4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, 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.

The Little Egret frequents a variety of wetland habitats, from the shores of lakes and rivers to marshes and coastal regions. It is often found in open environments, such as mangroves, swamps, mudflats, and sandy beaches, as well as human-altered landscapes like rice fields.

The species has a broad breeding distribution across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Africa and southern Asia, while others remain as permanent residents in warmer areas.

Little Egrets are social yet territorial when feeding. They exhibit a range of foraging behaviors, from active chasing to patient ambush. Their movements are often in response to the presence of other animals, which may stir up prey.

The Little Egret's vocalizations include croaking and bubbling sounds at breeding colonies and a harsh alarm call when disturbed. These calls are similar to those of the Black-crowned Night Heron and the Cattle Egret.

Breeding colonies are often mixed with other water birds. Nests are platforms of sticks located in trees, shrubs, or reed beds. Clutches typically consist of three to five bluish-green eggs, incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at approximately six weeks old.

The diet is diverse, including fish, amphibians, small reptiles, mammals, birds, crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders, and worms. The Little Egret employs various hunting techniques, both in water and on land, to capture its prey.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - LITTLE CORMORANT (Microcarbo niger)

The little cormorant (Microcarbo niger) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. Slightly smaller than the Indian cormorant it lacks a peaked head and has a shorter beak. It is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and extends east to Java, where it is sometimes called the Javanese cormorant. It forages singly or sometimes in loose groups in lowland freshwater bodies, including small ponds, large lakes, streams and sometimes coastal estuaries. Like other cormorants, it is often found perched on a waterside rock with its wings spread out after coming out of the water. The entire body is black in the breeding season but the plumage is brownish, and the throat has a small whitish patch in the non-breeding season. These birds breed gregariously in trees, often joining other waterbirds at heronries.

The little cormorant is about 50 centimetres (20 in) long and only slightly smaller than the Indian cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis). The Indian cormorant has a narrower and longer bill which ends in a prominent hook tip, blue iris and a more pointed head profile. The breeding adult bird has a glistening all black plumage with some white spots and filoplumes on the face. There is also a short crest on the back of the head. The eyes, gular skin and face are dark. In the non-breeding bird or juvenile, the plumage is brownish and the bill and gular skin can appear more fleshy. The crest becomes inconspicuous and a small and well-marked white patch on the throat is sometimes visible. Towards the west of the Indus River valley, its range can overlap with vagrant pygmy cormorants (Microcarbo pygmaeus), which can be difficult to differentiate in the field and are sometimes even considered conspecific. The sexes are indistinguishable in the field, but males tend to be larger. Some abnormal silvery-grey plumages have been described.

The species was described by Vieillot in 1817 as Hydrocorax niger. The genus Hydrocorax literally means water crow. It was later included with the other cormorants in the genus Phalacrocorax but some studies place the smaller "microcormorants" under the genus Microcarbo.

The little cormorant is found across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and lowland Nepal. It is also found in parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia. It is not found in the Himalayas, but vagrants have been seen in Ladakh. It inhabits wetlands, ranging from small village ponds to large lakes, and sometimes tidal estuaries.

Little cormorants tend to forage mainly in small loose groups and are often seen foraging alone. They swim underwater to capture their prey, mainly fish. A study in northern India found that the little cormorant fished in water which was less than a metre deep and captured fishes of about 2–8 centimetres (0.79–3.15 in) length. They propel themselves underwater using their webbed feet.[7] Captured fishes are often brought up to the surface to swallow them and during this time other birds including other little cormorants, painted storks, gulls and egrets may attempt to steal them. Indian cormorants tend to fish communally in larger groups.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - INDIAN PEAFOWL (Pavo cristatus)

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

Great Egrets usually stay in habitats that have areas of either saltwater or freshwater nearby. They are seen near marshes, ditches, canals, ponds, tidal flats, rivers, streams, swamps, lakes, estuaries (or water passages where the ocean tide meets a river current), and flooded farm fields. Great Egrets are usually solitary birds when not nesting. But they also can gather together from surrounding areas to form a place where a large group can rest or sleep, called a communal roost. Frequently, several pairs build nests in the same tree and form a colony; but occasionally a pair may nest alone. Great Egrets often share colonial nesting sites, or rookeries, with other egret species, herons, and other wading birds as well.

They build their nests in trees, thickets, or shrubs 10-90 feet above water or ground. Nesting colonies are usually located in extremely tall trees. Great Egrets build large platform-style nests using sticks and line the nests with plant material. Both parents help to build the nest, incubate (to sit on and keep the eggs warm) the eggs, and feed their young. The young will be able to fly in 6-7 weeks after hatching.

Within the colony, Great Egrets are territorial and aggressive, defending their space with sharp bill jabs and harsh calls.

The great egret is generally a very successful species with a large and expanding range, occurring worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. It is ubiquitous across the Sun Belt of the United States and in the Neotropics. In the Nordic countries, it was historically a rare visitor. 

They primarily feed on aquatic animals like fish, frogs, and crustaceans. Small mammals, birds, and insects are also part of their diet. Great Egrets hunt by wading in shallow water, using their sharp bills to catch prey. Their diet varies depending on the season and location, adapting to available food sources.

Nests are made of sticks and twigs; the nests are large — up to a yard across and a foot deep. They are often built in trees above water. A clutch has up to 6 eggs, which are incubated for 23–27 days; after hatching the young stay at the nest for 21–25 days. Great egrets can live to be at least 22 years old.

Great Egrets are usually solitary birds when not nesting. But they also can gather together from surrounding areas to form a place where a large group can rest or sleep, called a communal roost. Frequently, several pairs build nests in the same tree and form a colony; but occasionally a pair may nest alone.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - RED VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus cafer)

The Red-vented Bulbul, Pycnonotus cafer, is a passerine bird from the bulbul family. It is characterized by a short crest that gives its head a distinctive squarish profile. The plumage is primarily dark brown with a scaly appearance, and the head is often darker or black. A notable feature is the white rump contrasting sharply with the red vent, from which it derives its name. The bird measures approximately 20 cm in length and sports a long black tail with a white tip.

Adult Red-vented Bulbuls have a black head, a prominent crest, and a dark brown body with a scaly pattern. The rump is white, and the vent is a vivid red. The Himalayan subspecies exhibit a more pronounced crest and streaking on the underside. The sexes are similar in plumage, but juveniles are generally duller.

This species is typically found in dry scrub, open forest, plains, and cultivated lands. It is not commonly seen in mature forests within its native range.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - INDIAN GREY HORNBILL (Dicrurus leucophaeus)

The Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) presents itself as a medium-sized bird, approximately 61 cm in length. Its plumage is predominantly greyish brown, with a lighter grey or dull white underbelly. A distinctive feature is its black or dark grey horn, adorned with a casque that extends to the horn's curvature. This species is one of the few hornbills that have adapted to urban environments, utilizing large avenue trees for sustenance.

Males are identified by a larger casque atop a dark bill, with a yellowish culmen and lower mandible. The skin around their eyes is typically dark. Females, on the other hand, display a more yellowish bill with black on the basal half and casque. Juveniles are casque-less, with dull orange skin surrounding the eye.

The Indian grey hornbill is an arboreal creature, favoring the plains up to elevations of about 610 meters. It thrives in cities with old avenue trees, as well as in various natural habitats.

This species is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, ranging from the Himalayan foothills to the Ganges Delta, westward to the Indus system, and in urban areas with suitable tree cover.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - ASHY DRONGO (Dicrurus leucophaeus)

The ashy drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus ) is a species of bird in the drongo family Dicruridae. It is found widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia with several populations that vary in the shade of grey, migration patterns and in the size or presence of white patches around the eye.

The adult ashy drongo is mainly dark grey, and the tail is long and deeply forked, There are a number of subspecies varying in the shade of the grey plumage. Some subspecies have white markings on the head. Young birds are dull brownish grey.

Subspecies longicaudatus of India (which includes beavani of the Himalayas that winters on the peninsula, with one breeding population in central India that Vaurie separates as longicaudatus in the restricted sense) is very dark and almost like the black drongo although this bird is slimmer and has a somewhat longer and less-splayed tail. It is found in more tall forest habitat, has dark grey underside lacking the sheen of black drongo. The iris is crimson and there is no white rictal spot. Subspecies leucogenis and salangensis have a white eye-patch as do several of the island forms that breed further south. The calls are a little more nasal and twangy than that of the black drongo.

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - TAWNY COSTER BUTTERFLY (Acraea terpsicore)

Acraea terpsicore, the tawny coster, is a small, 53–64 millimetres (2.1–2.5 in), leathery-winged butterfly common in grassland and scrub habitats. It belongs to the Nymphalidae or brush-footed butterfly family. It has a weak fluttery flight. It is avoided by most insect predators. This species and the yellow coster (Acraea issoria) are the only two Indian representatives of the predominantly African tribe Acraeini. It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, and recently Australia.

There has been long standing debate among taxonomists on whether the correct name for this species is Acraea terpsicore Linnaeus, 1758 or Acraea violae Fabricius, 1775. Pierre and Bernaud, in 1997, stated that they verified the type in the Linnean Society of London and considered A. violae the same species as A. terpsicore. Honey and Scoble, in 2001, argued that both specimens in the Linnean Society are later additions by James Edward Smith (botanist) who, in 1784, purchased Linnaeus specimens, bringing them to London. In the absence of authentic syntypes, the identity of terpsicore remains uncertain although there are chances that they may be synonyms.

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - SCARLET DARTER DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

The scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Its common names include broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter.

The scarlet dragonfly is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa. It also occurs across western Asia as far as southern China. It is a very rare vagrant in Britain. Its first record in the country was at Hayle Kimbro Pool, The Lizard, Cornwall, on 7 August 1995. Since then there have been a few further records at scattered locations throughout Britain.

A wide range of both running and standing waters, except those that are shaded. Adults may be found some distance from water in habitats ranging from desert to open woodland; absent from dense forest.

Crocothemis erythraea can reach a length of 33–44 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in). These dragonflies haves a flattened and rather broad abdomen. The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. Also the veins on the leading edges of the wings are red. Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - PLAIN TIGER BUTTERFLY (Danaus chrysippus)

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - DHOLE (INDIAN WILD DOG) (Cuon alpinus)

The dhole Cuon alpinus) is a canid native to South, East and Southeast Asia. It is anatomically distinguished from members of the genus Canis in several aspects: its skull is convex rather than concave in profile, it lacks a third lower molar, and the upper molars possess only a single cusp as opposed to between two and four. During the Pleistocene, the dhole ranged throughout Asia, with its range also extending into Europe (with a single putative, controversial record also reported from North America) but became restricted to its historical range 12,000–18,000 years ago. It is now extinct in Central Asia, parts of Southeast Asia, and possibly the Korean peninsula and Russia.

The dhole is a highly social animal, living in large clans without rigid dominance hierarchies and containing multiple breeding females. Such clans usually consist of about 12 individuals, but groups of over 40 are known. It is a diurnal pack hunter which preferentially targets large and medium-sized ungulates. In tropical forests, the dhole competes with the tiger (Panthera tigris) and the leopard (Panthera pardus), targeting somewhat different prey species, but still with substantial dietary overlap.

It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as populations are decreasing and estimated to comprise fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. Factors contributing to this decline include habitat loss, loss of prey, competition with other species, persecution due to livestock predation, and disease transfer from domestic dogs.

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - GREY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea)

The Grey Wagtail, Motacilla cinerea, is a slender bird of the wagtail family, Motacillidae, with an overall length of approximately 18–19 cm. It bears a resemblance to the Yellow Wagtail but is distinguished by the yellow on its underside being confined to the throat and vent. The male, during the breeding season, is characterized by a striking black throat.

This species can be identified by its narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring. The upperparts are a soft grey, while the underparts are predominantly whitish, with a contrasting yellow vent. Breeding males are notable for their black throats bordered by whitish moustachial stripes.

The Grey Wagtail is invariably found in association with running water during the breeding season. It may nest in natural settings or utilize man-made structures close to streams. Outside of breeding times, it can also be observed around lakes, coasts, and other watery environments.

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - COMMON SAILOR BUTTERFLY (Neptis hylas)

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - CHOCOLATE PANSY BUTTERFLY (Junonia hedonia ssp. ida)

Junonia iphita, the chocolate pansy or chocolate soldier, is a butterfly found in Asia.

The wingspan is about 5–6 cm (2.0–2.4 in) and the female can be told apart from the male by white markings on the oblique line on the underside of the hindwing. The wavy lines on the underside of the wings vary from wet- to dry-season forms.

Individuals maintain a territory and are usually found close to the ground level and often bask in the sun.

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - RED & BLUE WATER LILY (Nymphaea nouchali)

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - RUSSET PERCHER DRAGONFLY (Neurothemis fulvia)

Neurothemis fulvia, the fulvous forest skimmer, is a species of dragonfly found in Asia.

It is a medium-sized rusty dragonfly with transparent wing tips. Male has a reddish-brown face with eyes which are dark reddish brown above, golden brown below. Thorax, abdomen and legs are reddish brown. Wings are dark reddish brown with an irregular triangular transparent area at the tip of the wing. The wing spots are dark reddish brown. Many forms of females are found. Color of head, thorax and abdomen paler than males or rusty brown. Wings are clear amber yellow with a dark ray extending to the tip in fore wing. Many of them have an irregular triangular transparent area at the tip of the wing. The wings vary in size, shape, width and coloration. The clear uncoloured apices of wings will help to distinguish it from other red Asian dragonflies.

23-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - TRIBE CICHORIEAE (Genus Reichardia)

Reichardia is a genus of plants in the tribe Cichorieae within the family Asteraceae native to the Mediterranean and western Asia. In Crete, Greece the leaves and tender shoots of a variety of Reichardia picroides called galatsida (γαλατσίδα) are eaten raw, boiled, cooked in steam or browned with olive oil by the locals. Brighteyes is a common name for plants in this genus.

23-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STRIPED TREASUREFLOWER (Gazania linearis)

23-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. It is a small bird that has a typical length of 16 cm (6.3 in) and a mass of 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). Females and young birds are coloured pale brown and grey, and males have brighter black, white, and brown markings. One of about 25 species in the genus Passer, the house sparrow is native to most of Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and a large part of Asia. Its intentional or accidental introductions to many regions, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, make it the most widely distributed wild bird.

The house sparrow is strongly associated with human habitation, and can live in urban or rural settings. Though found in widely varied habitats and climates, it typically avoids extensive woodlands, grasslands, polar regions, and hot, dry deserts far away from human development. For sustenance, the house sparrow routinely feeds at home and public bird feeding stations, but naturally feeds on the seeds of grains, flowering plants and weeds. However, it is an opportunistic, omnivorous eater, and commonly catches insects, their larvae, caterpillars, invertebrates and many other natural foods.

23-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

23-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CRETAN TREE MALLOW (Malva multiflora)

This distinctive mallow with pale pink or whitish flowers is one of the few wildflowers of the Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean region to survive the heat past May, which may be due to its ability to form deep roots that gain access to what little water remains in the soil once the summer temperatures soar.

This annual or biennial plant usually grows to between 0.3 and 1.5m in height but can sometimes reach 2m. Small Tree Mallow is also known as Cretan Mallow. Lavatera cretica is a synonym of Malva multiflora.

Small Tree Mallow, or Cretan Mallow, can be found throughout the Mediterranean region. This wildflower is also native to Britain, where is a rare find.

This member of the Mallow family of plants occurs mainly on cultivated and disturbed ground, along waysides and in waste ground.

6-3-2020 RAIPUR AIRPORT, INDIA - 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.

6-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - JUNGLE BABBLER (Turdoides striata)

Jungle babblers (Argya striata) are gregarious birds, members of the laughingthrushes family. Jungle babblers often forage in small groups of 6 to 10 individuals, and this habit has given them the popular name of "Seven Sisters" in urban Northern India, and Saath bhai (seven brothers) in Bengali, with cognates in other regional languages which also mean "seven brothers".

Jungle babblers are drably coloured in brownish grey with a yellow bill. The upper parts are usually slightly darker in shade and there is some mottling on the throat and breast. The race T. s. somervillei of Maharashtra has a very rufous tail and dark primary flight feathers.

7-3-2020 PERIYAR, INDIA - WHITE BROWED WAGTAIL (Motacilla maderaspatensis)

The white-browed wagtail or large pied wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) is a medium-sized bird and is the largest member of the wagtail family. They are conspicuously patterned with black above and white below, a prominent white brow, shoulder stripe and outer tail feathers. White-browed wagtails are native to South Asia, common near small water bodies and have adapted to urban environments where they often nest on roof tops. The specific name is derived from the Indian city of Madras (now Chennai).

The white-browed wagtail is the largest species of wagtail at 21 cm (8.3 in) length. It is a slender bird, with the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail of its genus. It has black upperparts, head and breast, with a white supercilium and large white wingbar. Unlike white wagtails it never has white on the forehead. The rest of the underparts are white. The female has the black less intense than in the male. Juveniles are like the females brown-grey where the adult is black.

The white-browed wagtail is a resident breeder in India and is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. It is found south of the Himalayas, east of the Indus system and to the west of Bangladesh. It is rare in the higher altitude regions but has been seen in Ladakh on the edge of the Tibetan plateau. In most of India it is found below 1000 m but in southern India it goes up into the hills up to 2200 m. It is very rare in the Indus valley area. It is absent from the Sind region of Pakistan. It is found in open freshwater wetland habitats. It is one of the few Motacilla wagtails that has adapted well to urban habitats and is often found perched on overhead water storages in residential buildings.

It is a rare winter visitor to Sri Lanka and have possibly extended their range in recent times.

Usually seen in pairs or small groups near open water. They call often especially in the mornings and are active like most other wagtails. They will perch on the ground as well as on wires or on buildings. The song is long and loud with many different notes. The usual call is a wheezy "wheech". They can fly fairly rapidly for long distances and they fly with a bounding (dipping and rising) flight pattern and have been recorded to travel at the speed of about 40 km/h.

Endoparasitic filarial parasites of the species Splendidofilaria singhi have been recorded in individuals of the species.

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - GARDEN ORBWEAVER SPIDER (Genus Argiope)

The genus Argiope includes rather large orb weaver spiders that often have a strikingly coloured abdomen. These spiders are distributed throughout the world. Most countries in tropical or temperate climates host one or more Argiope species.

As with most orb weavers, they have a third claw which is used to weave their complex webs. There is significant sexual dimorphism among the various species, with females measuring 19mm-28mm (0.75”-1.1”) and males coming in at 5mm-9mm (0.20”-0.35”). Their webs can be quite large, usually containing a signature zig-zag pattern, called a stabilimentum. They sport black and yellow patterning on their abdomen, and occasionally on their legs, although most species have black legs with red or yellow patterning closer to the body. Their cephalothorax is covered with short silver hairs, and they have an egg-shaped abdomen.