25-3-2017 TUIS CARTAGO, COSTA RICA - ROSENBERG'S GLADIATOR FROG (Boana rosenbergi)

Rosenberg's treefrog (Hypsiboas rosenbergi), also known as Rosenberg's gladiator frog or Rosenberg's gladiator treefrog, is a species of frog in the family of tree frogs (Hylidae) and genus of gladiator frogs (Boana) found in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago and north-western Ecuador. Its scientific name is a testimony to Mr. W. F. H. Rosenberg who collected the type series, and its common name refers to the aggressiveness of males of the species.

20-11-2019 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - BLACK HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

20-11-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - SPOTLESS STARLING (Sturnus unicolor)

The Spotless Starling, known scientifically as Sturnus unicolor, is a member of the starling family, Sturnidae. It bears a striking resemblance to its cousin, the Common Starling, but is distinguished by its slightly larger size, measuring 21-23 cm in length and weighing between 70-100 grams. Its plumage is a glossy, oily black, which may exhibit purple or green iridescence under bright light. Notably, during the spring and summer, its feathers are completely devoid of spots, while in winter, it sports only minuscule pale spots.

 

To identify the Spotless Starling, look for its longer throat feathers, which are double the length of those on the Common Starling, creating a pronounced "beard" especially visible when the bird vocalizes. Its legs are a vivid pink, and the bill color changes with the seasons: yellow with a bluish or pinkish base in summer, and a duller, often blackish hue in winter. Juveniles present a dull brown plumage, darker than their common counterparts, with a black bill and brown legs.

  

The Spotless Starling is quite adaptable, inhabiting a variety of open environments from farmlands and olive groves to urban areas. It thrives particularly well in open grazed holm oak woods and in cities like Gibraltar, where it is a common sight.

 

This bird has a more restricted range compared to the Common Starling, being native to the Iberian Peninsula, Northwest Africa, southernmost France, and the islands of Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia. It is largely sedentary, with its population having expanded northward in recent decades.

 

The Spotless Starling is a sociable creature, often seen in sizeable flocks that can number up to 100,000 in the winter months. These flocks may include Common Starlings as well. It exhibits a strong, direct flight and, like its relative, walks rather than hops.

 

A vocal bird, the Spotless Starling is an accomplished mimic. Its calls are reminiscent of the Common Starling but are notably louder.

 

As a cavity-nesting species, the Spotless Starling makes its home in tree holes, buildings, and cliff crevices. It typically lays a clutch of three to five eggs.

 

An omnivorous bird, the Spotless Starling's diet includes a wide array of invertebrates, berries, and human-provided food scraps.

20-11-2019 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

The Little Grebe, or Tachybaptus ruficollis, known colloquially as the dabchick, is the smallest European member of the grebe family. This diminutive water bird measures a mere 23 to 29 centimeters in length and is a common sight in open bodies of water across its range.

In the summer, the adult Little Grebe is a sight to behold with its dark upper parts and a striking rufous coloration on the neck, cheeks, and flanks, complemented by a bright yellow gape. Outside of the breeding season, the plumage turns to a more subdued brownish-grey. Juveniles can be identified by their yellow bills tipped with black and streaked cheeks. In winter, the species is recognizable by its buff plumage, darker back and cap, and distinctive rear end.

The Little Grebe favors heavily vegetated areas of freshwater lakes for breeding. It is adept at using this dense vegetation as a cover.

This bird has a broad range, breeding across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea, and most of Africa. In winter, many individuals move to open or coastal waters, and it becomes migratory in regions where waters freeze.

Behavior and diet

Diving: It frequently submerges to dive for food and often surfaces some distance away from where it dived.

Diet: It feeds on submerged plants, aquatic insects, larvae, and small fish.

Sound: The bird can be noisy, making a distinctive whinnying trill. 

19-11-2019 OLIVA, VALENCIA - COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild)

The Common Waxbill, known scientifically as Estrilda astrild and colloquially as the St Helena Waxbill, is a diminutive passerine bird of the estrildid finch family. This species is adorned with a bright red bill reminiscent of sealing wax, which is the origin of its name. The adult Common Waxbill measures approximately 4 to 5 inches in length, with a wingspan of 4.5 inches, and weighs between 3/5 to 3/4 ounce. Its plumage is primarily grey-brown, intricately barred with dark brown, and it possesses a distinctive red stripe through the eye. The cheeks and throat are whitish, and the underparts may exhibit a pinkish hue with a reddish stripe along the belly's center, varying by subspecies. The rump is brown, while the tail and vent are dark. Females are similar to males but are paler with less red on the belly. Juveniles are duller with little or no red on the belly, fainter dark barring, and a black bill.

To distinguish the Common Waxbill from similar species, observe the rump and vent colors. The black-rumped waxbill has a black rump and pale vent, while the crimson-rumped waxbill features a dark bill, red rump, and some red on the wings and tail. The black-lored waxbill, restricted to the Democratic Republic of Congo, has a black stripe through the eye instead of red.

Common Waxbills favor open landscapes with long grass and rank vegetation. They are often found near water in marshes and among reeds. These birds are known to be quite tame, venturing into gardens, parks, and farmland.

The Common Waxbill is native to sub-Saharan Africa, with approximately 17 subspecies distributed across East, Central, and Southern Africa, avoiding desert or dense forest regions. In West Africa, they are more localized, with populations centered around Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Ivory Coast.

The species has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including islands around Africa, parts of Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific. In Europe, it has become widespread in Portugal and is expanding through Spain.

Common Waxbills are gregarious, often foraging in flocks that can number in the hundreds or thousands. They typically feed by clinging to grass stems and picking seeds from flower heads but will also forage for fallen seeds on the ground. Regular drinking is necessary, as their seed diet contains little water.

The Common Waxbill produces a variety of twittering and buzzing calls, along with a distinctive high-pitched flight call. Its simple song is harsh and nasal, descending on the last note.

The nest of the Common Waxbill is a large ball of grass stems with a long entrance tube, usually situated low amongst dense vegetation. A second "cock's nest" may be built atop the main nest. They lay four to seven white eggs, incubated for 11 to 13 days, with fledging occurring 17 to 21 days post-hatching. Both parents are involved in incubation and chick feeding. Breeding seasons vary globally, and nests may be parasitized by the pin-tailed whydah.

The Common Waxbill's diet is predominantly grass and millet seeds, with insects consumed occasionally, especially during the breeding season. Guinea grasses, crabgrass, and Echinochloa species are significant dietary components.

19-11-2019 OLIVA, VALENCIA - COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita)

The Common Chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita, is a diminutive and sprightly leaf warbler known for its distinctive, onomatopoeic song. This small, migratory passerine is characterized by its greenish-brown upperparts and off-white underparts, with a weight ranging from 6 to 8 grams and a length of 10-12 centimeters.

In the field, look for the Common Chiffchaff's short whitish supercilium, fine dark bill, and dark legs. Its primary projection is short, and the plumage may appear duller and browner as it wears. Juveniles are browner above with yellow-white underparts, but they soon acquire brighter plumage after their first moult.

The Common Chiffchaff breeds in open woodlands with a mix of taller trees and ground cover across northern and temperate Europe, Asia, and parts of north Africa. It prefers woodland with trees at least 5 meters high and an undergrowth of grasses and nettles.

This species has a vast breeding range, extending from Europe to eastern Siberia and northward to about 70 N. It winters in southern and western Europe, southern Asia, and north Africa. The Common Chiffchaff is one of the earliest spring migrants to return to its breeding grounds and one of the last to depart in autumn.

The male Common Chiffchaff is fiercely territorial during the breeding season, defending its core territory against rivals. It exhibits a fearless nature, even attacking predators that threaten its nest. Outside the breeding season, these birds may form small flocks with other warblers.

The song is a cheerful "chiff-chaff," which heralds the arrival of spring. Calls include a "hweet" sound, less disyllabic than the calls of closely related warblers. The song is a key distinguishing feature from similar species, such as the Iberian Chiffchaff.

The female constructs a domed nest on or near the ground, lined with feathers. Clutches typically consist of 2-7 cream-colored eggs, which hatch after 13-14 days. The female assumes most of the responsibility for brooding and feeding the chicks, with the male playing a minimal role.

The Willow Warbler and Bonelli's Warbler are similar species but can be differentiated by their longer primary projection, sleeker appearance, and different vocalizations. The Iberian Chiffchaff, once considered a subspecies, is now treated as a separate species due to differences in song, morphology, and genetics.

The Common Chiffchaff is insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates. It is known to be an active forager, often seen flitting through foliage or hovering briefly to snatch prey.

The Common Chiffchaff is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, with an extensive range and large population. While one subspecies is likely extinct, the overall species does not face significant threats at present, and populations in some areas are increasing.

19-11-2019 MARXUQUERA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN WRYNECK (Jynx torquilla)

The Eurasian wryneck, a member of the woodpecker family, is a bird that captivates with its slender, thrush-like form and its ability to twist its neck in a serpentine fashion. This bird, approximately 16.5 cm in length, boasts a plumage mottled with pale brown, rufous, and blackish bars, and streaks across its upperparts, while its underparts are a creamy white speckled with brown.

To identify the Eurasian wryneck, look for its distinctive barred and mottled upperparts, cream underparts with brown speckles, and a shorter, less dagger-like bill compared to other woodpeckers. The juveniles resemble adults but have a softer, less defined coloration.

The Eurasian wryneck is found in open countryside, woodlands, orchards, and sometimes in deciduous or coniferous forests. It has a preference for old trees and areas with abundant ant populations.

This species breeds across temperate Europe and Asia, with migratory populations wintering in tropical Africa and southern Asia. Some populations are resident in northwestern Africa.

The Eurasian wryneck is known for its head-twisting ability, which it uses as a threat display when disturbed. It is often seen in pairs during the summer and may form small groups during migration. The bird exhibits a high-headed posture with a slightly upward-pointing beak and is capable of clinging to vertical surfaces.

The call is a series of harsh, shrill notes, while the alarm call is a staccato "tuck." At the nest, the bird may hiss when disturbed.

Nesting sites vary and may include tree holes, crevices, or even sand martin burrows. The wryneck lays a clutch of seven to ten white eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties.

The Eurasian wryneck is unique in its family for its neck-twisting behavior and lacks close visual similarities to other species within its range.

Ants are the primary diet, but it also consumes beetles, larvae, moths, spiders, and woodlice. It forages on the ground and in trees, using its extendable tongue to pick up prey.

The Eurasian wryneck is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. Although its population may be decreasing, it is not at a rate that threatens the species' survival. Conservation efforts, such as the provision of nest boxes, have shown positive effects on population stability in some areas.

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)

The great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), a robust seabird, is cloaked in predominantly black plumage. It is a member of the cormorant family, with a widespread distribution. The species exhibits considerable size variation across its range, with males generally larger than females. Notable features include a longish tail and a distinctive yellow throat-patch. During the breeding season, adults boast white patches on their thighs and throat.

To identify the great cormorant, look for its large size, heavy build, and thick bill. It lacks a crest and its plumage does not have a green tinge, distinguishing it from the common shag. In North America, it is bulkier than the double-crested cormorant and has less yellow on the throat and bill. The white thigh patches are a key identifier.

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)

The Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) is a species of house gecko native to the Mediterranean region, from which it has spread to many parts of the world including parts of East Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and the Southern and Southeastern United States. It is commonly referred to as the Turkish gecko as represented in its Latin name and also as the moon lizard because it tends to emerge in the evening.

A study in Portugal found H. turcicus to be totally nocturnal, with its highest activity around 02:00. It is insectivorous, rarely exceeds 15 cm (5.9 in) in length, has large, lidless eyes with elliptical pupils, and purple or tan-colored skin with black spots, often with stripes on the tail. Its belly or undersides are somewhat translucent. What impact this gecko has on native wildlife in the regions to which it has been introduced is unknown.

In many parts of the world, the range of H. turcicus is increasing, and unlike many other reptiles, it appears to be highly resistant to pesticides. The increase may be explained as a consequence of having few predators in places where it has been introduced, and also of its tendency to take shelter in the cracks and unseen areas of human homes, for example inside walls. Reliance on human habitation has thus contributed to the species' proliferation, similar to rodents. In some Eastern Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, harming H. turcicus is taboo due to its benign nature, and it is often kept as a house pet.

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)