28-12-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - VESPERID BEETLE (Vesperus xatarti)

Vesperus xatarti , known as the longicorn , is a species of beetle in the family Vesperidae . These longicorns are found in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands , and in southern France . 

The castañeta measures between 18 and 30 mm , and adults are active year-round except in midsummer; they cause significant damage to olive trees . Females have ovipositors and lay their eggs in groups on wood.

The following methods can be used to combat it:

Monitoring the emergence of adults with traps.

Cultural methods: debarking.

Chemical control: against neonatal larvae, with organophosphates (chlorpyrifos).

Biological control: nematodes .

27-12-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Genus Eupithecia)

Eupitheciini is a tribe of geometer moths under subfamily Larentiinae, often referred to as pugs. The tribe was described by Tutt in 1896.

The tribe consists of about 47 genera, 15 of which are monotypic.

Eupithecia is a large moth genus, also called 'pugs' due to short underwings. Adults often hold forewings at right angles, and the name means 'beautiful ape'.

Generic epithet Eupithecia is Greek meaning "beautiful ape." 

Commonly referred to as pugs because of the short underwings. 

By far the largest moth genus with over 1400 species worldwide. About 160 Eupithecia species are found in America north of Mexico. 62 species in Canada (CBIF). Several species are Holarctic.

 

Many Eupithecia species require dissection for identification and there are many undescribed species.  Adults at rest often hold their long forewings (with hindwings hidden beneath) at right-angles to the body, giving a distinctive "soaring hawk" appearance.

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

The water thick-knee is a nocturnal bird found in sub-Saharan Africa that lives near freshwater. It forages for insects, crustaceans, and small vertebrates up to 1 km from water, and its diet can include a wide range of invertebrates and small vertebrates. It nests in a simple scrape on the ground and forms a unique symbiotic relationship with Nile crocodiles, where the birds act as sentries for the crocodiles' nests. 

Habitat and diet

Habitat: Found near rivers, lakes, estuaries, and beaches in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nocturnal behavior: Active at dawn, dusk, and night, though they can be seen during the day.

Foraging: Forages on the ground, sometimes up to a kilometer away from water.

Diet: Primarily feeds on insects, crustaceans (like crabs), and mollusks (like snails), but also eats frogs, tadpoles, and other small vertebrates. 

Breeding and nesting

Nesting: Builds a simple scrape in the ground, often near rocks or other structures for camouflage.

Eggs: Lays 1-3 sandy-yellow eggs, which both parents incubate for 22-25 days.

Parental care: Both parents are responsible for brooding the eggs and feeding the young, which fledge at around two months. 

Symbiotic relationship with Nile crocodiles

Mutualism: Often nests adjacent to or even on top of Nile crocodile nests.

"Sentry" duty: The loud and energetic thick-knees act as sentries, harassing and pecking at potential nest raiders.

Crocodile protection: If the thick-knees cannot drive off the intruder, their calls can alert the mother crocodile, which then protects its nest. 

Physical characteristics

Appearance: A terrestrial wading bird with large yellow eyes, a stout bill, and thick ankles.

Camouflage: Has cryptically colored plumage that blends in with sandy and rocky environments.

Size: Grows to about 38-41 cm in length and weighs around 440g. 

26-12-2019 POTRIES, 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.

26-12-2019 POTRIES, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

The European serin, or simply the serin (Serinus serinus), is a diminutive member of the finch family, Fringillidae. This sprightly bird is the smallest within its family, closely related to the Atlantic canary. It is characterized by its short tail and a length that spans a mere 11 to 12 centimeters. The serin's plumage is a tapestry of nature's palette, with upper parts dappled in dark-streaked greyish green and a conspicuous yellow rump. The underparts are a canvas of yellow breast and white belly, both adorned with heavy streaks.

 

When attempting to identify the European serin, look for the male's radiant yellow face and breast, which stand out against the greenish backdrop of its feathers. The male also boasts yellow wing bars and yellow tail sides, which can be quite helpful in distinguishing it from similar species. Both sexes share a buzzing trill of a song that resonates through their Mediterranean habitats.

The European serin is partial to open woodland and cultivated areas, often with a sprinkling of conifers. These environments provide the perfect backdrop for breeding and foraging.

This species has a breeding range that extends across southern and central Europe and into North Africa. Populations along the southern and Atlantic coasts tend to be resident, while those in the north are migratory, seeking warmer climates in southern Europe during the winter months.

7-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN AFRICAN CROCODILE (Crocodylus niloticus ssp. cowiei) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

7-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The African jacana (Actophilornis africanus) is a wader in the family Jacanidae. It has long toes and long claws that enables it to walk on floating vegetation in shallow lakes, its preferred habitat. It is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. For the origin and pronunciation of the name, see Jacanidae.

The African jacanas is a conspicuous and unmistakable bird. It measures 23 to 31 cm (9.1 to 12.2 in) in overall length. As in other jacanas, the female is on average larger than the male. Males can weigh from 115 to 224 g (4.1 to 7.9 oz), averaging 137 g (4.8 oz) and females from 167 to 290 g (5.9 to 10.2 oz), averaging 261 g (9.2 oz). Alongside the similarly-sized Madagascar jacana, this appears to be the heaviest jacana species. They have chestnut upperparts with black wingtips, rear neck, and eyestripe. The underparts are also chestnut in the adults, only in juveniles they are white with a chestnut belly patch. The blue bill extends up as a coot-like head shield, and the legs and long toes are grey.

African jacanas feed on insects and other invertebrates picked from the floating vegetations or the surface of the water.

African jacanas breed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. It is sedentary apart from seasonal dispersion. It lays four black-marked brown eggs in a floating nest.

The jacana has evolved a highly unusually polyandrous mating system, meaning that one female mates with multiple males and the male alone cares for the chicks. Such a system has evolved due to a combination of two factors: firstly, the lakes that the jacana lives on are so resource-rich that the relative energy expended by the female in producing each egg is effectively negligible. Secondly the jacana, as a bird, lays eggs, and eggs can be equally well incubated and cared for by a parent bird of either sex. This means that the rate-limiting factor of the jacana's breeding is the rate at which the males can raise and care for the chicks. Such a system of females forming harems of males is in direct contrast to the more usual system of leks seen in animals such as stags and grouse, where the males compete and display in order to gain harems of females.

The parent that forms part of the harem is almost always the one that ends up caring for the offspring; in this case, each male jacana incubates and rears a nest of chicks. The male African jacana has therefore evolved some remarkable adaptations for parental care, such as the ability to pick up and carry chicks underneath its wings.

26-12-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - DOUBLE STRIPED PUG MOTH (Gymnoscelis rufifasciata)

25-12-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

The Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a small, charismatic passerine bird, exhibiting a blend of dark and vibrant plumage. Males are distinguished by their dark grey to black upperparts and breast, with a striking orange-red rump and tail. Females and juveniles are more subdued in color, with grey to grey-brown feathers and the same vivid tail coloration that is the hallmark of the species.

Adult males are easily identified by their dark upperparts and black breast, contrasting with the orange-red lower rump and tail. The belly and undertail may vary from blackish-grey to orange-red, depending on the subspecies. Females and juveniles are less conspicuous, with overall greyer tones and a distinctive orange-red rump and tail. The presence of pale fringes on the secondaries forms a whitish wing panel in some subspecies.

The Black Redstart has adapted remarkably to urban environments, often found nesting in crevices or holes within buildings. Originally a dweller of stony mountainous regions, it now thrives in industrial areas with similar structural features.

This species is widely distributed across south and central Europe, Asia, and north-west Africa. It is a resident in milder regions, while populations in the northeast migrate to warmer areas during winter.

The Black Redstart is known for its robin-like movements, including quick ducks of the head and body, and frequent tail flicking. Males possess a rattling song and a tick call, adding to their distinctive presence.

The Black Redstart's vocal repertoire includes a variety of calls, which differ among subspecies. The male's song is a rattling melody, while its call is a sharp 'tick', often heard during its active foraging.

Typically monogamous, the Black Redstart begins breeding in mid-April. Nests are built by females in sheltered nooks, lined with soft materials. Clutches consist of 4 to 6 eggs, incubated primarily by the female. Both parents tend to the fledglings, which leave the nest after 12 to 19 days.

The Common Redstart shares some similarities but can be distinguished by its different behavior, ecological requirements, and less dark plumage.

The Black Redstart's diet includes insects, which it often catches mid-flight. It is also known to forage in coastal areas for tiny crustaceans and flies.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Black Redstart as Least Concern, indicating a stable population across its extensive range.

25-12-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

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

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

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

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

House sparrows are social birds, often seen in flocks. They exhibit a range of behaviors, including dust or water bathing and communal roosting. Males are known to be territorial around their nesting sites.

The house sparrow's vocalizations are predominantly variations of a simple chirping call. Males may sing or give an "ecstatic call" during the breeding season, and the species uses a variety of calls for different social interactions.

House sparrows are generally monogamous and may mate for life. They can breed in the season following their hatching and often produce multiple clutches per year, with each clutch containing up to five eggs. Nest sites are varied, with a preference for cavities.

The house sparrow can be confused with other seed-eating birds, such as the Eurasian tree sparrow, which has a chestnut crown and a black cheek patch.

An opportunistic feeder, the house sparrow's diet consists mainly of seeds from grains and weeds, but it also consumes insects and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when feeding young.

Despite its widespread distribution and abundance, the house sparrow has experienced declines in some areas. However, it is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

25-12-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LONGHORN BEETLE (Oxypleurus nodieri)

Oxypleurus nodieri is a rare Mediterranean longhorn beetle associated with a variety of pines [✮][✳]. The larvae feed in recently dead branches and pupate in shallow pupal cells built in sapwood. The adults are nocturnal and can be found early in the spring. The species has been described from France by Étienne Mulsant in 1839 [❖]. Morphology of genus Oxypleurus has been well described by Petr Švácha and John F. Lawrence in 2014 [✧].

25-12-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Chemerina caliginearia)

A lepidopteran of the family Geometridae and subfamily Ennominae ,  present in Spain. It measures between 27 and 37 mm in wingspan. Within Europe, it has a mainly Mediterranean distribution.

It is quite variable in terms of the nuances of its forewings depending on the specimen.

The upperside of the forewings is grayish with some pale spots. A prominent band, which may be more or less distinct, is very pale yellow or yellowish-brown and runs diagonally across each forewing from the middle of the inner margin to the apex. Occasionally, another parallel line appears further distally. This same color is present in the venation distal to this band, in the marginal area (very subtle). There are usually two small dark spots in the forewing cell.

The upperside of the hindwings is light gray. The underside is pale.

Usually  seen it in winter (January-March).

Helianthemum, Dorycnium, Cistus, Thymus and Genista have been described as host plants .

24-12-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

24-12-2019 MONTE CORONA, 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.

18-12-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - SHORT EARED OWL (Asio flammeus)

The Short-eared Owl, Asio flammeus, is a medium-sized owl notable for its mottled tawny to brown plumage, barred tail and wings, and a striking facial appearance accentuated by yellow-orange eyes encircled by black, giving the impression of a mask. This species exhibits a floppy flight pattern due to irregular wingbeats, often described as moth or bat-like.

When observing the Short-eared Owl, look for its large eyes, big head, short neck, and broad wings. The bill is short, strong, hooked, and black. Females are slightly larger than males, and the species can be identified in flight by its broad white band along the rear edge of the wing and pale primary-patches. The upper breast is streaked significantly, and the bird's very short ear tufts are usually not visible unless in a defensive pose.

This owl favors open country and grasslands, often roosting under short, shady trees in grassland or desert habitats.

The Short-eared Owl has a vast range, found on all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It breeds in regions including North America, Europe, North Africa, and northern Asia, and is partially migratory, moving southward in winter from the northern parts of its range.

The Short-eared Owl is known to be diurnal and crepuscular, as well as nocturnal, with hunting often occurring just feet above the ground. It is monogamous and nests on the ground, with the male performing a conspicuous courtship display in flight. The species is known to lure predators away from its nest with a feigned injury display.

The calls of the Short-eared Owl include a scratchy bark-like sound, raspy waowk, or a series of toot-toot-toot notes. On breeding grounds, a loud eeee-yerp can be heard, but the species is generally silent on wintering grounds.

Breeding season peaks in April, with nests concealed by low vegetation. Clutch size varies, with up to a dozen eggs laid in years of abundant prey. Incubation is primarily by the female, lasting 21–37 days, and offspring fledge at just over four weeks.

The Short-eared Owl can be confused with the Long-eared Owl, but differences include ear-tuft visibility, iris color (yellow in Short-eared, orange in Long-eared), and patterns around the eyes. The Short-eared Owl is generally paler and has different wing markings and tail bands.

The diet mainly consists of rodents, particularly voles, but also includes other small mammals and occasionally birds and insects. The Short-eared Owl hunts by flying low over open fields before swooping down on prey.

The IUCN lists the Short-eared Owl as a species of least concern, with an estimated global population of 1,200,000 to 2,100,000. However, it is noted to be declining in the southern portion of its United States range and is listed as endangered in New Mexico.

18-12-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita)

18-12-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

The great egret, known scientifically as Ardea alba, is a majestic bird with a stately bearing and an impressive wingspan. This large egret is adorned with all-white plumage and can stand up to a meter tall. It is a cosmopolitan species, found across temperate and tropical regions worldwide.

To identify the great egret, look for its yellow bill and contrasting black legs and feet, which may vary slightly during the breeding season. During this time, the bill may darken, and the lower legs may lighten. The great egret also sports ornamental feathers on its back when in breeding plumage. Both sexes appear identical, and juveniles resemble nonbreeding adults. The great egret can be distinguished from the intermediate egret by the gape of its bill, which extends well beyond the back of the eye.

The great egret favors habitats close to water, such as large lakes with reed beds and other extensive wetlands. It nests in colonies, often at heights of 10 to 40 feet within trees.

This bird has a vast range, occurring worldwide in suitable habitats. It is particularly common across the Sun Belt of the United States and throughout the Neotropics.

The great egret is known for its slow, graceful flight with its neck retracted, a characteristic of herons and bitterns. It walks with its neck extended and wings held close. Generally silent, it may emit a low, hoarse croak when disturbed and a louder croaking at breeding colonies.

The great egret's vocalizations include a low croak when disturbed and various croaking and squawking sounds during the breeding season.

Breeding begins at 2-3 years of age with monogamous pairings. The male initiates nest building to attract a female. The nest is a sizable structure of sticks, lined with plant material. The species lays up to six bluish-green eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties over 23-26 days. The young are fed by regurgitation and can fly within 6-7 weeks.

The great egret can be confused with the snowy egret, which is smaller with a black bill and yellow feet. In North America, it may also be mistaken for the white morph of the great blue heron, which is larger with a thicker bill.

The great egret's diet consists of fish, frogs, small mammals, reptiles, crustaceans, and insects. It typically forages in shallow water, standing still or slowly stalking its prey before impaling it with its sharp bill.

The great egret is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has recovered from historical threats such as plume hunting and has adapted well to human presence. It is partially migratory, with some populations moving south during colder winters. The species is a symbol of conservation success and represents the National Audubon Society.

18-12-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - 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.

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.

18-12-2019 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

European robins occur in Eurasia east to Western Siberia, south to Algeria, and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Central Group of the Azores and Madeira. Irish and British robins are largely resident but a small minority, usually female, migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Scandinavian and Russian robins migrate to Britain and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. European robins prefer spruce woods in northern Europe, contrasting with their preference for parks and gardens in Ireland and Great Britain. These may also be found in grasslands, shrubby vegetation, hedgerows with some tall trees, orchards, and farmlands.

European robins are active during the day, however, they may also hunt insects on moonlit nights or near artificial light at night. These are generally solitary and territorial birds, and males are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behavior. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and may even attack other small birds without apparent provocation. 

European robins communicate using a variety of calls, including a ticking note that usually indicates anxiety or mild alarm. During the breeding season, robins produce a fluting, warbling song. Both the male and female sing during the winter, when they hold separate territories; the song then sounds more plaintive than the summer version. 

The female typically moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, males usually initiate their morning song an hour before civil sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around thirty minutes after sunset. They may also sing at night, especially in urban areas that are artificially lit during the night.

23-12-2019 GANDIA RIO SERPIS, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

23-12-2019 GANDIA RIO SERPIS, VALENCIA - COMMON CHAFFINCH (FEMALE) (Fringilla coelebs)

The Eurasian chaffinch, or simply the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), presents a striking dichotomy in plumage between the sexes. The male is resplendent with a blue-grey cap and rust-red underparts, while the female's attire is more subdued, though both genders boast two white wing bars and white sides to their tails. The male's robust voice is a herald of spring, as he sings from exposed perches to court a mate.

To identify the male chaffinch, look for the black forehead, blue-grey crown, and rust-red breast, which fades to a pale creamy-pink on the belly. The wings feature a white panel on the coverts and a buff-white bar on the secondaries and inner primaries. Females and juveniles are more muted with grey-brown shades above and paler below, but retain the distinctive wing markings.

Chaffinches favor wooded environments, thriving in areas where the July isotherm ranges from 12 to 30°C. They are adaptable, however, and can be found in a variety of forested landscapes across their range.

This small passerine bird is widespread across Europe and parts of Asia, extending to Siberia. It is also an introduced species in some regions, such as New Zealand and South Africa.

18-12-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - WATER PIPIT (Anthus spinoletta)`

The Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta) is a small, sprightly passerine bird, a denizen of the mountains of Southern Europe and the Palearctic, extending its range eastwards to the vastness of China. This bird is a short-distance migrant, often descending to lower altitudes or seeking the openness of wet lowlands when winter's grip takes hold.

In its breeding attire, the Water Pipit dons greyish-brown upperparts, modestly streaked with a darker hue, and a pale pink-buff on the underparts, which gently fades to a whitish tone on the lower belly. The head is adorned with a grey crown and a striking broad white supercilium, while the outer tail feathers flash white. Come winter, the plumage is more subdued; the head becomes grey-brown, the supercilium less pronounced, and the upperparts bear more pronounced streaking. The underparts transition to white, with light brown streaks gracing the breast and flanks. The three subspecies show only minor variations, and both sexes present a near-identical appearance, with the young resembling the adults.

The Water Pipit is a bird of the high mountains during the breeding season, favoring alpine meadows and pastures with short grass, often near wet areas or slopes.

This species breeds in the mountainous regions of southern Europe and across Asia to central China, with some populations residing on the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Corsica. In winter, many birds migrate to coastal wetlands, marshes, and rice fields.

The Water Pipit is a bird that values its privacy, often proving more elusive and wary than its relatives. When disturbed, it takes to the wing, flying a considerable distance before alighting once more.

The Water Pipit's song is a series of four or five blocks, each composed of about six repetitions of a distinct short note, performed from a perch or during flight. Its call is a sharp "dzip," and its flight call a short, thin "fist," sitting between the calls of the Meadow and Rock Pipits.

Nests are artfully constructed cups of grass and leaves, concealed under vegetation or within cliff crevices. Clutches typically consist of four to six speckled greyish-white eggs, which incubate for about two weeks, with fledging occurring after another 14-15 days.

The Water Pipit's diet is primarily composed of small invertebrates, which it picks off the ground or vegetation. It occasionally catches insects mid-flight and may also consume some plant material, particularly in areas where insects are less abundant.

The Water Pipit is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large and stable population spread across a vast range. Estimates suggest a European breeding population that could reach up to two million pairs, indicating a global population of tens of millions.

21-12-2019 CANAL LES FONTS OLIVA, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The little egret is a small, all-white heron with black legs, a black bill, and bright yellow feet. It is a highly social bird found in wetland habitats across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia, and its diet mainly consists of fish, crustaceans, and other small aquatic animals. During breeding season, they grow long, decorative plumes on their head and back. 

Physical characteristics and identification

Size: They are approximately 60 cm long with a wingspan of about 92 cm.

Plumage: Their most distinguishing feature is their pure white plumage, which is complemented by bright yellow feet, a black bill, and yellow facial skin.

Breeding plumes: During the breeding season, they develop long, elegant plumes on their crest, back, and chest.

Vocalization: They are vocal birds, making a harsh, croaking sound, especially during the breeding season. 

Diet and hunting

Main diet: The little egret's diet is primarily fish, but they also eat crustaceans, amphibians, insects, and spiders.

Hunting technique: They are graceful hunters that stalk prey in shallow water, sometimes using their feet to stir up sediment and scare fish out into the open before striking.

Opportunistic feeding: They will also scavenge and may take advantage of other animals or humans to find food. 

Behavior and habitat

Habitat: They are found in a wide variety of wetland habitats, from coastal areas and estuaries to inland lakes and rivers, and even urban streams.

Social behavior: Little egrets are social and often fly in flocks, although they can be territorial when feeding. They typically nest in large, social colonies, sometimes with other waterbird species.

Nesting: They build twig-platform nests in trees, bushes, or reedbeds and both parents share incubation and feeding duties. 

History and range

Historical persecution: The little egret was hunted to near extinction in the 19th century for its beautiful plumes, which were used in fashion and were once considered more valuable than gold.

Range expansion: Populations have recovered, and a range expansion into Europe led to them becoming a common breeding species in the UK starting in the late 1990s. They are now found across much of southern England and Wales, and their range continues to expand.

Global distribution: The species is widespread, with breeding populations in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is a common visitor in parts of Australia. 

Little egrets – like many water birds – are opportunists. Eating anything that fits in their bill, little egrets feast on fish, insects, amphibians and even small mammals and other birds, like ducklings. They catch their prey on land and in shallow water, often running or shuffling their feet to disturb fish.