7-8-2019 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.

The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

The Eurasian coot is less secretive than many rails, often visible on open water or grasslands. It is territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, with both parents defending their territory. In non-breeding seasons, coots may form large flocks. They are reluctant flyers, preferring to run across water surfaces, and are known for bobbing their heads while swimming.

This species is known for its noisy demeanor, producing a variety of crackling, explosive, or trumpeting calls, which are often heard at night.

Coots build bulky, sometimes floating nests, concealed in vegetation or in the open. Both sexes construct the nest, with the male gathering materials. Clutches typically contain 6-10 buff-colored eggs speckled with black or dark brown. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after 21-24 days. Chicks are precocial and nidifugous, with distinctive orange-red tips on their down.

Omnivorous in nature, the Eurasian coot consumes small live prey, including other birds' eggs, as well as algae, vegetation, seeds, and fruit. It employs various feeding techniques, both on land and in water.

7-8-2019 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - LITTLE BITTERN (Ixobrychus minutus)

The Little Bittern, or Common Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), is a diminutive member of the heron family, Ardeidae. This species is the smallest of the breeding herons in Europe, distinguished by its compact stature, elongated and pointed bill, and robust neck.

Male Little Bitterns exhibit a striking pattern with a black crown, nape, back, tail, and scapulars that may show a subtle green sheen. Their underparts are a soft buff, and the wings feature a distinctive pinkish buff oval panel formed by the inner wing coverts. Females are more subdued in color, with brownish-black upperparts and streaked underparts. Juveniles resemble females but are rufous and heavily streaked.

The Little Bittern, or Common Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), is a diminutive member of the heron family, Ardeidae. This species is the smallest of the breeding herons in Europe, distinguished by its compact stature, elongated and pointed bill, and robust neck.

Male Little Bitterns exhibit a striking pattern with a black crown, nape, back, tail, and scapulars that may show a subtle green sheen. Their underparts are a soft buff, and the wings feature a distinctive pinkish buff oval panel formed by the inner wing coverts. Females are more subdued in color, with brownish-black upperparts and streaked underparts. Juveniles resemble females but are rufous and heavily streaked.

This species thrives in dense reedbeds, rushes, and bushes that grow above water bodies, providing them with ample cover and feeding opportunities.

The Little Bittern is native to the Old World, with a breeding range that spans Africa, central and southern Europe, western and southern Asia, and Madagascar. Migratory populations from Europe and western Asia winter in Africa and southern Asia, while tropical populations are generally sedentary.

A crepuscular and elusive bird, the Little Bittern is often solitary, hunting fish, amphibians, and insects within or along the edges of reedbeds. Males establish territories in spring, signaling their presence with a deep, barking call. The species is monogamous for the breeding season, with nests built in dense vegetation over water. They typically lay 5-6 eggs, which are incubated for 17-19 days, and chicks fledge after 25-30 days.

The male's territorial call is a deep, barking or croaking sound, used to attract a mate and declare ownership of his breeding area.

Breeding occurs in dense reedbeds, with a single brood per season. The eggs are laid from mid-May, with both parents involved in raising the offspring.

The Little Bittern can be confused with other small herons, but its size, distinctive wing panels, and behavior help differentiate it.

Their diet consists of fish, amphibians, and insects, which they hunt by stealthily stalking their prey in their aquatic habitats.

The Little Bittern is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, populations have declined in some areas, and the species is subject to conservation efforts under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.

24-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

True to the first part of its name, the African Fish-eagle is distributed far and wide throughout Africa, the world’s second largest continent. This eagle is relatively common and widespread in a variety of habitats south of the Sahara Desert.

And true to the second part of its name, the African Fish-eagle is very fond of eating fish. As you would expect, the African Fish-eagle is generally found living next to bodies of water of almost any type and size. This beautiful bird of prey can be seen perched on trees or other prominent sites near ponds, estuaries, lakes, rivers, streams, coastal waters, and wetlands.

The stunning African Fish-eagle, with its milk-white head and tail, dark eyes, yellow cere, and chocolate brown back, has become synonymous with Africa’s inland waters, lakes, rivers and dams. In fact, its loud, piercing calls are a characteristic sound around African waterways. If you hear the call of the African Fish Eagle, you are likely to be in a relatively healthy environment.

Like many birds of prey, the African Fish-eagle is an indicator species. How is this so? These eagles need lots of fish to eat and tall trees to perch and nest in. If a waterway is contaminated, the fish and other water animals will die and the eagles will have nothing to eat, so they won’t survive long. If the area has been deforested, the birds will have nowhere to nest or perch and will leave in search of a better place to live. If these eagles are around, they are finding everything they need to survive in that area. If these eagles are missing or disappearing from an environment where they should be found, biologists know that something is wrong and can begin to research the problem.

The African Fish-eagle is normally very territorial, which means it vigorously defends its home turf from other fish eagles or any other bird or critter it perceives as a threat. Most often, you can see this bird perched alone, in pairs, or in small family groups. However, flocks of up to 75 or more have been recorded under special circumstances, such as when water sources are low or around fishing boats. Can you guess why this might be so? The answer, of course, has to do with food. When water sources are low, or fishing boats pull up to shore with a catch, the African Fish-eagles are presented with an opportunity for a relatively easy meal. Though they still might bicker over a fish or two, they tolerate each other at these “all-you-can-eat buffets.”

24-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN LION (FEMALE) (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Southern Lion (Panthera leo melanochaita) is a distinct lion subspecies in Southern and East Africa, known for varied manes (sandy to black, short to long), and is the largest African cat, with males weighing significantly more than females. They live in prides, with females doing most hunting, and rest often in shade, displaying strong social structures where young males get pushed out to form new prides. While conservation has helped some populations, overall numbers are declining due to habitat loss, livestock conflict, and poaching, making them a vulnerable species. 

Physical Characteristics

Size: Largest African cat; males can weigh over 200kg, females around 130kg.

Mane: Varies greatly in color (sandy to black) and length (short to knee-length); develops fully by age 4-5.

Coat: Light buff to dark brown, often with spots as cubs that fade.

Camouflage: Counter-shaded coat (darker top, lighter belly) helps flatten their form for camouflage. 

Behavior & Social Structure

Prides: The most social big cats, living in groups of up to 20 or more.

Hunting: Lionesses are primary hunters, reaching speeds of nearly 60 km/h.

Rest: Sleep for up to 20 hours a day, favoring shaded areas near water.

Roar: Can be heard up to 5 kilometers away. 

Habitat & Diet

Habitat: Prefer savannas, grasslands, bush, and forests in Southern & East Africa.

Diet: Carnivores; eat large mammals, with males eating first. 

Conservation Status

Threats: Habitat loss, prey base decline, retaliatory killings, trophy hunting.

Status: Classified as "Largely Depleted" with ongoing declines, requiring intense conservation efforts. 

6-8-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LEOPARD MOTH (Zeuzera pyrina)

Leopard Moths (Great Leopard Moth) are large, nocturnal moths famous for their striking black & white spotted wings, resembling a snow leopard. Known for their fuzzy "woolly bear" caterpillars with red bands, they spend most of their lives underground or in trees, feeding on many plants before emerging as adults, which have short lifespans and don't eat, relying on fat reserves for mating and egg-laying. They're found across North America and use foul-smelling fluids and bright colors to deter predators. 

Adult Moth Facts

Appearance: White, translucent wings with blue-black spots; fluffy white body; dark blue/orange abdomen with black spots on the underside.

Size: Large, with a wingspan of 2.25 to 3.5 inches (5.7-8.9 cm).

Behavior: Nocturnal, attracted to lights; live only 6-10 days to mate.

Defense: Release a foul-tasting yellow fluid when threatened. 

Caterpillar Facts (Giant Woolly Bear)

Appearance: Fuzzy black with bright red bands between segments, revealing when curled.

Size: Up to 3 inches long.

Diet: Eat many plants, including sunflowers, willows, cherries, and hostas.

Overwintering: Spend winters as larvae, often under bark or in leaf litter.

Defense: Curl into a ball, showing red bands to deter predators; bristles don't usually irritate skin. 

Life Cycle & Habitat

Habitat: Woodlands, fields, orchards, gardens across Eastern North America.

Duration: Takes 2-3 years to develop, spending most of that time as a 

caterpillar.

Broods: One to two generations per year, depending on location. 

23-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - CAPE WILD DOG (Lycaon pictus ssp. pictus) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), also called painted dog and Cape hunting dog, is a wild canine native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is the largest wild canine in Africa, and the only extant member of the genus Lycaon, which is distinguished from Canis by dentition highly specialised for a hypercarnivorous diet and by a lack of dewclaws.

It is estimated that there are around 6,600 adults (including 1,400 mature individuals) living in 39 subpopulations, all threatened by habitat fragmentation, human persecution and outbreaks of disease. As the largest subpopulation probably consists of fewer than 250 individuals, the African wild dog has been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1990.

The African wild dog is a specialized hunter of terrestrial ungulates, mostly hunting at dawn and dusk, but also displays diurnal activity. It captures its prey by using stamina and cooperative hunting to exhaust them. Its natural competitors are lions and spotted hyenas: the former will kill the dogs where possible whilst the latter are frequent kleptoparasites. Like other canids, the African wild dog regurgitates food for its young but also extends this action to adults as a central part of the pack's social unit. The young have the privilege of feeding first on carcasses.

The African wild dog has been revered in several hunter-gatherer societies, particularly those of the San people and Prehistoric Egypt.

18-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pasillas)

The Little Bee-eater, scientifically known as Merops pusillus, is a diminutive and vibrant member of the bee-eater family, Meropidae. This species is adorned with green upper parts and a yellow throat, complemented by a striking black gorget. The upper breast is a rich brown, which gently transitions to a buffish ochre on the belly. Their wings exhibit a blend of green and brown hues, while their beaks and legs are a stark black. Measuring a mere 15–17 cm in length, they hold the title of the smallest African bee-eater. Both males and females are similar in appearance.

When identifying the Little Bee-eater, look for its bright green upper parts, yellow throat, and the distinctive black gorget. The rich brown of the upper breast and the buffish ochre belly are also key characteristics. Their small size and black beak and legs can help distinguish them from other bee-eaters.

These birds favor open country with an abundance of bushes, showing a preference for areas near water sources.

The Little Bee-eater is a resident of Sub-Saharan Africa. Their movements are seasonal, often dictated by the patterns of rainfall rather than long-distance migration.

Little Bee-eaters are known for their abundance and tame nature within their range. They are often seen perched low, sometimes just a meter above the ground. They roost communally, aligning themselves neatly on a tree branch.

Typically a quiet species, the Little Bee-eater's call is a soft "seep," which can be heard intermittently.

Solitary nesters by nature, Little Bee-eaters excavate tunnels in sandy banks for their nests, occasionally utilizing the entrance of an Aardvark den. They lay a clutch of 4 to 6 spherical white eggs, with both parents sharing the responsibility of egg care.

True to their name, Little Bee-eaters primarily consume insects, with a particular fondness for bees, wasps, and hornets. They exhibit remarkable agility, capturing their prey mid-air from an open perch and then removing the stinger by striking the insect against a hard surface before consumption.

The Little Bee-eater is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of 60 to 80 million individuals.

18-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - COMMON IMPALA (MALE) (Aepyceros melampus ssp. melampus) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a medium-sized antelope that is found in Africa. It was first described to European audiences by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812. Active mainly during the day, the impala may be gregarious or territorial depending upon the climate and geography. The impala is known for two characteristic leaps that constitute an anti-predator strategy.

Impala is an elegant and magnificent species of antelope. The animal has slender body with the identifying "M"-like marking on the rear. This medium-sized antelope possesses thin, pointed horns with tips, lying far apart from each other. Males of this species are identified by the characteristic "S"-like horns. The elegant limbs of these animals have scent glands behind the ankles. The overall coloration of their fur is red-brown with paler sides. In addition, they have black and white colored areas on their body. Thus, the tail, belly, chin, lips, inside ears as well as the lines above the eyes are colored with white. Meanwhile, black bands cover their thighs, tail, forehead and ear tips.

5-8-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STRIPED GRAYLING BUTTERFLY (Hipparchia fidia)

Hipparchia fidia, the striped grayling, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found on the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands and in south-eastern France and the bordering parts of Italy and North Africa.

S. fidia L.  Above similar to the preceding [ fatua ], but the underside much more variegated and brighter: the ocelli of the forewing large, broadly bordered with yellow, there being before them white smears which are proximally bordered by a black line. On the underside of the hindwing the exterior black discal line projects behind the apex of the cell as a broad tooth; it is externally broadly white and beyond it there are moreover strong white smears extending towards the distal margin.

The wingspan is 48–56 millimetres (1.9–2.2 in).

The butterflies fly from July to August depending on the location.

The larvae feed on various types of grass.

5-8-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - FURROW SPIDER (Genus Larinioides)

Larinioides is a genus of orb-weaver spiders commonly known as flying spiders and first described by Lodovico di Caporiacco in 1934. They mostly occur in temperate climates around the northern hemisphere. The name is derived from the related araneid spider genus Larinia, with the meaning "like Larinia".

As of April 2019 it contains seven species:

Larinioides chabarovi (Bakhvalov, 1981) – Russia (Central Siberia to Far East)

Larinioides cornutus (Clerck, 1757) – North America, Europe, Turkey, Israel, Caucasus, Russia (Europe to Far East), Iran, China, Korea, Japan

Larinioides ixobolus (Thorell, 1873) – Western Europe to Central Asia

Larinioides jalimovi (Bakhvalov, 1981) – Russia (Far East), Korea

Larinioides patagiatus (Clerck, 1757) – North America, Europe, Turkey, Caucasus, Russia (Europe to Far East), Central Asia, China, Mongolia, Japan

Larinioides sclopetarius (Clerck, 1757) – Europe, Caucasus, Russia (Europe to Central Asia), China, Korea. Introduced to North America

Larinioides suspicax (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1876) – Europe, North Africa to Central Asia

5-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - BENNETT'S WOODPECKER (Campethera bennettii)

Bennett's woodpecker (Campethera bennettii) is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found in woodlands and bushes in Africa. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as a least-concern species.

This species was described by Andrew Smith in 1836. Two subspecies are recognised: Campethera bennettii bennettii and C. b. capricorni. The common name and Latin binomial commemorate the British naturalist Edward Turner Bennett. Bennett's woodpecker, the fine-spotted woodpecker, the Nubian woodpecker and the speckle-throated woodpecker form a superspecies.

Bennett's woodpecker is about 24 cm (9.4 in) long and weighs 61–84 g (2.2–3.0 oz). The male's forehead, crown and nape are red. The chin and throat are white. The upperparts are brown, yellow and white. The underparts are pale yellow, and there are dark spots on the breast and flanks. The eyes are red, the beak is grey, and the legs are bluish-green or grey-green. The female has a black forehead with white spots, and its ear coverts and throat are brown or blackish-brown. The juvenile bird has a black forehead and crown and darker upperparts. The subspecies capricorni is slightly larger, and its underparts have a deeper colour and fewer spots.

This woodpecker is found in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and it has a patchy distribution. Its habitat is woodlands and bushes, including miombo, Baikiaea, Acacia and mopane woodlands.

Bennett's woodpecker is found singly, in pairs or in family groups. It mostly forages on the ground, either bare or with short grass, and also feeds in trees. It mostly eats ants and termites, including their eggs. Its calls include chuur notes, a series of wi-wi-wi-wi, kee-kee-kee or ddrahh, ddrahh, ddray-ay, ddray-ay, and a chattering wirrit-wirrit. Breeding occurs from August to February. The woodpecker excavates or reuses holes in trees. Three eggs are laid and then incubated for 15 to 18 days.

The species has a stable population and there is no evidence of substantial threats, so the IUCN has assessed it as a least-concern species.

31-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - WHITE FRONTED BEE-EATER (Merops bullockoides)

The White-fronted Bee-eater, known scientifically as Merops bullockoides, is a vibrant and slender bird adorned with a striking black mask and a white forehead. Its square tail and bright red throat patch are distinctive features. Measuring at 23 cm in length, the bird's upperparts are a lush green, while its underparts boast a warm cinnamon hue. Its call is a resonant, deep squeak that carries through the air.

A bright and colorful bee-eater; the red throat and white line under the black face mask render it unmistakable. Pairs and groups inhabit woodland adjacent to watercourses, hillsides, and scrub, especially near earthen banks, where nesting colonies are formed by up to 450 individuals burrowing into the dirt. They have one of the most complex of all avian societies, featuring families, clans, and pirates! A nasal rolling “ngyaaau” is the main vocalization.

To identify the White-fronted Bee-eater, look for its unique combination of colors: a black mask, white forehead, green upperparts, and cinnamon underparts. The square tail and bright red throat patch are also key identifiers. Listen for its deep squeaking call as a helpful auditory clue.

This species thrives in the open savannahs of sub-equatorial Africa, often found near gullies where their insect prey, particularly bees, are abundant.

The White-fronted Bee-eater is widely distributed across the savannah regions of sub-equatorial Africa, where it is a common sight in its preferred habitat.

The White-fronted Bee-eater exhibits a complex social structure, nesting in colonies that can average around 200 individuals. These colonies are not just for breeding but also serve as a communal space for roosting and socializing. The birds demonstrate cooperative breeding, with non-breeding individuals acting as helpers to their kin, significantly increasing the success rate of raising young.

The diet of the White-fronted Bee-eater primarily consists of bees, but it also includes other flying insects, depending on seasonal availability. They employ two hunting strategies: making swift hawking flights from lower branches or gliding down from perches to hover momentarily before snatching their prey mid-flight.

The White-fronted Bee-eater is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss at a global scale.

31-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - TAWNY FLANKED PRINIA (Prinia subflava)

The tawny-flanked prinia (Prinia subflava) is a small passerine bird belonging to the genus Prinia in the family Cisticolidae, a family of Old World warblers. It is widespread and common in most parts of Africa south of the Sahara. The plain prinia (P. inornata) of southern Asia was formerly included in this species but is now usually considered to be a separate species.

The tawny-flanked prinia is 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in) in length with a long, narrow, graduated tail[6] and a fairly long, slender bill. The tail is often held erect or waved from side to side. The upperparts are grey-brown with rufous-brown edges to the flight feathers and a rufous tinge to the rump. The throat and breast are whitish while the flanks and vent are warm buff. There is a whitish stripe over the eye and the lores are dark. The tail feathers have a white tip and a dark subterminal band.

The sexes are similar in appearance. Non-breeding birds have a longer tail than breeding birds. Juveniles have pale yellow underparts and a yellowish bill. There are many recognised subspecies.

The call is short, wheezy and rapidly repeated. The song is a monotonous series of shrill notes. The male often sings from an exposed perch.

The pale prinia (P. somalica) of North-east Africa is similar but paler and greyer with whitish flanks. It inhabits drier, more open habitats than the tawny-flanked prinia. The river prinia (P. fluviatilis) of West Africa is also paler and greyer and has a longer tail. It is restricted to waterside vegetation.

There are ten subspecies distributed across most parts of sub-Saharan Africa except for the driest and wettest areas. It is absent from much of the Congo Basin, southern Namibia, south-west Botswana and the western half of South Africa. It is found amongst shrubs and grass in a variety of habitats including woodland, savanna and cultivated areas. It adapts well to man-made habitats and is not considered to be threatened.

It feeds on insects and other invertebrates. It forages in small flocks which move through shrubs and undergrowth.

The nest is purse-shaped and made of strips of grass woven together. It is built one to two metres above the ground. Two to four eggs are laid; they are variable in ground colour and usually have brown or purple spots or blotches.

4-8-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - CROSS ORBWEAVER SPIDER (Araneus diadematus)

The spider species Araneus diadematus is commonly called the European garden spider, cross orbweaver, diadem spider, orangie, cross spider, and crowned orb weaver. It is sometimes called the pumpkin spider, although this name is also used for a different species, Araneus marmoreus. It is an orb-weaver spider found in Europe, where it is native, and North America, where it was introduced.

A. diadematus has a holarctic distribution throughout Europe and across North America, from southern Canada to Mexico, and from British Columbia to Newfoundland.

Individual spiders' colourings can range from extremely light yellow to very dark grey, but all A. diadematus spiders have mottled white markings across the dorsal abdomen, with four or more segments forming a cross. The markings are formed in cells filled with guanine, which is a byproduct of protein metabolism.

Adult females range in length from 6.5 to 20 mm (0.26 to 0.79 in), while males range from 5.5 to 13 mm (0.22 to 0.51 in). Occasionally, the female will eat the male directly after mating. 

31-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - BROWN HOODED KINGFISHER (Halcyon albiventris)

The brown-hooded kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris) is a species of bird in the subfamily Halcyoninae, the tree kingfishers. It has a brown head and blackish and turquoise wings. It is found in Sub-Saharan Africa, living in woodland, scrubland, forest edges, and also suburban areas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as being of least concern.

This species was described as Alcedo albiventris by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1786. Four subspecies are recognised: Halcyon albiventris albiventris, H. a. orientalis, H. a. prentissgrayi and H. a. vociferans. Subspecies hylophila and erlangeri have also been described, but they are not considered distinct enough.

The brown-hooded kingfisher is about 22 cm (8.7 in) long. The head is brown, with blackish streaks. There is a broad buffy collar above the brownish-black mantle. The wing coverts are mostly brownish-black, and the secondary flight feathers are turquoise. The rump is azure-blue. The chin is white, the breast is tawny with some dark streaks, and the belly is buffy. The beak is red, tipped brown, the legs are carmine, and the eyes are dark brown. The female has dark brown upperparts, and its underparts are more streaked than the male. The juvenile bird is duller, with scalloped whitish underparts. The subspecies differ in shade and streaking.

This kingfisher is found in Sub-Saharan Africa, in Gabon, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Somalia, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Eswatini. It occurs below 1,800 m (5,900 ft) in elevation, living in woodland, grassland with trees, scrubland, forest edge, and also cultivations, parks and gardens. It sometimes occurs near water, and can adapt to suburban habitats. Most populations do not migrate, but there is evidence of seasonal movements in some areas.

This kingfisher is generally seen alone or in pairs. It usually forages on the ground, mainly feeding on insects, and also eating scorpions, reptiles, small birds, rodents and fishes. Eating snakes and lizards as long as 25 cm (9.8 in) has been reported. The song, given while vibrating the wings, is a tiiiu or ki-ti-ti-ti trill, and a sharp cheerit is given when alarmed. The breeding season is mainly between September and April. A burrow nest is dug in a river bank, gully or road cutting. The family stays together for a few weeks after breeding.

The Brown-hooded Kingfisher's vocal repertoire includes a song that sounds like a "tiiiu" or a "ki-ti-ti-ti" trill, often accompanied by wing vibrations. When alarmed, it emits a sharp "cheerit."

Breeding occurs mainly between September and April. The kingfisher digs a burrow nest in a river bank, gully, or road cutting, where it raises its young. After the breeding season, the family stays together for a few weeks.

The Brown-hooded Kingfisher feeds on a variety of prey, including insects, scorpions, reptiles, small birds, rodents, and fish. It is an adept hunter, capable of taking on prey such as snakes and lizards up to 25 cm long.

The IUCN has classified the Brown-hooded Kingfisher as a species of Least Concern, thanks to its large range, stable population, and lack of significant threats.

31-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - BLACK COLLARED BARBET ( Lybius corquatus)

The black-collared barbet (Lybius torquatus) is a species of bird in the family Lybiidae which is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Indigenous names include Rooikophoutkapper in Afrikaans, isiKhulukhulu and isiQonQotho in Zulu, and Isinagogo in Xhosa.

It is found in Sub-Saharan Africa through Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The black-collared barbet usually is about 20–25 cm long, plump-looking and has a large head. It also has the heavy bill fringed with bristles that is characteristic of the genus Lybius. This barbet has a very obvious black collar and head which gives reference to its name. It also has a fire-engine red coloring around the eyes and beak. It has morphologically variable coloring because there is a replacement of a red head with a black head. It also has a more intense color and is larger than other barbets. This bird is also sexually monomorphic, which means that there is generally no phenotypic difference between the males and females of this species. The morphology, size and behavior are basically the same.

The black-collared barbet is one of the many duetting species in the genus Lybius and it regularly uses duetting in its day-to-day life. There are no solitary song instances heard from this species. Also, the repertoire of the duets do not vary greatly. This species is readily recognized by its loud duet, commonly rendered as "too-puddly too-puddly too-puddly" or "too-doodle too-doodle".... accompanied by wing-flicking. In addition to the wing-flicking, the birds in the pair face each other while calling and lean forward while bowing ceremoniously to each other. This bird produces a variety of calls including its snarling warning call and loud buzzing. The snarling could be the initiating sound of the duet.

The "too-puddly" song is actually an antiphonal duet. That means that one bird out of the pair sings the first note, then the other bird in the pair sings the second note. To bystanders, this does not sound like it comes from two different birds. It has distinct sexual duet roles after a greeting ceremony and the partner's notes do differ. The birds do not sing simultaneously, but are synchronized in their duets. The time between when one bird stops singing to when the other bird in the pair picks the song up is called the auditory response time for the duet. The approximate auditory response time for this bird is 178 ms.

This species also incorporates more wing and flight displays into their greeting ceremonies, mating, and territorial displays. It is a gregarious species, often acting in concert when driving off intruders and roosting together (up to 15 recorded) in nest holes. Their flight is direct with a loud whirring of wings.

31-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - ARROW MARKED BABBLER (Turdoides jardineii ssp. tamalakanei)

The arrow-marked babbler is a medium-sized babbler, 22 to 25 cm (8.7–9.8 in) in length and weighing 56 to 85 g (2.0–3.0 oz). The common name for the species is derived from its plumage, which is brownish-grey above and lighter below, with white tips to the feathers on the throat, neck and head. The outer iris is bright red and the inner bright yellow or orange. Males and females are identical in appearance. Juveniles have brown eyes and less arrow-shaped streaking on the breast.

The arrow-marked babbler lives in social groups of between 3 and 15 birds (six being the average) that defend large territories, with the size of the territory being dependent upon the number of individuals in the group. They feed on insects, spiders and sometimes snails and lizards, as well as fruits. Foraging occurs near the ground, sometimes in association with other babblers or bulbuls.

This angry-looking bird lives, breeds and travels in groups of between 4 and 12 or so: very noisy, very active, aggressively flicking aside leaves etc. to find insects and sometimes small reptiles. It also eats seeds and small fruit.  They are hard to miss and common in Harare suburbs, very frequent visitors in the early mornings and evenings. 

They are monogamous, meaning that they mate in single pairs, but co-operative, meaning that the group works together to raise the chicks.  As they move together as a group, they are constantly calling to each other, presumably to keep the group together.  Their alarm call is very characteristic: starting with an individual bird, it swells and grows louder and louder to a deafening crescendo.

31-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - WAHLBERG STRIPED SKINK (Trachylepis striata ssp. wahlbergi)

Trachylepis wahlbergii, also known commonly as Wahlberg's striped skink, is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is native to Southern Africa.

Trachylepis wahlbergii has been considered a subspecies of Trachylepis striata. Whether T. wahlbergii is truly distinct from T. striata is not fully settled.

T. wahlbergii occurs in southern Angola, northern Botswana, northern Namibia, western Mozambique, Zambia, and northern, western and southern Zimbabwe.

The specific name, wahlbergi, is in honour of Swedish Naturalist Johan August Wahlberg.

T. wahlbergii is viviparous. In animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the mother, with the maternal circulation providing for the metabolic needs of the embryo's development, until the mother gives birth to a fully or partially developed juvenile that is at least metabolically independent.

31-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla aguime)

The African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp) is a distinctive black-and-white bird of sub-Saharan Africa, known for its energetic tail-wagging as it hunts insects on the ground near water or in towns, utilizing diverse nesting spots from reedbeds to human structures, and often feeding on insects, seeds, and even scraps, with both parents raising young in monogamous pairs. 

Appearance & Identification

Colors: Striking black, white, and grey-black plumage with a bold white eyebrow and wing panels.

Size: Around 18 cm long with a distinctive long tail that bobs constantly. 

Habitat & Diet

Habitat: Found near water (rivers, marshes) but thrives in human-altered areas like towns, gardens, and farms across tropical Africa.

Diet: Primarily insectivorous (flies, ants, grasshoppers, etc.) but also eats seeds, tadpoles, small fish, and human food scraps. 

30-7-2019 BOTANICO ATLANTICO GIJON, ASTURIAS - SPANISH GATEKEEPER BUTTERFLY (Pyronia bathseba)

Pyronia bathseba, the Spanish gatekeeper, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found on the Iberian Peninsula and in France, Morocco, and Algeria. A similar gatekeeper species is Pyronia tithonus, which is found in northern Europe.

The wingspan is 18–19 mm. The butterfly is on wing from May to July depending on the location.

The larvae feed on Poaceae species, mainly Brachypodium species.

30-7-2019 BOTANICO ATLANTICO GIJON, ASTURIAS - BEAUTIFUL DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (FEMALE) (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.