New Zealand, Europe, and other parts of the world.

Habitat: Prefer large, permanent wetlands such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and estuaries, needing at least 40 meters of clear water to take off.

Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae, aquatic plants, and grains from cultivated fields. 

Reproduction and life cycle

Mating: Form monogamous, lifelong bonds with their mates.

Nesting: Build nests near or on the water.

Eggs: Lay 4 to 8 eggs.

Incubation: Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for 29 to 36 days.

Young: Cygnets can swim shortly after hatching and stay with their parents for several months until they are ready to fledge.

Maturity: Reach reproductive maturity in about 2 to 3 years. 

Other facts

Predators: Adults have few natural predators, but their young can be preyed upon by introduced species like cats, dogs, and foxes.

Vocalization: Make musical bugling sounds and hiss when threatened or defending their young.

Conservation status: Considered "Least Concern" by the IUCN. 

29-7-2019 GIJON, ASTURIAS - MEDITERRANEAN GULL (ichthyaetus melanocephalus)

The Mediterranean gull, Ichthyaetus melanocephalus, presents a striking figure with its distinctive white plumage, pale grey mantle, and wings adorned with white primary feathers devoid of black tips. In its breeding attire, it sports a black hood that elegantly extends down the nape, punctuated by vivid white eye crescents. The bird's bill is a robust, dark red with a black subterminal band, and its legs are longer and darker compared to its relative, the black-headed gull.

When identifying the Mediterranean gull, look for a bird slightly larger and bulkier than the black-headed gull. The adult in breeding plumage is unmistakable with its black hood and lack of black wingtip markings. In non-breeding plumage, the hood recedes, leaving a dusky mask through the eye. Juveniles can be recognized by a black terminal tail band and darker areas in the upperwings, contrasting with pale underwings.

This species favors breeding in colonies located within expansive reed beds, marshes, or on lake islands. In smaller populations, it may nest alongside black-headed gull colonies.

Originally confined to the Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean, the Mediterranean gull has expanded its range dramatically, now found across Europe to the British Isles and Ireland. It winters along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts.

The Mediterranean gull is a sociable bird, especially in winter, forming large flocks while feeding or roosting. It is not typically found far from coasts, as it is not a pelagic species.

At colonies, this gull is quite vocal, emitting a nasal "yeah" call that contributes to the cacophony of sounds in such bustling environments.

An opportunistic omnivore, the Mediterranean gull's diet includes fish, worms, insects, eggs, young birds, offal, and carrion.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Mediterranean gull as Least Concern. It is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

29-7-2019 GIJON, ASTURIAS - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.

Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.

The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.

Native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia, the house sparrow has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, making it one of the most widely distributed wild birds.

29-7-2019 SAN ANDRES RESERVOIR, ASTURIAS - EUROPEAN PEACOCK BUTTERFLY (Aglais io)

Aglais io, the European peacock, or the peacock butterfly, is a colourful butterfly, found in Europe and temperate Asia as far east as Japan. The peacock butterfly is resident in much of its range, often wintering in buildings or trees. It therefore often appears quite early in spring.

The peacock butterfly has figured in research in which the role of eyespots as an anti-predator mechanism has been investigated. The peacock is expanding its range and is not known to be threatened.

The butterfly has a wingspan of 50 to 55 millimetres (2 to 2+1⁄8 in). The base colour of the wings is a rusty red, and at each wingtip it bears a distinctive, black, blue and yellow eyespot. The underside is a cryptically coloured dark brown or black, mimicking a dead leaf.

There are two subspecies: A. io caucasica (Jachontov, 1912), found in Azerbaijan, and A. io geisha (Stichel, 1908), found in Japan and the Russian Far East.

The peacock can be found in woods, fields, meadows, pastures, parks, and gardens, from lowlands up to 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) elevation. It is a relatively common butterfly, seen in many European parks and gardens. The peacock male exhibits territorial behaviour, in many cases territories being selected en route of the females to oviposition sites.

The butterfly hibernates over winter before laying its eggs in early spring, in batches of up to 400 at a time. However, recent studies in Belgium have shown that peacock butterflies reproduce in two periods: early spring and early summer, and a possible third period in autumn. They found that peacock butterflies show flight peaks in early July and early August to early October, with the emergence of butterflies with good-conditioned wings, which shows signs of new offspring. The olive green eggs are ribbed. They are laid on both the upper parts and the undersides of leaves of nettle species and hops.[citation needed] The caterpillars hatch after about a week. They are shiny black with six rows of barbed spikes and a series of white dots on each segment. The chrysalis may be either grey, brown or green, and may have a blackish tinge. The caterpillars grow up to 42 millimetres (1+5⁄8 in) in length.

The primary food plants of European peacock larvae are stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), hop (Humulus lupulus), and the small nettle (Urtica urens).

The adult butterflies drink nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, including buddleia, willows, dandelions, wild marjoram, danewort, hemp agrimony, and clover; they also use tree sap and rotten fruits.

Aglais io employs a monogamous mating system, which means that they only mate with one partner for a period of time.[citation needed] This is due to their life cycle in which females are receptive only during an eclosion period, after overwintering. The pairs only mate once after overwintering, as it is very difficult to find a receptive female after that period. In species where the range of the females is not defensible by a male, the males must defend a single desirable area that females will come through, such as dense food areas, watering holes, or favourable nesting sites. The males then attempt to mate with the females as they are passing through.

Holding a desirable territory increases the male's likelihood of finding a mate and therefore increases his reproductive success. However, each individual needs to weigh the benefits of mating with the costs of defending a territory. Aglais io exhibits this type of territorial behaviour, and must defend a desirable territory from other males. If only one of the males knows the territory well, he will successfully chase off any intruders. On the other hand, if both males are familiar with the territory, there will be a contest between the two to determine which of them stays in the territory. The most desirable sites are those that will increase the male's quota of females. These sites are generally feeding and oviposition sites, which are sought after by females. This territorial behaviour is reinforced by the fact that these sites are all concentrated. If the valuable resources were dispersed, there would be less observable territorial behaviour.

To find mates and defend their territory, Aglais io exhibits perching behaviour. The male butterflies will perch on an object at a specific height where they can observe passing flying objects. Every time they see a passing object of their own species or of a relevant species, they will fly straight towards the object until they are approximately 10 cm away. If they encounter a male, the resident male will chase him off his territory. If the resident male encounters a female, he will pursue her until she lands and mating will occur. The courtship is extended in this species. The male goes through a long chase before the female allows him to mate. He must demonstrate high performance flight.

The monandrous mating system has caused the evolution of a shorter life span in males of this species. In polygynous butterflies, the male's reproductive success is largely dependent on life span. Therefore, the longer a male lives, the more he can reproduce, so he has a higher fitness. Therefore, males tend to live as long as the females. In A. io the synchronous eclosion at the end of winter cause males to only mate once. Their reproductive success is therefore not linked to how long they live, and there is no selective pressure to live longer. Therefore, the life span of males is shorter than the lifespan of the females.

Like many other butterflies that hibernate, the peacock butterfly exhibits many anti-predator defence mechanisms against would-be predators. The peacock butterfly's most obvious defense comes from the four large eyespots that it has on its wings. It also uses camouflage and can emit a hissing sound.

29-7-2019 SAN ANDRES RESERVOIR, ASTURIAS - CLEOPATRA BUTTERFLY (Gonepteryx cleopatra)

Gonepteryx cleopatra, the Cleopatra or Cleopatra butterfly, is a medium-sized butterfly of the family Pieridae.

Gonepteryx cleopatra is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 50–70 mm (2.0–2.8 in). It is a sexually dimorphic species; the female has pale yellow or greenish wings, whereas the male is darker yellow with an orange patch on the forewing. Both sexes have a forewing apical hook and brown dots in the center of each wing, and the underside of wings is light greenish yellow. The greenish color, the shape and the pronounced venation on the hindwings give to these butterflies a good camouflage, making them resemble just leaves.

The Cleopatra butterfly inhabits open woodland and scrub. The flight period is from May to August in most parts of its range, except Spain, where it is double brooded and may fly almost all year. The adult hibernates in evergreen trees and shrubs. The caterpillars feed on the buckthorns Rhamnus alaternus. When the green caterpillars are prepared to pass to the pupal stage, they tie themselves through a silk belt to the host plant, on the underside of a leaf. The green chrysalis became gradually yellow and red, revealing the colors on the wings of the adult close to flutter. In dry regions, the Cleopatra practices a vertical migration between the maquis and the mountain fir forests. It emerges in spring at low altitudes, then migrates to higher altitudes in the mountains and stays there in the summer months to descend in autumn at low altitudes.

This species is native to the Mediterranean region (Southern Europe, North Africa and West Asia).

29-7-2019 SAN ANDRES RESERVOIR, ASTURIAS - YELLOW BELLIED SLIDER TERRAPIN (Trachemys scripta.scripta)

The yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta ) is a land and water turtle belonging to the family Emydidae. This subspecies of pond slider is native to the southeastern United States, specifically from Florida to southeastern Virginia, and is the most common turtle species in its range. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including slow-moving rivers, floodplain swamps, marshes, seasonal wetlands, and permanent ponds. Yellow-bellied sliders are popular as pets.

Adult male yellow-bellied sliders typically reach 5–9 inches (13–23 cm) in length; females range from 8–13 inches (20–33 cm). The carapace (upper shell) is typically brown and black, often with yellow stripes. The skin is olive green with prominent patches of yellow down the neck and legs. As the name implies, the plastron (bottom shell) is mostly yellow with black spots along the edges. Adults tend to grow darker as they age. Yellow-bellied sliders are often confused with eastern river cooters, who also have yellow stripes on the neck and yellow undersides, but the latter lack the green spots characteristic of this species. The yellow belly often has an "s"-shaped yellow stripe on its face. They also have markings shaped like question marks on their bellies. Females of the species reach a larger body size than the males do in the same populations.

Mating can occur in spring, summer, and autumn. They have polygynandrous mating behavior. Courtship consists of biting, foreclaw display, and chasing. Yellow-bellied sliders are capable of interbreeding with other T. scripta subspecies, such as red-eared sliders, which are commonly sold as pets. The release of non-native red-eared sliders into local environments caused the state of Florida to ban the sale of red-eared sliders in order to protect the native population of yellow-bellied sliders.

29-7-2019 SAN ANDRES RESERVOIR, ASTURIAS - BUTTERFLY BUSH (Buddleja davidii)

Buddleja davidii (spelling variant Buddleia davidii), also called summer lilac, butterfly-bush, or orange eye, is a species of flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae, native to Sichuan and Hubei provinces in central China, and also Japan. It is widely used as an ornamental plant, and many named varieties are in cultivation. The genus was named Buddleja after Reverend Adam Buddle, an English botanist. The species name davidii honors the French missionary and explorer in China, Father Armand David, who was the first European to report the shrub. It was found near Ichang by Dr Augustine Henry about 1887 and sent to St Petersburg. Another botanist-missionary in China, Jean-André Soulié, sent seed to the French nursery Vilmorin, and B. davidii entered commerce in the 1890s.

B. davidii was accorded the RHS Award of Merit (AM) in 1898, and the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) in 1941.

29-7-2019 ISABEL CATOLICA PARQUE GIJON, ASTURIAS - RED CRESTED POCHARD (FEMALE) (Netta rufina)

The Red-crested Pochard, Netta rufina, is a striking large diving duck. Its name is drawn from the Greek word for duck, 'Netta', and the Latin 'rufina', meaning 'golden-red', a nod to the male's vibrant plumage.

Males are resplendent with a rounded orange head, a red bill, and a contrasting black breast. Their sides are a crisp white, with a brown back and a black tail. Females, on the other hand, are clad in more subdued tones, primarily pale brown with a darker back and crown, and a whitish face. During eclipse, males resemble females but retain their red bills.

These ducks favor lowland marshes and lakes, thriving in the wetland habitats of southern Europe.

The Red-crested Pochard breeds from the steppe and semi-desert regions near the Black Sea to Central Asia and Mongolia. It is a somewhat migratory species, with northern populations wintering in the Indian Subcontinent and Africa.

Gregarious by nature, Red-crested Pochards form large flocks in the winter, often mingling with other diving ducks such as the Common Pochard. They are known to both dive and dabble for their food.

26-7-2019 OSEJA DE SAJAMBRE, CASTILLE Y LEON - WHITE WAGTAIL (JUVENILE) (Motacilla alba)

The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small, elegant passerine bird, a member of the family Motacillidae, which includes pipits and longclaws. This slender bird measures between 16.5 to 19 cm in length, with East Asian subspecies reaching up to 21 cm. It is characterized by its long, constantly wagging tail, a behavior that has become synonymous with the genus. Weighing an average of 25 g, the White Wagtail can live up to 12 years in the wild.

Adult White Wagtails exhibit a distinctive plumage with a combination of grey, black, and white. The bird's upper parts are generally grey, with a white face, belly, and breast. Males during the breeding season may show a darker back, and the species is known for its sharp, brisk call and more melodious song during courtship.

The White Wagtail is commonly found in open country, often in close proximity to human habitation and water sources. It shows a preference for bare areas which facilitate the sighting and pursuit of prey. This bird has adapted well to urban environments, utilizing paved areas such as parking lots for foraging.

This species has a vast breeding range across Europe, the Asian Palearctic, parts of North Africa, and has a presence in Alaska. It is a migratory bird, with populations moving to Africa and parts of Asia during the winter. In Great Britain and Ireland, the darker subspecies known as the Pied Wagtail is more prevalent.

The White Wagtail is known for its perpetual tail wagging, a behavior that remains somewhat enigmatic but is thought to be a signal of vigilance to predators. It is a monogamous bird that defends its breeding territory with determination.

The call of the White Wagtail is a sharp "chisick," softer than that of the Pied Wagtail. Its song is more structured and is used by males to attract females rather than to mark territory.

White Wagtails are monogamous breeders, with both sexes contributing to nest building. The nest is often placed in crevices or holes near water or in human-made structures. The species lays three to eight cream-colored, speckled eggs, which both parents incubate. Chicks fledge after 12 to 15 days and continue to be fed for a week thereafter.

The diet of the White Wagtail primarily consists of insects and small invertebrates, including beetles, dragonflies, flies, and crustaceans. It continues to feed on insects even in winter, unlike many other insectivorous birds in temperate climates.

The White Wagtail is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population is large and stable, and the species has adapted well to human-altered landscapes. However, it faces threats from being kept as pets, used for food, and potentially from climate change affecting migration patterns.

The White Wagtail is the national bird of Latvia and has been depicted on the postage stamps of several countries. It is celebrated in Latvian folk songs and holds a special place in the cultural heritage of the regions it inhabits.

1-8-2019 SEGOVIA, ESPANA - EURASIAN JACKDAW (Corvus monedula)

The Western Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula), a member of the crow family Corvidae, is a passerine bird recognized by its black plumage with a grey nape and distinctive pale-grey irises. Measuring 34–39 centimeters in length, this bird exhibits a combination of black, grey, and iridescent blue or purple hues across its body, depending on the subspecies.

Adult Western Jackdaws have a stout, black bill and legs, with a body mostly cloaked in shiny black feathers. The head features a sheen that can be purple or blue, and the throat, primaries, and tail display a green-blue iridescence. The cheeks, nape, and neck are a contrasting light grey, and the underparts are slate-grey. Juveniles are duller with less distinct plumage and brownish eyes that turn white around one year of age.

Western Jackdaws favor a variety of habitats including wooded steppes, pastures, coastal cliffs, and urban settings. They thrive in environments where forested areas have been cleared, creating open fields and spaces.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It is mostly resident, but populations in the north and east migrate southward during winter months.

Western Jackdaws are gregarious and social birds, often seen in flocks. They are known for their intelligence and have been observed using tools. Pairs are monogamous and maintain strong bonds within their social groups.

The vocal repertoire of the Western Jackdaw includes a metallic "chyak-chyak" or "kak-kak" call, often heard in flight. They also emit a hoarse, drawn-out alarm call and have the ability to mimic human speech.

These birds are monogamous and build simple nests of sticks in cavities. They lay about five pale blue or blue-green eggs with brown speckles, which are incubated by the female. The young fledge in four to five weeks.

The Western Jackdaw can be confused with the Rook or, when in flight, with pigeons or choughs. However, its smaller size, faster wingbeats, and grey underwings distinguish it from other corvids.

An omnivorous and opportunistic feeder, the Western Jackdaw consumes a wide variety of plant material, invertebrates, and food waste. They exhibit various feeding methods, including jumping, pecking, and probing the soil.

The IUCN lists the Western Jackdaw as Least Concern, indicating a stable and widespread population.

30-7-2019 BOTANICO ATLANTICO GIJON, ASTURIAS - EUROPEAN PEACOCK BUTTERFLY (Aglais io)

Aglais io, the European peacock, or the peacock butterfly, is a colourful butterfly, found in Europe and temperate Asia as far east as Japan. It was formerly classified as the only member of the genus Inachis (the name is derived from Greek mythology, meaning Io, the daughter of Inachus). It should not be confused or classified with the "American peacocks" in the genus Anartia; while belonging to the same family as the European peacock, Nymphalidae, the American peacocks are not close relatives of the Eurasian species. The peacock butterfly is resident in much of its range, often wintering in buildings or trees. It therefore often appears quite early in spring. The peacock butterfly has figured in research in which the role of eyespots as an anti-predator mechanism has been investigated. The peacock is expanding its range and is not known to be threatened.

The butterfly has a wingspan of.mw-parser-output.frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output.frac.num,.mw-parser-output.frac.den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output.frac.den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output.sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);clip-path:polygon(0px 0px,0px 0px,0px 0px);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}50 to 55 millimetres (2 to 2+1⁄8 in). The base colour of the wings is a rusty red, and at each wingtip it bears a distinctive, black, blue and yellow eyespot. The underside is a cryptically coloured dark brown or black.

There are two subspecies: A. io caucasica (Jachontov, 1912), found in Azerbaijan, and A. io geisha (Stichel, 1908), found in Japan and the Russian Far East.

30-7-2019 TACONES, ASTURIAS - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (JUVENILE) (Larus michahellis)

The yellow-legged gull is a large gull, though the size does vary, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a common gull and the largest males being roughly the size of a great black-backed gull. They range in length from 52 to 68 cm (20 to 27 in) in total length, from 120 to 155 cm (47 to 61 in) in wingspan and from 550 to 1,600 g (1.21 to 3.53 lb) in weight. Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 40.8 to 47.2 cm (16.1 to 18.6 in), the bill is 4.6 to 6 cm (1.8 to 2.4 in) and the tarsus is 5.6 to 7.5 cm (2.2 to 3.0 in). Adults are externally similar to herring gulls but have yellow legs. They have a grey back, slightly darker than herring gulls but lighter than lesser black-backed gulls. They are much whiter-headed in autumn, and have more extensively black wing tips with few white spots, just as lesser black-backed. They have a red spot on the bill as adults, like the entire complex. There is a red ring around the eye like in the lesser black-backed gull but unlike in the herring gull which has a dark yellow ring.

31-7-2019 SEGOVIA, ESPANA - BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus)

The booted eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus, is a medium-sized bird of prey, with a stature comparable to the common buzzard. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger, weighing approximately 840–1,025 grams, while males are lighter at 510–770 grams. The species measures around 40 cm in length and boasts a wingspan ranging from 110 to 132 cm. It is characterized by two distinct plumage morphs: a pale variant with light grey feathers and a darker head and flight feathers, and a darker morph with mid-brown plumage and dark grey flight feathers.

When identifying the booted eagle, look for the white markings on the wings, often referred to as "landing lights," which are visible when the bird is in flight. The pale morph is dominant, but the darker morph can be more prevalent in certain eastern populations. The call of the booted eagle is a distinctive shrill "kli-kli-kli."

The booted eagle favors wooded, often hilly landscapes with some open areas. It breeds in rocky, broken terrain but is adaptable during migration, utilizing a variety of habitats except dense forests.

This raptor has a wide distribution, breeding in southern Europe, North Africa, and across Asia, with a disjunct breeding population in southwestern Africa. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, while the southern African populations are sedentary.

The booted eagle is typically observed flying at low altitudes, making it quite conspicuous. It is often seen in pairs or as solitary individuals. The species is known for its sophisticated courtship rituals involving elaborate flight displays.

The booted eagle's vocalization is a piercing "kli-kli-kli," which can be heard during its flight.

Monogamous by nature, the booted eagle lays 1-2 eggs in a nest constructed from sticks and lined with green leaves, either in a tree or on a crag. The female incubates the eggs for about 45 days, while the male provides food. After hatching, the female continues to guard the nest and the young, with the male supplying all the nourishment until the chick fledges after 70-75 days.

The dark morph of the booted eagle may be confused with other local medium-sized birds of prey due to its coloration and size.

The booted eagle hunts small mammals, reptiles, and birds, often stooping from flight with wings folded and feet extended to capture its prey. In Southern Africa, birds are the most common prey, although frogs are also suggested to be an important dietary component elsewhere.

The booted eagle is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, there is a notable lack of research on this species, particularly the Southern African populations, which were only discovered in the 1980s. Changes in climate and human land use may influence migration patterns, underscoring the need for further study to understand the ecology and conservation status of this species.

30-7-2019 BOTANICO ATLANTICO GIJON, ASTURIAS - BEAUTIFUL DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (MALE) (Calopteryx virgo)

The beautiful demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) is a species of damselfly belonging to the family Calopterygidae. It is found in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is often found along fast-flowing waters.

Females can lay up to 300 eggs at a time on floating plants, such as water-crowfoot. Like the banded demoiselle, they often submerge underwater to do so, and the eggs hatch around 14 days later. The larvae are stick-shaped and have long legs. They develop over a period of two years in submerged vegetation, plant debris, or roots. They usually overwinter in mud or slime.

The larvae of the beautiful demoiselle develop over 10 to 12 stages, each of which ends with a moult. The body length varies and depends on environmental conditions. In the final stage (F-0-stage), larvae are 3.5–4.6 millimetres long and weigh about 4 milligrams, slightly smaller than those of the banded demoiselle. The larvae of the beautiful demoiselle can be recognized by the bristles of the gills on their abdomen.

The body of the larvae shows only a relatively small adjustment to the fast-flowing waters of their habitat. The body is not flattened, but it is very slim, and the legs are long and end with strong claws. Because they reside within the water, and mainly in quiet areas, the danger of being swept by the flow is relatively low. If this happens, they stretch out to grab onto passing vegetation or substrate.

30-7-2019 BOTANICO ATLANTICO GIJON, ASTURIAS - EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

The European robin (Erithacus rubecula), known simply as the robin or robin redbreast in Great Britain and Ireland, is a small insectivorous passerine bird, a member of the chat subfamily of the Old World flycatcher family. It is a plucky little bird, with a length of about 12.5–14.0 cm and a weight of 16–22 g. Both sexes are similarly adorned with an orange breast and face, lined with grey, brown upper-parts, and a whitish belly.

Adult robins can be identified by their orange breast and face, bordered by a bluish-grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly is whitish. The bill and eyes are black. Juvenile robins are distinguishable by their spotted brown and white plumage, with patches of orange gradually appearing as they mature.

The European robin is a bird of diverse habitats, found in woodlands, gardens, and parks across its range. It is particularly associated with areas where the soil is dug or disturbed, allowing it easy access to its invertebrate prey.

This bird has a wide distribution across Europe, extending east to Western Siberia and south to North Africa. It is sedentary in most of its range except the far north, where it is migratory.

The robin is diurnal and is known for its boldness in human presence, often seen investigating gardeners at work. It is territorial, with males known to fiercely defend their territory. The robin's diet is primarily composed of insects and worms, but it will also consume berries and fruit, especially in autumn and winter.

The robin's song is a delightful fluting warble, more plaintive during the winter months. Both sexes sing, with the male's song typically starting before dawn and ending after dusk. Urban robins may sing at night, possibly to avoid noise pollution during the day.

Robins are versatile in their choice of nesting sites, often opting for unusual locations such as nooks in machinery or even discarded clothing. They typically lay two or three clutches of eggs per season, with the eggs being cream, buff, or white and speckled with reddish-brown.

The European robin is unique among the Erithacus genus, with its closest relatives being the Japanese robin and the Ryukyu robin, which are now placed in a different genus.

Robins primarily feed on insects, spiders, and worms. During colder months, their diet is supplemented with berries and fruit. They are also known to visit bird tables for seed mixtures and suet.

The European robin is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable and possibly increasing population. It does not face any significant threats that would warrant concern for its long-term survival.

30-7-2019 TAZONES, ASTURIAS - LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus)

The lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) is a large gull, distinguishable by its size and the coloration of its plumage. It is smaller than the European herring gull and exhibits a range of mantle colors across its subspecies, from dark grey to jet black.

Adult lesser black-backed gulls have yellow legs and a yellow bill with a red spot. Their wings and back are either black or dark grey, depending on the subspecies. In winter, the head becomes greyer. Juveniles display scaly black-brown upperparts and a distinctive wing pattern. They can be differentiated from juvenile herring gulls by their darker, unbarred tertial feathers.

This species is found along coasts and lakes, where it breeds and feeds. It has adapted to urban environments in some cities, nesting alongside herring gulls.

The lesser black-backed gull breeds on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and is migratory, wintering from the British Isles to West Africa. It has expanded its range to North America, particularly along the east coast, where it is now present year-round in increasing numbers.

These gulls are social birds, breeding colonially. They exhibit a fixed action pattern during feeding, where the young peck at the red spot on the adult's bill to induce regurgitation.

30-7-2019 ISABEL CATOLICA PARQUE GIJON, ASTURIAS - CAPE BARREN GOOSE (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)

The Cape Barren goose, known scientifically as Cereopsis novaehollandiae and colloquially as the pig goose, is a large, predominantly terrestrial bird endemic to southern Australia. It is a unique species within the Anserinae subfamily, not closely related to other geese.

Adults are robust, measuring 75–100 cm in length and weighing 3.7–5.2 kg, with males typically larger than females. Their plumage is primarily pale grey with a brownish hue. The head is small relative to the body, with a distinctive pale whitish patch on the forehead and crown. The bill is short, black, and triangular, featuring a prominent pale yellow-green cere. The breast and back feathers have pale edges, while the wings have brownish grey spots near the tips of the upperwing coverts and scapular feathers. Flight feathers are grey with black tips, and the tail feathers are black. Legs are pink with black feet.

The Cape Barren goose thrives on grassy islands off the Australian coast, where it nests on the ground. It is well-adapted to captivity, breeding successfully in large paddocks.

This species has a strong presence on various "Goose Islands" named by 19th-century explorers. It has also been introduced to areas near Christchurch, New Zealand, and Maria Island in 1968, where populations continue to exist.

The Cape Barren goose is a ground-dweller, grazing on a variety of grasses, sedges, legumes, herbs, and succulents. It is monogamous, often mating for life, and performs a 'triumph ceremony' post-mating. Breeding occurs in winter, with pairs establishing territories in autumn. They can drink salt and brackish water, enabling year-round island habitation.

Males emit a rapid, high-pitched honking, especially during takeoff or flight. Both sexes produce low, pig-like grunts and hisses when alarmed. Goslings make whistling distress calls.

Pairs may nest singly or in colonies, with nests made of vegetation and down. Females lay 4-5 creamy white eggs, incubated solely by the female for 34-37 days. Both parents care for the young.

Their diet includes Poa poiformis, Disphyma australe, Myoporum insulare, and species of Trifolium and Juncus.

The Cape Barren goose is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a previous decline in numbers now reversed in the east due to adaptation to agricultural land.