25-8-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - ZITTING CISTICOLA (Cisticola juncidis)

This small bird is widely distributed throughout Africa, Asia, and Australia, while in Europe it is restricted to countries around the Mediterranean. In Spain, it is a relatively common species in low-lying, warm regions, where it is found associated with areas with reed beds, rushes, dense grasslands, and irrigated crops, where it weaves a laborious nest among the vegetation. Due to its small size, it is easier to detect due to its unmistakable song, which it emits while flying in its characteristic undulating flight.

The cisticola  is one of the smallest birds in Europe. It has a dark brown, heavily striped back and crown, a reddish rump, and pale underparts with ochre-colored flanks and breast.

In Spain  lives the subspecies cisticola , which is distributed in the lowest and warmest areas of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, avoiding cold regions and forest and mountain areas.

It inhabits the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of our country, as well as the plains and meadows of most of the river basins of the Tagus, the Duero, the Ebro, the Guadiana and the Guadalquivir.

25-8-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

House sparrows are common, social birds native to Eurasia that have spread to most continents, living near humans in cities, towns, and farms. They are omnivores that eat seeds, grains, and insects, and build messy nests in building crevices, trees, or nest boxes. Males have a gray crown and a black bib, while females are duller brown. 

Identification Male: Grey cap, chestnut wings with white wingbars, streaky brown back, and a black bib on the chest.Female and juveniles: Drab brown overall with a pale buff underside.Size: They are about \(14-15\) cm long with a wingspan of \(21-25.5\) cm. 

Habitat and diet Habitat: House sparrows thrive in urban and rural environments, living in towns, cities, farms, and gardens where they can find food and shelter.Food: They have a varied diet that includes seeds, grains, buds, and insects, and will also eat human scraps and visit bird feeders. 

25-8-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

The European goldfinch, or simply goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), is a small, vibrant passerine bird belonging to the finch family. This charming avian species is adorned with a striking red face, encircled by black markings near the eyes, and a black-and-white head. The back and flanks exhibit a warm buff or chestnut brown, while the wings are black with a prominent yellow bar. The tail is black, and the rump is a contrasting white. Males and females are similar in appearance, though the male boasts a slightly more extensive red mask.

Upon closer inspection, one can discern the male goldfinch by its larger, more vivid red mask that extends just beyond the eye. The female's red face does not reach past the eye, and her shoulder feathers are brown, as opposed to the male's black. The bill is ivory-colored, long, and pointed, and the tail is forked. Juveniles can be identified by their plain heads and greyer backs, but the yellow wing stripe is a clear indicator of their species.

The European goldfinch favors open, partially wooded lowlands and is a resident in the milder western parts of its range. In colder regions, it migrates to escape the harsh weather.

Native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, the European goldfinch has also been introduced to various regions across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay.

The European goldfinch is known for its sociable nature, often forming flocks in the winter. It is a frequent visitor to bird feeders, particularly in the colder months.

The goldfinch's song is a delightful, silvery twittering, while its call is a melodic tickeLIT. Its song comprises a tinkling medley of trills and twitters, always including the tri-syllabic call phrase.

The female goldfinch solely constructs the nest, which is often situated several meters above ground, camouflaged by leaves. The nest is made of mosses and lichens, lined with plant down, and secured with spider silk. Eggs are laid at daily intervals, typically resulting in a clutch of 4-6 eggs. Incubation lasts 11-13 days, with the female being fed by the male. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge 13-18 days after hatching.

Goldfinches have a preference for small seeds, such as those from thistles and teasels, but will also consume insects when feeding young. They are particularly drawn to bird feeders offering niger seed.

The European goldfinch is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population.

The European goldfinch can be confused with other finches, but its distinctive red face, black and white head, and yellow wing bar set it apart.

The European goldfinch has a long history of being kept and bred in captivity due to its attractive plumage and pleasant song. It has also been featured in various works of art and literature, symbolizing different cultural and religious themes.

25-8-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

The Squacco Heron is a mid-sized wading bird with a distinctive crest and buff-colored breeding plumage that turns mostly white in flight. It lives in freshwater wetlands with dense vegetation, hunts in twilight for fish, amphibians, and insects, and uses a "stake" posture to remain still and blend into its surroundings. These herons are found in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with a migratory pattern that takes them to tropical Africa for the winter. 

This is a stocky species with a short neck, short thick bill and buff-brown back. In summer, adults have long neck feathers. Its appearance is transformed in flight, when it looks very white due to the colour of the wings. The squacco heron's breeding habitat is marshy wetlands in warm countries.

6-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

24-4-2018 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - GREATER STRIPED SWALLOW (Cecropis cucullata)

The Greater Striped Swallow, Cecropis cucullata, is a large and striking bird native to the southern regions of Africa. Measuring between 18 to 20 centimeters in length, it boasts dark blue upperparts contrasted by a pale orange rump and a rich chestnut crown, nape, and sides of the head. Its underparts and underwing coverts are a creamy white, adorned with dark streaking, while the upper wings and underwing flight feathers are a blackish-brown. The tail is blackish with elongated outer feathers, slightly longer in males than females. Juveniles present a duller, browner appearance with less contrast and shorter tail feathers.

When observing the Greater Striped Swallow, look for its slow, buoyant flight and listen for its twittering "chissick" call. The bird can be identified by its distinctive coloration, particularly the chestnut head and pale orange rump. The long outer tail feathers are also a key characteristic to note.

This species is a bird of dry open country, favoring grasslands and showing a preference for hills and mountains. It tends to avoid more wooded areas but is often found in close proximity to human habitation.

The Greater Striped Swallow breeds in the southern parts of Africa, with a range that includes South Africa, Namibia, and southern Zimbabwe. It is a migratory bird, wintering further north in countries such as Angola, Tanzania, and the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

6-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - BLACKSMITH LAPWING (Vanellus armatus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Blacksmith Lapwing, known scientifically as Vanellus armatus, is a striking bird with a bold pattern of black, grey, and white, which may serve as a warning to predators. Its red eyes are a distinctive feature, shared with only four other lapwing species across the globe. Adorning the wrist joint is a carpal spur, a sharp black protrusion used in defense of their young, with aggressive aerial dives often aimed at the heads of intruders.

When identifying the Blacksmith Lapwing, look for its red eyes and the contrasting pied plumage. The bill and portions of the legs are black, with the legs sometimes showing a white-grey mottling. The sexes appear similar, though females tend to be slightly larger and heavier.

This lapwing species is commonly found in association with wetlands of varying sizes, from expansive marshes to the smallest damp areas caused by spilling water troughs. In South Africa, they are particularly abundant in mesic grassland regions.

The Blacksmith Lapwing is a common sight from Kenya through central Tanzania to southern and southwestern Africa. They have expanded their range in the 20th century, notably establishing a presence in the western Cape region of South Africa since the 1930s.

18-8-2019 LA LLACUNA, VALENCIA - SCARLET DARTER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

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

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

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

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

21-8-2019 SOLLANA, VALENCIA - CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

22-8-2019 CAMI LES FONTS, VALENCIA - MALLARD (FEMALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard, or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is a familiar and widespread dabbling duck with a presence across temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The male is renowned for its iridescent green head and white collar, while the female sports a brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes boast a speculum—a patch of feathers with iridescent purple or blue hues bordered by white. The Mallard's length ranges from 50 to 65 cm, with a wingspan of 81 to 98 cm, and it typically weighs between 0.7 and 1.6 kg.

Males during the breeding season are unmistakable with their glossy green heads, white collars, and purple-tinged brown breasts. Females are mottled brown with buff cheeks and an eye-stripe. Both sexes have the distinctive speculum on their wings. The male's bill is yellowish-orange tipped with black, while the female's is darker, ranging from black to mottled orange and brown.

Mallards are found in a variety of wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They prefer water depths less than 0.9 meters and are drawn to areas with aquatic vegetation.

22-8-2019 CAMI LES FONTS OLIVA, VALENCIA - IBERIAN GREEN FROG (Pelophylax perezi)

The Perez's frog (Pelophylax perezi), also known as Iberian waterfrog, Iberian green frog or Coruna frog, is a species of frog in the family Ranidae. It is native to southern France, Portugal, Spain, and has been introduced to the Canary and Balearic Islands, Madeira, the United Kingdom, and the Azores. In the Iberian Peninsula it is widespread and common.

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rivers, intermittent rivers, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, sandy shores, arable land, and urban areas. It is not considered threatened by the IUCN.

The Iberian green frog, or Perez's frog, is a common amphibian in Spain, Portugal, and southern France that lives in and near aquatic habitats and has been introduced to islands like the Azores, Balearics, and Canaries. Key facts include that males are the primary singers, using a vocal sac on their throat to attract females, and the species is active during the day and night, feeding on a diet of insects, spiders, and worms. 

Appearance: Adults range from 4 to 10 cm (1.6–4 inches) long and are typically greenish or brownish, often with darker spots. Some specimens may have a yellowish stripe down the back.

Activity: It is both diurnal and nocturnal and an agile jumper, often leaping into the water when disturbed.

Diet: It preys on insects, flies, beetles, spiders, and other invertebrates.

Vocalization: Only male frogs have a vocal sac to produce a call, which they use to attract females during the breeding season. 

Habitat and reproduction

Habitat: The species thrives in a wide range of aquatic environments, including lakes, streams, swamps, and ditches, and can tolerate slightly brackish or saline water.

Reproduction:

Mating occurs in the water, with the male grasping the female from behind in a process called amplexus.

Females can lay thousands of eggs (up to 7,000 in some cases) in clumps attached to aquatic vegetation.

Eggs hatch in 5–8 days, and tadpoles take 8–12 weeks to metamorphose, though this can take the whole winter in some climates. 

Distribution and conservation

Native range: Southern France, Spain, and Portugal.

Introduced range: The Azores, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, and parts of the United Kingdom.

Threats: Population declines have been linked to factors like the disappearance of wetlands, droughts, and the introduction of non-native species that can hybridize with the Iberian green frog. 

22-8-2019 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

22-8-2019 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - RED RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica)

22-8-2019 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - 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. 

21-8-2019 CREU DE LONGA ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

21-8-2019 SOLLANA ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a migratory passerine bird, recognized as the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It is a distinctive bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail, known for its graceful flight and agile maneuvers. The adult male of the nominate subspecies is 17–19 cm in length, including elongated outer tail feathers, and has a wingspan of 32–34.5 cm. It is adorned with a rufous forehead, chin, and throat, which are set apart from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated, contributing to the iconic "swallow tail."

The barn swallow can be identified by its steel blue upperparts, a rufous face, and a dark blue breast band that separates the rufous from the off-white underparts. The deeply forked tail is a key characteristic, with a line of white spots across the upper tail's outer end. Females resemble males but have shorter tail streamers and less glossy blue coloring. Juveniles are browner with paler rufous faces and whiter underparts, lacking the adult's long tail streamers.

The barn swallow favors open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows, and farmland, often near water. It avoids heavily wooded or steep areas and densely built-up locations. The species typically nests in man-made structures like barns and stables, or under bridges and wharves.

This bird has a vast global range, breeding across the Northern Hemisphere and wintering in much of the Southern Hemisphere. Its distribution spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Barn swallows are semi-colonial and may settle in groups. They exhibit site fidelity, often returning to the same location annually for breeding. The species is known for its aerial insectivory, catching insects in flight with remarkable agility.

21-8-2019 SOLLANA, ALBUFERA - RED RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica)

The Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica) is a small, graceful passerine bird, a member of the swallow family. It is characterized by its blue upperparts and dusky underparts, with a distinctive pale or reddish rump, face, and neck collar. Unlike the Barn Swallow, it lacks a breast band but features black undertails. Its wings are broad yet pointed, allowing for swift and agile flight.

To identify the Red-rumped Swallow, look for its darker underparts compared to the Barn Swallow, and the absence of a breast band. The rump is pale or reddish, providing a stark contrast to the blue upperparts. The bird's flight is fast, with frequent swoops as it pursues airborne insects.

This species is often found in open hilly country, where it can be seen gracefully hawking for insects over grasslands. It is also known to adapt to human structures, nesting under cliff overhangs, on buildings, and bridges.

The Red-rumped Swallow has a wide distribution, breeding in temperate southern Europe and Asia, from Portugal and Spain to Japan, India, Sri Lanka, and tropical Africa. While the Indian and African populations are resident, European and other Asian birds are migratory, wintering in Africa or India.

These swallows are gregarious outside the breeding season, often seen in large numbers on the plains of India. They do not typically form large breeding colonies but are known to be social. Their flight is characterized by swift, agile movements as they feed on insects in the air.

The Red-rumped Swallow communicates with a series of chirps and trills, a delightful symphony that fills the air especially during the breeding season.

The Red-rumped Swallow constructs quarter-sphere nests with a tunnel entrance, using mud collected in their beaks. They lay 3 to 6 eggs and prefer to nest under cliff overhangs or on human-made structures.

This species is an aerial insectivore, feeding on insects caught in flight. They are adept at catching their prey mid-air, often following cattle or taking advantage of grass fires to find insects.

21-8-2019 SOLLANA ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - COMMON HOUSE MARTIN (Delichon urbicum)

The Western House Martin (Delichon urbicum), sometimes known as the Common House Martin, is a migratory passerine bird belonging to the swallow family. It is characterized by a blue head and upperparts, a distinctive white rump, and pure white underparts. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with both sexes appearing similar, and juveniles displaying a sooty black coloration with white-tipped wing coverts and quills.

Adults measure approximately 13 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 26 to 29 cm and an average weight of 18.3 grams. They possess brown eyes, a small black bill, and pink toes and exposed leg parts. The white rump and underparts are particularly noticeable in flight, aiding in distinguishing them from other swallows.

The Western House Martin favors open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows, and farmland, often near water. It is also found in urban areas and can nest in city centers if air quality permits.

This bird breeds across Europe, North Africa, and the Palearctic, migrating to sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia for the winter. It is a broad-front migrant, traveling during daylight and feeding on insects in flight.

The Western House Martin is a social bird, often breeding colonially with nests built in close proximity. It is known for its aerial agility, which it uses to evade predators such as the Eurasian Hobby.

The male's song is a soft twitter of melodious chirps, while the contact call is a hard "chirrrp." The alarm call is a shrill "tseep."

Nests are constructed from mud pellets under eaves or similar overhangs on buildings, usually in colonies. The species is known to produce two broods per year, with four to five white eggs per brood. Juveniles fledge after 22 to 32 days and are fed by parents for about a week thereafter.

The Western House Martin can be confused with the Asian House Martin (D. dasypus) and the Nepal House Martin (D. nipalense), but it is the only one with a pure white rump and underparts.

The diet consists primarily of insects caught in flight, with a preference for flies and aphids. Hunting typically occurs within 450 meters of the nest and often near open ground or water.

The Western House Martin is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an extensive range and large population. However, there are indications of population fluctuations and declines in certain regions, attributed to factors such as weather, pesticides, and competition for nesting sites.

19-8-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - COPPER DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (FEMALE) (Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis)

19-8-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - COPPER DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (MALE) (Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis)

Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis is a species of damselfly in the family Calopterygidae known by the common names copper demoiselle and Mediterranean demoiselle.

This species is native to the western Mediterranean Basin in Europe (Iberia, southern France, Italy, Monaco) and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia). It is common in much of its range.

It lives along rivers and streams, but also in sunny larger waters. Though it may be affected by habitat changes such as water pollution.

Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis can reach a body length of about 45–48 millimetres (1.8–1.9 in). The abdomen length is of about 34–43 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in) in males, of 31–43 millimetres (1.2–1.7 in) in females. The length of the wings is of 23–32 millimetres (0.91–1.26 in) in males, of 25–37 millimetres (0.98–1.46 in) in the females.

The males have a dark, metallic shining body, the color of which can be red-violet, golden or copper-colored. On the underside of the last three abdominal segments there red area, the so-called "red lantern" (hence the Latin species name haemorrhoidalis, meaning "blood flow"). The wings of males show a large dark area, while the females have a brown band to the wing tip and a metallic-green to bronze-colored body, with a brown belt on the back.

The flight time of this species ranges from May to September. The males have a characteristic mating dance, showing the abdomen end and spreading their wings wide. The male of this species is territorial, defending sites where females may choose to lay eggs.

19-8-2019 RIO SERPIS VILLALONGA, VALENCIA - 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. 

19-8-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - JUNE BEETLE (genus Anoxia)

19-8-2019 RIO SERPIS VILLALONGA, VALENCIA - EPAULET SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Orthetrum chrysostigma)

Orthetrum chrysostigma, the epaulet skimmer, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Israel, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Burundi as well as Canary Islands, and Portugal. It was recorded in the Maltese Islands in 2010.

Both sexes of the Epaulet Skimmer are among the more easily recognised Orthetrum species, due to the single diagonal stripe on the sides of the thorax. Fully pruinose males, however, are hard to identify and are best told by the distinctive shape of the secondary genitalia.

The Epaulet Skimmer is most similar to the closely related Two-striped Skimmer (Orthetrum caffrum), but that species has a darker, browner thorax with two, pale diagonal stripes on the sides.

The Epaulet Skimmer frequents a wide range of freshwater habitats, including Rivers, streams, lakes, pans, dams, and water-holes. It prefers sites that are fairly open with exposed rocks, sand, or gravel. The Epaulet Skimmer is most numerous along rivers in the savanna regions.

The Epaulet Skimmer often perches on the ground, but also on rocks and exposed stems and twigs. It hunts from a perch with a rapid, darting flight. Frequently returns to the same perch. Both sexes can be found in the same vicinity.

The Epaulet Skimmer is common and widespread in South Africa. It is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Epaulet Skimmer is fairly resistant to habitat damage and is often common at man-made and degraded sites.

19-8-2019 RIO SERPIS VILLALONGA, VALENCIA - SMALL PINCERTAIL DRAGONFLY (Onychogomphus forcipatus)

18-8-2019 LA LLACUNA, VALENCIA - IBERIAN GREEN FROG (Pelophylax perezi)

The Perez's frog (Pelophylax perezi), also known as Iberian waterfrog, Iberian green frog or Coruna frog, is a species of frog in the family Ranidae. It is native to southern France, Portugal, Spain, and has been introduced to the Canary and Balearic Islands, Madeira, the United Kingdom, and the Azores. In the Iberian Peninsula it is widespread and common.

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rivers, intermittent rivers, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, sandy shores, arable land, and urban areas. It is not considered threatened by the IUCN. A medium-sized, stout frog; snout-vent length is usually from 40 to 70 mm, but sometimes is longer than 10 cm (Docampo and Milagrosa-Vega 1988; González de la Vega 1988). The head is as long as wide, with prominent eyes located in dorsal position very close to each other. The tympanum is well marked, about 1/2 to 3/4 the eye diameter (Salvador and García-París 2001). Toes have well developed webbing. Skin is either smooth or slightly rough, with well-formed dorsolateral folds.