Tuesday, 17 March 2020
14-3-2020 CHANGARAM WETLANDS KERALA, INDIA - WESTERN REEF HERON (Egretta gularis)
The Western Reef Heron, Egretta gularis, also known as the Western Reef Egret, is a medium-sized heron exhibiting remarkable plumage polymorphism. It presents itself in two primary color forms: an all-white morph resembling the Little Egret, and a dark grey morph with a distinctive white throat. During the breeding season, both morphs develop reddish legs and facial skin, and two elongated nape feathers.
To distinguish the Western Reef Heron from similar species, observe the larger, yellower bill and the extended yellow on its thicker legs. The white morph is particularly active when foraging, often employing wing movements or shading techniques. The grey morph's whitish throat sets it apart from other herons within its range. The bill of the subspecies gularis is more pointed, while schistacea has a larger bill, especially towards the base.
This heron favors coastal environments, where it can be seen stalking or ambushing its prey in shallow waters.
The Western Reef Heron is found along the coasts of southern Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. The subspecies gularis inhabits West Africa to Gabon, with some populations breeding in southern Europe. Subspecies schistacea ranges from the Persian Gulf to the eastern coast of India.
The Western Reef Heron exhibits dynamic foraging behavior, including running through shallow waters, stirring the water with its feet, or using its wings to disturb prey. It is also known to stand motionless, waiting to ambush its next meal.
This species is not particularly vocal, but it does emit a low "kwok" or grating sounds when disturbed or near its nesting site.
Breeding habitats are coastal wetlands. The heron nests in colonies, often on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. The usual clutch consists of three to four light blue eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties.
The Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) is similar in appearance, especially the white morph of the Western Reef Heron. However, the Little Egret has a slimmer bill and lacks the yellow leg extensions seen in the Western Reef Heron.
The diet primarily includes fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. In coastal areas, mudskippers are a regular part of their diet.
The IUCN lists the Western Reef Heron as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.
14-3-2020 CHANGARAM WETLANDS KERALA, INDIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)
The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.
Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars.
The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.
14-3-2020 CHANGARAM WETLANDS KERALA, INDIA - LITTLE CORMORANT (Microcarbo niger)
The Little Cormorant, Microcarbo niger, is a dainty member of the cormorant family, measuring about 50 centimeters in length. In its breeding attire, it boasts a sleek, all-black plumage adorned with white spots and delicate filoplumes on its face, and a modest crest on the back of its head. The non-breeding or juvenile birds display a more subdued brownish plumage, with a small, distinct white patch on the throat.
Distinguishable from the slightly larger Indian Cormorant by its shorter beak and absence of a peaked head, the Little Cormorant has dark eyes and facial skin. Males and females appear similar, though males are generally larger. A rare silvery-grey plumage has been noted in some individuals.
The Little Cormorant frequents a variety of freshwater bodies, from diminutive village ponds to expansive lakes, and occasionally coastal estuaries.
14-3-2020 CHANGARAM WETLANDS KERALA, INDIA - INDIAN POND HERON (Ardeola grayii)
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The Indian Pond Heron, known colloquially as the paddybird, is a modestly sized heron with a penchant for concealment. Its plumage is a mélange of streaked olive and brown, which serves as excellent camouflage against the marshy landscapes it frequents. However, when this bird takes flight, it reveals a striking contrast with its bright white wings, a feature that is otherwise hidden when at rest.
This stocky bird possesses a short neck and a robust, thick bill. The back is buff-brown, and during the summer, adults boast elongated neck feathers. When in flight, the Indian Pond Heron is unmistakable due to the white of its wings. It bears a resemblance to the squacco herons but is distinguished by its darker back. Observers should note that individuals may occasionally exhibit red legs during the breeding season, though this is not a common trait.
The Indian Pond Heron is often found stalking prey at the edges of small water bodies or roosting near human habitations. It is adept at utilizing floating vegetation to access deeper waters and is known to frequent marshy wetlands.
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This heron has its origins in the Old World, with a breeding range that extends from southern Iran across the Indian subcontinent to Burma and Sri Lanka. It is a widespread and common species, yet its cryptic coloration often renders it invisible until it is nearly underfoot.
Typically solitary in its foraging habits, the Indian Pond Heron may gather in numbers during the dry season when prey is concentrated in shrinking wetlands. It is a semi-colonial breeder and has been observed foraging in diverse environments, including garbage heaps and well-watered lawns. The bird's tendency to allow close approaches by humans is notable, and it may form communal roosts in urban areas.
The Indian Pond Heron is generally a silent bird, but it may emit a harsh croak when alarmed or near its nesting sites.
The onset of the monsoons marks the beginning of the breeding season for these herons. They nest in small colonies, often alongside other wading birds, constructing platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. The nests are typically built at heights of 9 to 10 meters. The male collects materials while the female assembles the nest. Clutches usually consist of three to five eggs, which hatch asynchronously after 18 to 24 days. Both parents are involved in feeding the young, primarily with fish.
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The Indian Pond Heron is similar to the squacco heron but can be differentiated by its darker back. To the east of its range, it is replaced by the Chinese Pond Heron.
The diet of the Indian Pond Heron is varied, including crustaceans, aquatic insects, fishes, tadpoles, and occasionally leeches. Outside of wetlands, these herons will also consume terrestrial insects, fish, and amphibians. They have been observed using innovative techniques such as bait-fishing with bread crumbs to attract fish.
The IUCN Red List classifies the Indian Pond Heron as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.
The Indian Pond Heron's habit of remaining motionless until the last possible moment has given rise to several folk beliefs about its vision. In Sri Lanka, it is referred to as the "half-blind heron," and in Hindustani, the phrase "bagla bhagat" likens the bird to a wolf in sheep's clothing. The bird has also featured in Indian folklore and literature, often noted for its surprising transformation from dull to bright colors upon taking flight.
14-3-2020 CHANGARAM WETLANDS KERALA, INDIA - BLACK DRONGO (Dicrurus macrocercus)
The black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a small Asian passerine bird of the drongo family Dicruridae. It is a common resident breeder in much of tropical southern Asia from southwest Iran through Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka east to southern China and Indonesia and accidental visitor of Japan. It is an all black bird with a distinctive forked tail and measures 28 cm (11 in) in length. It feeds on insects, and is common in open agricultural areas and light forest throughout its range, perching conspicuously on a bare perch or along power or telephone lines.
The species is known for its aggressive behaviour towards much larger birds, such as crows, never hesitating to dive-bomb any bird of prey that invades its territory. This behaviour earns it the informal name of king crow. Smaller birds often nest in the well-guarded vicinity of a nesting black drongo. Previously grouped along with the African fork-tailed drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis), the Asian forms are now treated as a separate species with several distinct populations.
Sunday, 15 March 2020
15-3-2020 DUBAI, UAE - DESERT WHEATEAR (FEMALE) (Oenanthe deserti)
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The desert wheatear (Oenanthe deserti) is a wheatear, a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher (Muscicapidae). It is a migratory insectivorous species, 14.5 to 15 cm (5.7 to 5.9 in) in length. Both western and eastern forms of the desert wheatear are rare vagrants to western Europe. The western desert wheatear breeds in the Sahara and the northern Arabian peninsula. The eastern race is found in the semi-deserts of Central Asia and in winter in Pakistan and northeast Africa.
The plumage of the upper parts of the male in summer is buff. The underparts are white with a buff tinge on the breast. The black on the face and throat extends to the shoulders, and there is distinct white superciliary stripe. The female is greyer above and buffer below and has no black on the throat, and in the winter plumage the black on the throat of the male is partially obscured by the white tips of the feathers. A distinguishing characteristic, in both sexes of all ages, is that the entire tail is black to the level of the upper tail-coverts.
The desert wheatear feeds largely on insects which it picks up off the ground. It breeds in the spring when a clutch of usually four pale blue, slightly speckled eggs is laid in a well-concealed nest made of grasses, mosses and stems.
15-3-2020 DUBAI, UAE - INDIAN PIED MYNA (Gracupica contra)
The Indian pied myna (Gracupica contra) is a species of starling found in the Indian subcontinent. It is usually found in small groups mainly on the plains and low foothills. It is often seen within cities and villages although it is not as bold as the common myna. It produces a range of calls made up of liquid notes.
It is found mainly along the Gangetic plains extending south into Andhra Pradesh and east to Bangladesh. The population in northeastern India (Sadiya to Tirap and the Naga Hills) was named as sordida (originally Sturnus contra sordidus) by Sidney Dillon Ripley in 1950. This form differs from the Indian form in having reduced streaking on the shoulders and nape. The populations in Manipur south to Myanmar and east to Yunnan have the white extending over the eye and are included in the subspecies superciliaris first described by Edward Blyth in 1863.
A 2021 study found that G. contra represents a species complex of 3 distinct species: the Indian pied myna (G. contra sensu stricto) from most of the Indian Subcontinent, Myanmar, and Yunnan in China, with subspecies sordida and superciliaris; the monotypic Siamese pied myna (G. floweri) from Thailand and Cambodia, and the monotypic possibly extinct in the wild Javan pied myna(G. jalla), historically known from Java and Bali in Indonesia. G. jalla was likely driven to extinction in the wild due to the illegal songbird trade becoming increasingly pervasive in Indonesia, and in captivity it is likely threatened by hybridization with captured individuals of mainland pied myna species. It has been recommended to search for genetically pure members of the species in the wildlife trade for the purpose of captive breeding; a potential captive population of pure G. jalla exists at Bali Bird Park.
This myna is strikingly marked in black and white and has a yellowish bill with a reddish bill base. The bare skin around the eye is reddish. The upper body, throat and breast are black while the cheek, lores, wing coverts and rump are contrastingly white. The sexes are similar in plumage but young birds have dark brown in place of black. The subspecies vary slightly in plumage, extent of streaking of the feathers and in measurements.
The flight is slow and butterfly-like on round wings.
Leucistic individuals have been recorded.
The species is found mainly in the plains but in the foothills up to about 700m above sea level. They are found mainly in areas with access to open water. Their main distribution in India is from the Gangetic plains extending south to the Krishna River. Their range is increasing, with populations establishing more recently in Pakistan, Rajkot, and Bombay (since 1953), possibly aided by trade in caged birds and accidental escape. Their westerward spread in India particularly in parts of Rajasthan has been aided by changes in irrigation and farming patterns. The species has also established itself in Dubai, UAE.
The habitat is lowland open areas with scattered trees near water, often near human habitation. This species is often seen at sewage farms and refuse tips.
Saturday, 14 March 2020
15-3-2020 DUBAI, UAE - PALLAS'S GULL (Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus)
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Pallas's gull (Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus), also known as the great black-headed gull, is a large bird species. As is the case with many gulls, it has traditionally been placed in the genus Larus. The scientific name is from Ancient Greek. Ichthyaetus is from ikhthus, "fish", and aetos, "eagle".
14-3-2020 CHANGARAM WETLANDS KERALA, INDIA - TWO STRIPED TELAMONIA SPIDER (telemonia dimidiata)
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The two-striped jumper, or Telamonia dimidiata, is a jumping spider found in various Asian tropical rain forests, in foliage in wooded environments.
Females can reach a body length of 9–11 mm (0.35–0.43 in), males can reach a length of 8–9 mm (0.31–0.35 in). The female is light yellowish, with a very white cephalus and red rings surrounding the narrow black rings around the eyes. Two longitudinal bright red stripes are present on the opisthosoma. The male is very dark, with white markings, and red hairs around the eyes. They appear in Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, India, and Bhutan. T. dimidiata produces no toxin significant to humans.
Since 1999, the spider has been the subject of an email hoax claiming that it was a fatal spider found lurking under toilet seats in North Florida. This hoax was a rehashing of an older email circulated in 1999 with similar claims, except under the name "South American Blush Spider (arachnius gluteus [sic])" - literally "butt spider". Similar email hoaxes (with details of the original changed) occurred in other parts of the world, alleging the same falsity in the recipients' countries. It has also appeared on Facebook, also including a picture of the arachnid. Posts commonly report of it being found world-round, suggesting everyone must take precautions. No such events appear to have occurred, and the story is considered an urban legend.The false rumor has since spread to websites such as Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr in 2012. The same hoax was circulating on WhatsApp in 2018. The hoax has also been seen on Facebook in 2019.
14-3-2020 CHANGARAM WETLANDS KERALA, INDIA - NORTHERN PINTAIL (Anas acuta)
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The Northern Pintail, Anas acuta, is a graceful duck with a cosmopolitan range, breeding across the northern reaches of Europe, Asia, and North America. This species is easily recognized by its elegant profile, marked by a long neck and a distinctive pointed tail from which it derives its common name. The male, or drake, is particularly striking during the breeding season with a chocolate-brown head and a white breast adorned by a white line extending up the neck. Females, or hens, exhibit a more subdued palette of brown feathers, blending seamlessly with the wetland habitats they frequent.
The drake Northern Pintail is distinguished by its long central tail feathers, blue-grey bill, and grey legs and feet. In contrast, the hen's plumage is a muted brown, with a shorter pointed tail and a long grey bill. Both sexes share a sleek, elongated body and a swift, agile flight pattern, with the male showcasing a black-bordered white speculum and the female a dark brown speculum edged prominently in white.
14-3-2020 CHANGARAM WETLANDS KERALA, INDIA - WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola)
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The Wood Sandpiper, Tringa glareola, presents as a small wader, the most diminutive of the shanks within the Scolopacidae family. It is characterized by its fine bill, brown back, and notably longer yellowish legs, giving it a delicate appearance.
When identifying the Wood Sandpiper, look for a bird with a longer-legged stature compared to the Green Sandpiper (T. ochropus) or the Solitary Sandpiper (T. solitaria). It can be distinguished from the Green Sandpiper by its smaller and less contrasting white rump patch, while the Solitary Sandpiper lacks a white rump patch entirely.
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During migration and wintering periods, the Wood Sandpiper is typically found on freshwater bodies, where it can be seen probing in shallow waters or wet mud.
The Wood Sandpiper breeds in the subarctic wetlands, ranging from the Scottish Highlands across Europe and into the Palearctic. It migrates to Africa, Southern Asia, particularly India, and Australia. Notably, vagrant birds have reached as far as the Hawaiian Islands, and it is a regular visitor to the Mariana Islands and Palau.
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This species exhibits a probing foraging style, mainly consuming insects and similar small prey. It nests on the ground or may opportunistically use an abandoned tree nest of another bird species.
Breeding occurs in subarctic wetlands, with four pale green eggs laid between March and May, either on the ground or in reused nests from other bird species like the Fieldfare.
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The Wood Sandpiper can be confused with the Green Sandpiper or the Solitary Sandpiper but can be differentiated by leg length, bill size, and the presence or absence of a white rump patch.
The diet consists primarily of insects and small prey, which the Wood Sandpiper forages for by probing in shallow waters or on wet mud.
The Wood Sandpiper is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a widespread and stable population. It is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
14-3-2020 CHANGARAM WETLANDS KERALA, INDIA - WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias niger)
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The whiskered tern (Chlidonias hybrida) is a tern in the family Laridae. The genus name is from Ancient Greek khelidonios, "swallow-like", from khelidon, "swallow". The specific hybridus is Latin for hybrid; Peter Simon Pallas thought it might be a hybrid of white-winged black tern and common tern, writing "Sterna fissipes [Chlidonias leucopterus] et Hirundine [Sterna hirundo] natam".
In winter, the forehead becomes white and the body plumage a much paler grey. Juvenile whiskered terns have a ginger scaly back, and otherwise look much like winter adults. The first winter plumage is intermediate between juvenile and adult winter, with patchy ginger on the back.
The whiskered tern eats small fish, amphibians, insects and crustaceans.
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The size, black cap, strong bill (29–34 mm in males, 25–27 mm and stubbier in females, with a pronounced gonys) and more positive flight recall common or Arctic tern, but the short, forked-looking tail and dark grey breeding plumage above and below are typically marsh tern characteristics. The summer adult has white cheeks and red legs and bill. The crown is flecked with white in the juvenile, and the hindcrown is more uniformly blackish, though in the winter adult this too is flecked with white. The black ear-coverts are joined to the black of the hindcrown, and the space above is mottled with white, causing the black to appear as a C-shaped band. The sides of the neck are white; this sometimes continues across the nape. The collar is less sharply defined. All through the year the rump is pale grey. In the juvenile, the mantle has a variegated pattern. The feathers of the back and scapulars are dark brown, with prominent broad buff edgings and often subterminal buff bars or centers. There is usually an admixture of new gray feathers, especially on the mantle, quite early in the fall. The mantle is silvery-gray in the adult. The call is a characteristic krekk.
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