Monday, 6 January 2020
Sunday, 5 January 2020
8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius)
The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius; /ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs/; pl.: hippopotamuses), often shortened to hippo (pl.: hippos), further qualified as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus and river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis). Its name comes from the Ancient Greek for "river horse" (ἱπποπόταμος).
After elephants and rhinoceroses, the hippopotamus is the next largest land mammal. It is also the largest extant land artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the hippopotamids are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they diverged about 55 million years ago.
Hippos are recognisable for their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, short legs, and large size: adults average 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) for bulls (males) and 1,300 kg (2,900 lb) for cows (females).
Hippos inhabit rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps. Territorial bulls each preside over a stretch of water and a group of five to thirty cows and calves. Mating and birth both occur in the water. During the day, hippos remain cool by staying in water or mud, emerging at dusk to graze on grasses. While hippos rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos typically do not display territorial behaviour on land. Hippos are among the most dangerous animals in the world due to their aggressive and unpredictable nature. They are threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their meat and ivory (canine teeth).
6-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - BURCHELL'S STARLING (Lamprotornis australis) PHOTO COURTESY MRS VALERIE FISHER
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Burchell's starling (Lamprotornis australis) or Burchell's glossy-starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. The monogamous and presumably sedentary species is native to dry and mesic woodlands and savannah of southern Africa. The name of this bird commemorates the English naturalist William John Burchell.
This species is found in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is absent from miombo woodland, but is present in westerly gusu woodlands.
In the Kalahari they associate with camelthorn trees and also feed on their flowers. Their food includes flowers, fruit and small animals. They breed during the summer months.
The species is not threatened and is locally common in conservation areas.
5-1-2020 VILLALONGA RIO SERPIS, 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.
5-1-2020 LA LLACUNA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN LINNET (FEMALE) (Linaria cannabina)
The common linnet, Linaria cannabina, is a small, slender finch with a fondness for seeds, particularly those of hemp and flax. The male, in his breeding plumage, is distinguished by a grey nape, a striking red head-patch, and a red breast, while the female and juveniles are more subdued in coloration with white underparts and buff-streaked breasts.
When identifying the common linnet, look for the long tail and the contrast between the brown upper parts and the sullied white throat. The bill is grey, and the male's red accents are most vibrant during the breeding season.
This species prefers open land with dense shrubbery for breeding, including heathlands and gardens.
The common linnet has a wide range across Europe, the western Palearctic, and North Africa. It is partially migratory, with many birds from the east and north moving southward or toward coastal areas during the non-breeding season.
Outside of breeding season, common linnets may gather in large flocks, occasionally mixing with other finch species. They are known for their delightful song, which features rapid trills and twitters. Breeding involves nest building within bushes and laying clutches of four to seven eggs.
The song of the common linnet is characterized by its pleasant and melodious trills and twitters, often heard during the breeding season.
The common linnet's diet consists mainly of seeds, including those from arable weeds, crucifers, chickweeds, dandelions, thistles, and trees such as hawthorn and birch. They also consume a small amount of invertebrates, particularly when feeding chicks.
The common linnet is listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. However, in the UK, it is recognized as a priority species for conservation due to significant population declines, largely attributed to changes in agricultural practices. Conservation efforts include promoting bird-friendly farming practices and habitat management.
Saturday, 4 January 2020
6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SADDLE BILLED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER
The Saddle-billed Stork, known scientifically as Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis, is a magnificent and large wading bird belonging to the stork family, Ciconiidae. It stands tall, reaching heights of 145 to 150 cm (4 ft 9 in to 4 ft 11 in), with a wingspan stretching an impressive 2.4 to 2.7 m (7 ft 10 in to 8 ft 10 in). The male of the species is typically larger and heavier than the female, with weights ranging from 5.1 to 7.52 kg (11.2 to 16.6 lb).
Distinguishing between the sexes is straightforward; the female boasts golden yellow irises, while the male has brown irises complemented by dangling yellow wattles. Both sexes share a striking plumage, with iridescent black covering the head, neck, back, wings, and tail, and the rest of the body along with primary flight feathers being white. The juvenile birds wear a more subdued brownish-grey attire. The stork's bill is a vivid red adorned with a black band and a distinctive yellow frontal shield, the namesake "saddle." Their legs and feet are black with pink hocks, and a bare red patch of skin can be found on the chest, which intensifies in color during the breeding season.
Saddle-billed Storks have a preference for protected areas abundant in open water, such as national parks and protected swamps, which provide safer environments for both the birds and ornithologists.
This species is a resident breeder in sub-Saharan Africa, with its range extending from Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya in the east, down to South Africa, and also found in The Gambia, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and Chad in West Africa.
In flight, the Saddle-billed Stork is a sight to behold, with its neck outstretched and its large bill drooping below the belly. They are generally silent, save for the bill-clattering sounds made at their nests. The species is known for its solitary nesting habits and lifelong pair bonds, often seen in pairs even outside the breeding season.
The Saddle-billed Stork builds large, deep stick nests in trees, where it lays one to five white eggs, with incubation lasting 30–35 days. After hatching, the chicks fledge in another 70–100 days, often staying within the parents' territory until the next breeding season.
These storks are adept hunters, stabbing their bills into water, mud, and vegetation to catch a variety of prey. They primarily feed on aquatic creatures like lungfish and catfish, which can weigh up to 1.3 kg (2.9 lb). They also consume frogs, snails, small mammals, birds, snakes, and various insects.
6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - LILAC BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER
The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is a member of the roller family, Coraciidae, resplendent in a panoply of pastel hues. This African bird is a sight to behold, with its lilac throat and breast, olive crown to mantle, and cheeks of lilac-rufous. The species is further adorned with long, black tail streamers, which juveniles lack. Unofficially, it is considered the national bird of Kenya.
In the field, the lilac-breasted roller is almost unmistakable. Adults boast a lilac throat that deepens into a darker lilac breast, with an olive crown and mantle. The cheeks and ear coverts are a lilac-rufous. Juveniles and immatures can be identified by their lack of tail streamers and a throat and breast of rufous-tawny with broad diffuse buffy-white streaks. The species is not sexually dimorphic, though males may be slightly larger.
The lilac-breasted roller favors open woodland and savanna, typically avoiding treeless expanses. They are often seen perched high, surveying the landscape for prey.
This species is widely distributed across Southern and Eastern Africa and is a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is most abundant in Kenya and can be found from sea level to elevations of 2,000 meters or more.
6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - COMMON IMPALA (MALE) (Aepyceros melampus ssp. melampus)PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER
The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a medium-sized antelope that is found in Africa. It was first described to European audiences by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812. Active mainly during the day, the impala may be gregarious or territorial depending upon the climate and geography. The impala is known for two characteristic leaps that constitute an anti-predator strategy.
Impala is an elegant and magnificent species of antelope. The animal has slender body with the identifying "M"-like marking on the rear. This medium-sized antelope possesses thin, pointed horns with tips, lying far apart from each other. Males of this species are identified by the characteristic "S"-like horns. The elegant limbs of these animals have scent glands behind the ankles. The overall coloration of their fur is red-brown with paler sides. In addition, they have black and white colored areas on their body. Thus, the tail, belly, chin, lips, inside ears as well as the lines above the eyes are colored with white. Meanwhile, black bands cover their thighs, tail, forehead and ear tips.
6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - RED LECHWE (FEMALE) (Kobus leche ssp. leche) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER
The lechwe is native to Botswana, Zambia, southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northeastern Namibia, and eastern Angola, especially in the Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats, and Bangweulu Wetlands. The species is fairly common in zoos and wild animal farms.
Adult lechwe typically stand 90 to 100 cm (35 to 39 in) at the shoulder and generally weigh from 50 to 120 kg (110 to 260 lb), with males being larger than females. They are golden brown with white bellies. Males are darker in colour, but exact hue and amount of blackish on the front legs, chest and body varies depending on subspecies. The long, spiral horns are vaguely lyre-shaped and borne only by males. The hind legs are somewhat longer in proportion than in other antelopes to ease long-distance running on marshy soil.
Lechwe are found in marshy areas where they are an important herbivore of aquatic plants, as well as grasses that are found in flooded meadows. They use the knee-deep water as protection from predators. Their legs are covered in a water-repellant substance which allows them to run quite fast in knee-deep water. Lechwe are diurnal. They gather in herds which can include many thousands of individuals. Herds are usually all of one sex, but during mating season they mix.
Friday, 3 January 2020
6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - DOUBLE BANDED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles bicinctus) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER
The double-banded sandgrouse, Pterocles bicinctus, presents itself as a moderately-sized bird with a quail-like appearance. Its plump body is adorned with light brown plumage, featuring darker mottling and rows of whitish specks. The species is characterized by a small, pigeon-like head, elongated wings, and a lengthy tail.
Males can be readily identified by a striking black-and-white band across the forehead and a chestnut throat bordered by another black-and-white band. Both sexes boast an area of bare, yellow skin encircling the eye, while the male's beak is tinged with orange. Females are generally smaller and exhibit a more subdued brown coloration. Juveniles resemble the female in appearance.
3-1-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY (Lasiommata megera)
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Lasiommata megera, the wall or wall brown, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae (subfamily Satyrinae). It is widespread in the Palearctic realm with a large variety of habitats and number of generations a year.
P. megera L. [— xiphie Boisd. pt (45d). Above reddish yellow, with a black mark which traverses the distal band from the cell of the forewing to the abdominal margin of the hindwing, short black stripes crossing the disc and the cell of the forewing.
The species lives in North Africa, Europe, the Caucasus, Asia Minor, the Middle East, western Siberia, northern Tian Shan, Dzungarian Alatau, Kazakhstan and Dzungaria.
Habitats include forest edges and clearings, shrubby areas in ravines and river valleys and sparse woodlands. It is also found in mountain habitats up to 0–3,000 metres (0–9,843 ft) above sea level.
The imago flies from April to October in two or three generations depending on locality and altitude. The larva feeds on grasses in the genera Festuca, Bromus, Deschampsia, Poa, Dactylis and Brachypodium.
Thursday, 2 January 2020
1-1-2020 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.
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.
Appearance: Features a metallic green back that can shimmer with purple. Its underparts are white, and it has a black crest and breast band.
Names: Also known as the Green Plover, Pewit, or Pyewipe. The name "lapwing" likely comes from the "lapping" sound its wings make in flight.
Worm Charming: It has a unique hunting technique where it taps one leg on the ground to create vibrations, tricking earthworms into surfacing—a behavior known as worm charming.
Deceitful Behavior: A group of lapwings is called a "deceit". This stems from their habit of performing "broken-wing" displays or pretending to have nests in different areas to lure predators away from their actual eggs.
Wednesday, 1 January 2020
1-1-2020 CREU DE LONGA, 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.
Great cormorants are found in a variety of aquatic environments including seas, estuaries, freshwater lakes, and rivers. They often nest in colonies close to these water bodies.
This species has a broad distribution, breeding across the Old World, Australia, and the Atlantic coast of North America. Northern populations tend to migrate southward in winter, seeking coasts rich in fish.
Great cormorants are generally silent but may emit guttural noises at breeding colonies. They are known for their wing-drying posture, often seen with wings outstretched to dry after diving.
Mostly silent, the great cormorant vocalizes with guttural sounds in the vicinity of its breeding colonies.
Great cormorants typically nest in colonies near wetlands, rivers, or sheltered inshore waters, often returning to the same site annually. Their nests are constructed from sticks and can be located in trees, on cliff ledges, or on predator-free ground. They lay clutches of three to five pale blue or green eggs, which are incubated for about 28 to 31 days.
These birds are piscivorous, diving to catch fish such as wrasses, sand smelt, flathead, and common soles. They exhibit seasonal dietary shifts, preferring larger fish in colder temperatures. Their foraging efficiency is influenced by the size of the prey rather than the quantity.
The great cormorant is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Conservation efforts have led to a population rebound, with approximately 1.2 million birds in Europe alone. However, their increasing numbers have led to conflicts with fisheries due to predation on fish stocks.
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