18-11-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RED SHIELD BUG (Carpocoris mediterraneus)

Carpocoris mediterraneus, the red shield bug, is a species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae.

This species is widespread throughout the Mediterranean region (Corsica, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Sardinia, Sicily).

Carpocoris mediterraneus can reach a length of 11–13 millimetres (0.43–0.51 in). The body is shield-like in shape and the elytrae are very thick. The body surface is bright yellow or orange, with four short longitudinal black stripes on the pronotum and five dark spots on the scutellum. The antennae have 5 segments. Legs are yellowish or orange.

This species is similar and can be confused with Carpocoris pudicus, Carpocoris purpureipennis or Carpocoris fuscispinus.

In Carpocoris mediterraneus atlanticus the humeral angles of pronotum are sharp and protruding, the base of scutellum and connexivum are frequently with contrasting black spots and the apex of the scutellum is exceptionally truncated.

These bugs are polyphagous vegetarian. Adults can be found on several flowering plants, especially on parsley (Petroselinum crispum).

28-3-2017 CARARA NAT PARK, COSTA RICA - STRAWBERRY POISON DART FROG (Oophaga pumilio)

The strawberry poison frog, strawberry poison-dart frog or blue jeans poison frog (Oophaga pumilio, formerly Dendrobates pumilio) is a species of small poison dart frog found in Central America. It is common throughout its range, which extends from eastern central Nicaragua through Costa Rica and northwestern Panamá. The species is often found in humid lowlands and premontane forest, but large populations are also found in disturbed areas such as plantations. The strawberry poison frog is perhaps most famous for its widespread variation in coloration, comprising approximately 15–30 color morphs, most of which are presumed to be true-breeding. O. pumilio, while not the most poisonous of the dendrobatids, is the most toxic member of its genus.

Oophaga pumilio is diurnal and primarily terrestrial, and can often be found in leaf litter in both forested and disturbed areas. Studies have shown that the optimal habitat is determined by the male, considering the resource benefits and defense costs. Males tend to expend more energy defending smaller but higher quality areas. There has also been evidence that the better competitors and fighters are the males guarding smaller sites with higher female density. In most Anura the louder the vocalization when competing usually means they are larger in size and in better health. However, in the O. pumilio species researchers have determined that these frogs call out at a lower rate to limit their energetic expenditures. Females, on the other hand, simply distribute themselves according to tadpole rearing sites.

Though brightly colored and toxic, these frogs are relatively small, growing to approximately 17.5–22 mm (0.69–0.87 in) in standard length.

28-3-2017 CARARA NAT PARK, COSTA RICA - GIANT CICADA (MALE) (Quesada gigas)

The giant cicada (Quesada gigas), also known as the chichara grande, coyoyo, or coyuyo, is a species of large cicada native to North, Central, and South America. One of two species in the genus Quesada, it is the widest ranging cicada in the Western Hemisphere.

The giant cicada was discovered by Guillaume-Antoine Olivier in 1790. British naturalist Henry Walter Bates described the shrill songs of the cicadas during his exploration in the Amazon in the late 1840s. There are historical records of the cicada in Bexar County, Texas starting in 1934, but this population died out - possibly due to the extended drought of the 1950s. Since 2005, the cicada population has grown and become widespread in central Texas. It currently ranges from central Texas to as far south as Mina Clavero, Argentina.

The giant cicada is the second-largest North American species, after the empress cicada (Megapomponia imperatoria). Like other Texan species, the giant cicada has an appearance that helps it camouflage into the environment. These true bugs are usually a combination of black, green and brown patterns, with brown to olive eyes and a brownish-green pronotal collar color. Texan cicadas distinguish themselves by sound, rather than appearance.

The giant cicada is the only species of the genus Quesada found in North America. The species feeds off of a wide variety of plant families. As an endothermic species, it has the ability to live in a wide range of environments. In the United States, the giant cicada primarily resides in the South Texas brushland, in an area spanning approximately from Laughlin Air Force Base (near Del Rio, Texas) in the west through Uvalde, San Antonio and Austin in the east, ranging nearly to the western limits of Houston. There have been sightings near cities such as Bellville, Brenham, Chappell Hill and Hempstead, Texas. Further south, its range includes most of the southern half of Texas before entering into Mexico, where it is primarily found from Coahuila, along the Mexican Gulf coast states, through to the Yucatán Peninsula. The species' range typically does not extend inland or far to the west until San Luis Potosí. In the west of Mexico, its range begins just north of Mazatlán and continues southward, along the coast, and inland through Guadalajara, Mexico City and all regions further south.

South of Mexico, the giant cicada is found across much of Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, the Guianas, Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay and Uruguay. In Argentina, the species' range stretches as far south as Buenos Aires and Córdoba and as far west as San Juan and San Luis Provinces.

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA, COSTA RICA - KEEL BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)

The keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), also known as sulfur-breasted toucan, keel toucan, or rainbow-billed toucan, is a colorful Latin American member of the toucan family. It is the national bird of Belize. The species is found in tropical jungles from southern Mexico to Colombia. It is an omnivorous forest bird that feeds on fruits, seeds, insects, invertebrates, lizards, snakes, and small birds and their eggs.

17-11-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

Distinctive orange tail, best seen when flashed open or in flight. Varies considerably within range. Western birds are darker overall; male is slaty blackish, female smoky grayish overall. Eastern males have extensive orange on the underparts, and females are warm brown. 

Song also varies: western birds give a short trill preceded by a few buzzy intro notes, while eastern birds incorporate buzzy and trilled elements. Calls include high-pitched “tseet” and dry clicks. Occupies varied open habitats, often but not always with a rocky component. Feeds mainly on or near the ground, perching rather upright; sings from prominent perches.

17-11-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - EURASIAN GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)

17-11-2019 FONT EN CARROS, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

17-11-2019 FONT EN CARROS, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (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.

28-3-2017 CARARA NAT PARK, COSTA RICA - BLUE THROATED TUCANET (Aulacorhynchus prasinus ssp. caeruleogularis

The Blue-throated Toucanet, Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis, is a member of the toucan family, Ramphastidae. This near-passerine bird boasts a large bill characteristic of toucans. Adults range from 29 to 37 cm in length and weigh between 120 to 185 grams. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though females tend to be slightly smaller with shorter bills.

The Blue-throated Toucanet's bill is a striking feature, black with a prominent yellow stripe along the culmen and a white vertical strip at its base. The nominate subspecies has a rufous patch near the base of the culmen, while A. c. cognatus lacks this. The plumage is predominantly green, lighter below than above, with the nominate's crown having a bronze tinge and its nape and upper back a yellowy bronze tint. The eye is dark brown, encircled by darker bare skin. A deep blue graces their lower face and throat, and their undertail coverts and the underside of the tail are chestnut. The tail is green at the base, turning blue towards the end with chestnut tips. Immature birds are grayer with browner and smaller chestnut tail tips.

The Blue-throated Toucanet inhabits humid montane forests but can also be found in secondary forests, shrublands, pastures, and plantations.

This species is found in Costa Rica, Panama, and far northwestern Colombia, ranging in elevation from 800 to 3,000 meters in Costa Rica and 600 to 2,400 meters in Panama.

The Blue-throated Toucanet is a non-migratory bird known for its gregarious nature, often forming groups of up to about 10 individuals.

28-3-2017 CARARA NAT PARK, COSTA RICA - GREEN AND BLACK POISON DART FROG (Dendrobates auratus)

The green-and-black poison dart frog (Dendrobates auratus), also known as the green-and-black poison arrow frog and green poison frog (among others), is a brightly-colored member of the order Anura native to southern Central America and Colombia. This species has also been introduced to Oahu, Hawaii in an effort to lower mosquito numbers. It is one of the most variably colored species of poison dart frogs, after D. tinctorius, Adelphobates galactonotus and some Oophaga species. From a conservation standpoint, it is considered to be of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Within the reptile and amphibian hobby, D. auratus remains one of the most commonly kept, and easiest-to-breed, dart frogs in captivity, as well as in zoos.

The green-and-black poison dart frog is found in humid lowland and submontane forests at altitudes of 0–1,000 m (0–3,280 ft) in southeastern Nicaragua on the Atlantic slope, eastern Costa Rica on the Atlantic slope and in the southwest on the Pacific slope, widely in Panamá, and into far northwestern Colombia in the Chocó Department. An introduced population exists on Oahu, in Hawaii; the species was intentionally introduced there, in 1932, for mosquito control. Later on, it seems to have also become established on Maui.

16-11-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN HOUSE GECKO (Hemidactylus turcicus)

23-3-2017 TROGON LODGE COSTA RICA - RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno)

The resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) is a small bird found in southern Mexico and Central America that lives in tropical forests, particularly montane cloud forests. They are part of the family Trogonidae and have two recognized subspecies, P. m. mocinno and P. m. costaricensis. Like other quetzals, the resplendent is mostly omnivorous; its diet mainly consists of fruits of plants in the laurel family, Lauraceae, but it occasionally also preys on insects, lizards, frogs and snails.

The species is well known for its colorful and complex plumage that differs substantially between sexes. Males have iridescent green plumes, a red lower breast and belly, black innerwings and a white undertail, whilst females are duller and have a shorter tail. Grey lower breasts, bellies, and bills, along with bronze-green heads are characteristic of females. These birds hollow holes in decaying trees or use ones already made by woodpeckers as a nest site. They are known to take turns while incubating, males throughout the day and females at night. The female usually lays one to three eggs, which hatch in 17 to 19 days. The quetzal is an altitudinal migrant, migrating from the slopes to the canopy of the forest. This occurs during the breeding season, which varies depending on the location, but usually commences in March and extends as far as August.

The resplendent quetzal is considered near threatened on the IUCN Red List, with habitat destruction being the main threat. It has an important role in Mesoamerican mythology, and is closely associated with Quetzalcoatl, a deity. It is the national animal of Guatemala, being pictured on the flag and coat of arms; it also gives its name to the country's currency, the Guatemalan quetzal.

This species inhabits amidst lush vegetation, in specially moist rainforests at high elevations (900–3,200 m (3,000–10,500 ft). They populate trees that make up the canopy and subcanopy of the rainforest, though they can also be found in ravines and cliffs. It prefers to live in decaying trees, stumps, and abandoned woodpecker hollows. The vivid colors of the quetzal are disguised by the rainforest. The resplendent quetzal can be found from southern Mexico (southernmost Oaxaca and Chiapas) to western Panama (Chiriquí). The ranges of the two subspecies differ: P. m. mocinno is found in southern Mexico, northern El Salvador, and northwestern Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras, while P. m. costaricensis is found in Costa Rica and western Panama. The geographical isolation between the two subspecies is caused by the Nicaraguan depression, a 50 km (31 mi) wide, 600 km (370 mi) long bottomland that contains the two largest lakes in Central America, Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua, and the deficiency of the breeding habitats in regions adjoining to. The quetzal migrates from its breeding areas in the lower montane rainforest to the pre-montane rainforest on the Pacific slopes for three to four months (July–October), after which they move across the continental divide to the Atlantic slopes.

Quetzal's abundance in its mating areas is correlated with the total number of fruiting species, although the correlation between quetzal abundance and the number of fruiting Lauraceae species is only marginal.

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - MENELAUS BLUE MORPHO BUTTERFLY (Morpho menelaus

The Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is one of thirty species of butterfly in the subfamily Morphinae. Its wingspan is approximately 12 cm (4.7"), and its dorsal forewings and hindwings are a bright, iridescent blue edged with black, while the ventral surfaces are brown. Its iridescent wings are an area of interest in research because of their unique microstructure. Due to its characteristic blue color, Morpho menelaus is considered valuable among collectors and was widely hunted in the 20th century.

This neotropical butterfly is found in Central and South America, including the Cerrado which is a vast tropical savanna in Brazil. Other locations include Mexico and Venezuela. Ancestors of the Morpho menelaus butterfly may have been distributed in the Andean regions. Morpho menelaus is one of the six species of Morpho in Costa Rica. The genus of Morpho is present in regions beginning in Mexico and throughout South America, except Chile. Moreover, the Morpho menelaus struggle to survive in the northern Pacific area of Costa Rica since they can’t tolerate such dry conditions. They also need habitats in old growth forests with proper differentiation between the understories and canopies (Murillo-Hiller & Canet, 2018).

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - OLIVE BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)

The olive-backed euphonia (Euphonia gouldi) is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is a resident breeder in the Caribbean lowlands and foothills from southern Mexico to western Panama.

The olive-backed euphonia is found in wet forests, tall second growth and adjacent bushy clearings, typically from sea level to 750 m altitude, sometimes up to 1000 m. The spherical cup nest, with a side entrance, is hidden amongst epiphytes or mosses 2–11 m high in a tree. The normal clutch is three brown-marked white eggs.

The adult olive-backed euphonia is 9.5 cm long and weighs 12 g. The adult male has glossy olive upperparts, a yellow forehead, and a rufous belly surrounded by yellow. The adult female has less glossy upperparts than the male, a chestnut forehead, yellow underparts and a small rufous belly patch. Immatures are darker, duller, and have olive underparts.

The olive-backed euphonia occurs in small groups, or as part of a mixed-species feeding flock. This species feeds mainly on small fruits.

The olive-backed euphonia's call is a metallic chrrr-chrrr, and the song is mixture of the call with clear or nasal whistles.

12-11-2019 ALPERA, CASTILLE LA MANCHA - PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLY (Vanessa cardui)

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

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

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

12-11-2019 ALPERA, CASTILLE LA MANCHA - WHITE WAGTAIL (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 Pied Wagtail, particularly the subspecies M. a. yarrellii, is similar but has a darker back and is found in Great Britain and Ireland. Other subspecies vary in wing, back, and head coloration.

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.

11-11-2019 ALPERA, CASTILLE LA MANCHA - CRESTED LARK (Galerida cristata)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/578607-Galerida-cristata

11-11-2019 ALPERA, CASTILLE LA MANCHA - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (FEMALE) (Saxicola rubicola)

11-11-2019 BONETE, CASTILLE LA MANCHA - EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops)

The Eurasian hoopoe, with its scientific name Upupa epops, is a bird of unmistakable appearance. It boasts a warm cinnamon plumage, contrasted by striking black and white wings, and a prominent black-tipped, fan-like crest which it can raise and lower. Its tail features a broad white band across a black background. The hoopoe's long, narrow bill curves downwards, adept for probing the soil, and is black with a fawn base.

When identifying the Eurasian hoopoe, look for its unique silhouette, characterized by its long, tapering bill and erectile crest. In flight, its broad and rounded wings display a bold black and white pattern, and its undulating flight is reminiscent of a large butterfly. The hoopoe's size ranges from 25 to 32 cm in length, with a wingspan of 44 to 48 cm, and it weighs between 46 and 89 grams.

The hoopoe is adaptable, favoring habitats with bare or lightly vegetated ground for foraging and vertical surfaces with cavities for nesting. These can include heathlands, wooded steppes, savannas, grasslands, and forest glades.

This species is native to Europe, Asia, and the northern half of Africa. It is migratory in the northern parts of its range, with European and north Asian birds wintering in the tropics. African populations tend to be sedentary throughout the year.

Hoopoes are known for their sunbathing and dust-bathing behaviors, often spreading their wings and tail against the ground. They are solitary foragers, predominantly feeding on the ground with occasional aerial pursuits.

The hoopoe's call is a soft, melodic "oop-oop-oop," which may vary between two to four syllables. This call is the likely origin of both its English and scientific names.

Hoopoes are monogamous, with pair bonds lasting a single season. They nest in cavities, with the female solely responsible for incubation. Clutch sizes vary geographically, with larger clutches in higher latitudes. The eggs are initially milky blue, becoming discolored in the nest.

The hoopoe's diet consists mainly of insects, but it may also consume small reptiles, frogs, seeds, and berries. It uses its bill to probe the soil for larvae, pupae, and insects, which are then beaten against a surface to remove indigestible parts.

11-11-2019 CORRAL RUBIO, CASTILLE LA MANCHA - GREATER FLAMINGO (JUVENILE) (Phoenicopterus roseus)

11-11-2019 CORRAL RUBIO, CASTILLE LA MANCHA - EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)

The common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus, is a bird of prey from the kestrel group within the falcon family Falconidae. It is also known as the European kestrel, Eurasian kestrel, or Old World kestrel. In the United Kingdom, it is often simply referred to as the "kestrel." This raptor is small compared to other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds, with long wings and a distinctive long tail.

Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism in their plumage. The male has a blue-grey cap and tail with a black tip bordered by a narrow white rim. Its back is chestnut with black spots, and the underside is buff with black streaks. The female is larger and lacks the blue-grey coloring, having a brown back with black bars and a similar underside to the male. Both sexes have a prominent black malar stripe, bright yellow cere, feet, and eye-ring, with dark toenails, bill, and iris.

The common kestrel favors open habitats such as fields, heaths, shrubland, and marshland. It does not require woodland but needs alternative perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It thrives in treeless steppes and can adapt to human settlements and various landscapes, from wetlands to arid savannas.

11-11-2019 ALPERA, CASTILLE LA MANCHA - COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita)

11-11-2019 CORRAL RUBIO, CASTILLE LA MANCHA - NORTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus vanellus)

The Northern Lapwing, known scientifically as Vanellus vanellus, is a distinctive bird with a notable crest on its head. It measures 28–33 cm in length, with a wingspan of 67–87 cm and a body mass ranging from 128–330 g. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism; males have a pronounced crest and a stark black crown, throat, and breast, which contrasts sharply with their white face. Females and juveniles have shorter crests and less defined head markings, but their overall plumage is similar to that of the males, with a black and white coloration and a greenish tint on the back.

When identifying the Northern Lapwing, look for its rounded wings, short legs, and the characteristic crest that adorns its head. The male's long crest and contrasting black and white facial patterns are particularly striking during the breeding season. In flight, the species can be recognized by its slow wingbeats and the rounded shape of its wings

The Northern Lapwing is a ground-nesting bird that favors open landscapes such as cultivated fields, grasslands, and wetlands. It is adaptable and can be found in a variety of temperate environments across Eurosiberia.

This bird is a widespread resident throughout temperate regions of Eurosiberia. It is highly migratory, wintering in regions as far south as North Africa and parts of Asia. Western European populations are more sedentary, while vagrants have been known to appear in North America following storms.

The Northern Lapwing is known for its acrobatic display flights, accompanied by a cacophony of calls during the breeding season. It migrates predominantly during the day, often in large flocks. The species is fiercely protective of its nest and young, boldly confronting any potential threats. In winter, it gathers in massive flocks on open land, and it is known to feed nocturnally when the moon is bright.

The Northern Lapwing is quite vocal, especially in the breeding season. Its contact call is a loud "pee-wit," which is also the origin of one of its common names. Males perform a display flight while emitting a wheezy "pee-wit, wit wit, eeze wit," and they may also produce squeaking or mewing sounds.

Breeding takes place on the ground in a simple scrape. The species typically lays 3–4 eggs, which are zealously defended against all intruders. The Northern Lapwing's breeding strategy includes feigning injury to distract predators from its nest.

The Northern Lapwing can be confused with other lapwing species, but its unique crest and the coloration of the male during the breeding season are distinguishing features.

Its diet consists primarily of insects and other small invertebrates. The Northern Lapwing often feeds in mixed flocks with Golden Plovers and Black-headed Gulls, the latter of which may steal food but also offer some protection against predators.

The Northern Lapwing is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Its populations have declined due to intensive agricultural practices, habitat loss, and predation. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration and management to support this species' recovery.

11-11-2019 ALPERA, CASTILLE LA MANCHA - RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE (Alectoris rufa)

The red-legged partridge is a round, ground-dwelling bird native to Europe, known for its red legs and bill, white throat patch bordered by a black gorget, and streaked flanks. It is an omnivore that prefers to run to escape predators but can fly short, fast distances if necessary. They lay 10-16 eggs in ground nests, and the chicks are precocial, able to walk and fly soon after hatching. 

Appearance

Legs and beak: Bright red, with a red eye ring.

Plumage: Grayish back, grey breast, buff belly, and bold black and white stripes on its flanks.

Face: White with a black gorget.

Size: About 32–35 cm long with a wingspan of 47–50 cm and weighing 400–550 grams. 

Diet and behavior

Diet: Omnivorous, eating seeds, leaves, flowers, and insects.

Movement: Highly terrestrial, preferring to run rather than fly. When it flies, it's for a short distance with fast, flapping wings.

Social behavior: Gregarious in winter and territorial during the spring breeding season. 

Reproduction and habitat

Nesting: Nests are built on the ground.

Eggs: Females typically lay a single clutch of 10 to 16 eggs.

Chicks: They are precocial, meaning they are mobile and can walk within a day of hatching and fly within two weeks.

Habitat: Prefers agricultural land, vineyards, high plateaus, and Mediterranean scrubland, often with bushy cover. 

Other facts

Vocalization: Its call is a three-syllable sound, often described as "ka-chu-chu".

Conservation: Its status as a popular game bird has led to reintroduction efforts but also to threats from over-hunting and habitat loss from agricultural practices and urbanization. 

7-6-2019 CHESTER ZOO, CHESHIRE - BLUE THROATED MACAW (Ara glaucogularis)

The blue-throated macaw (Ara glaucogularis), also known as the Caninde macaw or Wagler's macaw, is a macaw endemic to a small area of north-central Bolivia, known as Los Llanos de Moxos. In 2014 this species was designated by law as a natural patrimony of Bolivia. Until 2010, it was hunted by native people to make feathered "Moxeño" headdresses for "machetero" ritual dances.

Recent population and range estimates suggest that about 208–303 adult individuals remain in the wild. Its demise was brought upon by nesting competition, avian predation, and a small native range, exacerbated by indigenous hunting and capture for the pet trade. Current threats continue to include hunting and trapping as well as tree cutting, invasive species, disease, and use of powders or foams used to extinguish fires. It is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN in the wild and is protected by trading prohibitions.

The blue-throated macaw lives in the Llano de Moxos of the Beni Department of Bolivia, nesting in "Islas" (islands) of palm trees that dot the level plains. It is not a forest-dwelling bird. This species is one of the rarest in the world. There are two areas inhabited by two sub-populations of Ara glaucogularis: one is to the northwest of Trinidad (the capital city of Beni), and the other is to the south of Trinidad.[10] This complex landscape consists of grasslands, marshes, forest islands, and corridors of forests along waterways. They occur most often between the elevations of 200 and 300 m.