3-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

The average wingspan of both males and females is 5.1 cm (2 in), although males tend to be slightly smaller than females. Furthermore, males possess a row of grayish-brown scent scales on their forewings that is absent in the females. Females have brighter and more distinct markings than males. The subspecies P. a. tircis is brown with pale yellow or cream spots and darker upperwing eyespots. The subspecies P. a. aegeria has a more orange background and the hindwing underside eyespots are reddish brown rather than black or dark gray. The two forms gradually intergrade into each other. Subspecies P. a. oblita is a darker brown, often approaching black with white rather than cream spots. The underside of its hindwings has a marginal pale purple band and a row of conspicuous white spots. The spots of subspecies P. a. insula are a tawny orange rather than a cream color. The underside of the forewings has patches of pale orange, and the underside of the hindwing has a purple-tinged band. Although there is considerable variation with each subspecies, identification of the different subspecies is manageable.

The morphology of this butterfly varies as a gradient down its geographic cline from north to south. The northern butterflies in this species have a bigger size, adult body mass, and wing area. These measurements decrease as one moves in a southerly direction in the speckled wood's range. Forewing length on the other hand increases moving in a northerly direction. This is due to the fact that in the cooler temperatures of the northern part of this butterfly's range, the butterflies need larger forewings for thermoregulation. Finally, the northern butterflies are darker than their southern counterpart, and there is a coloration gradient, down their geographical cline.

The speckled wood occupies a diversity of grassy, flowery habitats in forest, meadow steppe, woods, and glades. It can also be found in urban areas alongside hedges, in wooded urban parks, and occasionally in gardens. Within its range the speckled wood typically prefers damp areas. It is generally found in woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic realm. P. a. tircis is found in northern and central Europe, Asia Minor, Syria, Russia, and central Asia, and the P. a. aegeria is found in southwestern Europe and North Africa. Two additional subspecies are found within the British Isles: the Scottish speckled wood (P. a. oblita) is restricted to Scotland and its surrounding isles, and the Isles of Scilly speckled wood (P. a. insula) is found only on the Isles of Scilly. P. a. tricis and P. a. aegeria gradually intergrade into each other.

The eggs are laid on a variety of grass host plants. The caterpillar is green with a short, forked tail, and the chrysalis (pupa) is green or dark brown. The species is able to overwinter in two totally separated developmental stages, as pupae or as half-grown larvae. This leads to a complicated pattern of several adult flights per year.

3-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

Podarcis liolepis, the Columbretes wall lizard or Catalan wall lizard, is very similar to the other lizards in the genus Podarcis. This species was formerly described as a subspecies of the Iberian wall lizard, but has now been elevated to species status. These are slender lizards with long tails, narrow tapered heads and long thin toes, and stout legs. Colours are variable, although generally grey-brown. 

Often very subtle spots and stripes along the back and flanks can be seen and these can be more distinguished in the female. The underside is a much lighter cream or beige with sometimes a reddish tint. Adults grow 15–20 cm in length from the nose to tip of the tail. Body length can be a little as one third of the total body length, the tail making up the other two thirds.

1-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RHOPTRIA ASPERARIA MOTH (Family Geometridae)

The Macariini are a tribe of geometer moths in the subfamily Ennominae. Though they share many traits with the Sterrhinae, this is probably plesiomorphic rather than indicative of a close relationship, and DNA sequence data points to the Boarmiini as particularly close relatives of the Macariini. All things considered, this tribe might still resemble the first Ennominae more than any other living lineage in the subfamily.

The Macariini are a tribe  of geometer moths in the Ennominae subfamily.

Though they share many traits with the Sterrhinae, this is probably plesiomorphic rather than indicative of a close relationship, and DNA sequence data points to the Boarmiini as particularly close relatives of the Macariini.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

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.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - INDIAN PEAFOWL (Pavo cristatus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Indian peafowl, also known as the common peafowl or blue peafowl, is a species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a bird of resplendent beauty, with the male, or peacock, showcasing a spectacular array of iridescent colors. The peacock's most striking feature is its fan-like crest of spatula-tipped wire-like feathers and the long train made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers adorned with colorful eyespots. These feathers can be raised into a fan and quivered during courtship displays. Despite their size, peacocks are capable of flight. The female, or peahen, is more subdued in coloration, with a white face, iridescent green lower neck, and overall dull brown plumage.

The Indian peafowl is unmistakable within its range. The male has a metallic blue crown, a fan-shaped crest, and a spectacular train with eye-spot markings. The peahen is smaller, with a rufous-brown head, mottled upper body, and dark brown lower parts. The loud "pia-ow" or "may-awe" calls are distinctive and often indicate the presence of predators.

Despite the length and size of the covert feathers, the peacock is still capable of flight. The peafowl lives mainly on the ground in open forests or on cultivable lands where it forages for berries and grains, and also preys on snakes, lizards and small rodents. It makes loud calls, which makes it easier to detect, and are often used to indicate the presence of a predator in the forest areas. It forages on the ground in small groups and usually escapes on foot through undergrowth and avoids flying, though it flies into tall trees to roost.

7-3-2020 THATTEKAD, INDIA - COMMON HILL MYNA (Gracula religiosa)

The Common Hill Myna, Gracula religiosa, is a robust, starling family member, cloaked in a glossy black plumage with a striking purple hue on its head and neck. This bird, approximately 29 cm in length, is adorned with bright orange-yellow patches of naked skin and fleshy wattles on the side of its head and nape, distinguishing it from its relatives.

When perched, the large white wing patches of the Common Hill Myna are mostly concealed, yet they become quite conspicuous in flight. The bird's bill and strong legs are a vivid yellow, complemented by yellow wattles on the nape and under the eye, which vary subtly in shape among the species' subspecies.

The Common Hill Myna is an arboreal creature, preferring the tree-tops at the forest's edge, where it moves in large, noisy groups.

This species is native to the hill regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia, extending from Kumaon division in India through Nepal, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh, and further east to southern China, Thailand, and northern Indonesia to Palawan in the Philippines.

The Common Hill Myna exhibits a unique sideways hop along branches, unlike the jaunty walk typical of other mynas. It is most vocal at dawn and dusk, and while it does not mimic other birds in the wild, it is an exceptional mimic of human speech in captivity.

1-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN HOUSE GECKO (Hemidactylus turcicus)

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

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

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

1-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE APHYLLANTHES (Aphyllanthes monspeliensis)

Aphyllanthes is a genus of flowering plants with only one species, Aphyllanthes monspeliensis, endemic to the western Mediterranean region. It is the only genus in the Aphyllanthoideae, a subfamily of the family Asparagaceae. Aphyllanthoideae was formerly treated as a separate family, Aphyllanthaceae.

Aphyllanthes are popular rock garden plants due to their preferred habitat. Because they originate from the Mediterranean, they are adapted to hot and dry conditions. Additionally, their large and bright flowers are an attractive trait which has resulted in the increased cultivation of this species for market.

1-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (FEMALE) (Monticola solitarius)

The blue rock thrush is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) in length with a long slim bill. The breeding male of the nominate subspecies is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis has rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast down to the undertail. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of rock thrush.

The male blue rock thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than the call of the rock thrush.

The European, north African and southeast Asian birds are mainly resident, apart from altitudinal movements. Other Asian populations are more migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India and southeast Asia. This bird is a very uncommon visitor to northern and western Europe.

1-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COAL TIT (Periparus ater)

Coal Tits are known for their acrobatic skills and restless activity. They often form small flocks with other tits during winter. Their foraging behavior is influenced by risk, and they are known to increase body mass in response to predator calls and adjust their mass gain based on food availability.

The Coal Tit's calls are short "dee" or "see-see" sounds, while its song is a strident "if-he, if-he, if-he," which is most frequently heard from January to June and in autumn. The song is similar to that of the Great Tit but is much faster and higher in pitch.

Nesting sites are varied, including holes in rotting tree stumps, ground burrows, and old nests of other large birds. The nest is made of moss, hair, and grass, with a lining of rabbit fur or feathers. The Coal Tit typically lays seven to eleven red-spotted white eggs, mainly in May, and usually breeds once per year.

The Coal Tit can be confused with other tit species, but its distinctive white nape spot and black head are key differentiators.

The diet consists of beechmast, seeds from fir and larch cones, and seeds from alders and birches. They also visit gardens to feed on sunflower seeds and other offerings.

7-3-2020 THATTEKAD, INDIA - BLACK RUMPED FLAMEBACK WOODPECKER (Dinopium benghalense)

The black-rumped flameback (Dinopium benghalense), also known as the lesser golden-backed woodpecker or lesser goldenback, is a woodpecker found widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the few woodpeckers that are seen in urban areas. It has a characteristic rattling-whinnying call and an undulating flight. It is the only golden-backed woodpecker with a black throat and a black rump.

This flameback is found mainly on the plains going up to an elevation of about 1200m in Pakistan, India south of the Himalayas and east till the western Assam valley and Meghalaya, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It is associated with open forest and cultivation. They are often seen in urban areas with wooded avenues. It is somewhat rare in the Kutch and desert region of Rajasthan.

7-3-2020 THATTEKAD, INDIA - MALABAR TROGON (Harpactes fasciatus)

The Malabar Trogon (Harpactes fasciatus) is a sexually dimorphic, medium-sized forest bird native to the dense broadleaf forests and bamboo thickets of India and Sri Lanka. Famous for their vibrant plumage, these sluggish, insectivorous birds are largely sedentary and are best known for perching silently under the forest canopy for long periods.

Key Identification & Appearance

Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females look quite different, making them easy to tell apart.

Male: Features a striking slaty-black head and breast separated from a crimson (bright red) belly by a thin white belt. Their wing coverts are black with fine white vermiculations, and the back is olive-brown to chestnut.

Female: Replaces the male's black and red with a more subdued, brownish head and breast, and a yellowish-orange underbelly.

Shared Traits: Both sexes have a bright, sky-blue beak, pale blue feet, and a unique heterodactyl foot arrangement where the first two digits face backward instead of just one.Behavior & LifestyleCamouflage & Stillness: Despite their bright colors, they are notoriously easy to miss. They sit perfectly still, often facing away from viewers, clinging laterally to branches in the middle story of the forest.

Diet: Exclusively insectivorous, they often forage as part of mixed-species flocks, plucking insects from foliage or catching them mid-air.Vocalization: Males emit a percussive, inflected series of whistling or gurgling kyau or kweh notes, often raising and lowering their tail while calling.

Habitat & DistributionRange: Found almost exclusively in the Western Ghats and hill forests of central and eastern India, as well as the intermediate climatic zones of Sri Lanka.

Environment: They favor primary and secondary evergreen forests up to 1,500 meters in elevation, typically seeking areas with an abundance of bamboo.

Migration: They are non-migratory but will make localized, altitudinal movements in response to heavy rains.Breeding & ReproductionSeason: The breeding season spans from February to May in India and from March to June in Sri Lanka, taking place right before the arrival of the monsoons.

Nesting: Like many trogons, they nest in cavities, often excavating a hollow inside soft, rotting tree trunks rather than building a traditional twig nest.

7-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - CRESTED HONEY BUZZARD (Pernis ptilorhynchus)

The crested honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus), also known as the Oriental, Asiatic, or Eastern honey buzzard, is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, eagles, and harriers. It is a fairly large raptor, larger than the European honey buzzard. The name honey buzzard is derived from their diets, which consist mainly of the larvae of bees and wasps extracted from honey combs. It is sexually dimorphic and has six subspecies.

Crested honey buzzards migrate for breeding to Siberia and Japan during the summer. They then spend the winter in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. They are also a year-round resident in these latter areas. They prefer well-forested areas with open spaces and are found from sea level up to 1,800 m (5,900 ft).

The species has several adaptations for its specialist diet. These include an elongated head for foraging on underground nests and a groove in the tongue for extracting wasp grubs from their comb cells. A mass of short, dense feathers on the head and neck protect against stinging attacks by social wasps. Juveniles may have adopted Batesian mimicry to deter predators.

7-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - COMMON KINGFISHER (MALE) (Alcedo atthis)

The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), also known as the Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher, is a vibrant, pocket-sized gem among birds. With its unmistakable silhouette characterized by a stout body, large head, and a long, sharp bill, it is a sight to behold. The male boasts a striking palette with blue upperparts, an orange belly, and a conspicuous white throat and collar. The female mirrors the male's vivid colors but can be discerned by her orange-red lower mandible with a black tip.

To identify the Common Kingfisher, look for its bright blue and orange plumage and its rapid, low flight over water. The male's bill is predominantly black with some red at the base, while the female's bill features an orange-red lower mandible. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, greener upperparts and paler underparts. Their black bill and legs gradually acquire the adult coloration.

The Common Kingfisher is found along clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, as well as lakes with well-vegetated banks. It prefers areas with overhanging branches that provide vantage points for hunting. In winter, it may move to coastal regions, frequenting estuaries, harbors, and rocky shores.

As with all kingfishers, the Common kingfisher is very territorial, mainly because each day it has to eat about 60% of its body weight. They even defend their territory against their mates and offspring. Individuals are solitary for most of the year, roosting in heavy cover beside their favorite hunting spot. When another kingfisher comes into its territory, the birds will both sit on a perch at some distance from one another and perform territorial displays, usually the display of beaks and plumage. Fights occasionally occur, one bird grabbing the other one’s beak and trying to hold their opponent under the water. 

Their flight is very fast, causing their wings to seem like a blue haze. These birds communicate vocally and are well known for a long, trilling call like a repetition of the sound “chee”. During mating, the male whistles loudly to a female and will chase her through and above the trees. When diving for prey, their eyes are covered by a membrane and they rely on touch alone to know when they should snap their jaws shut.

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - COMMON KINGFISHER (FEMALE) (Alcedo atthis)

The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a small, brilliantly colored bird (16–17 cm) with electric blue upperparts and orange underparts, known for hunting fish along slow-flowing, clear rivers, streams, and canals. They are highly territorial, dive at high speed to catch fish, and require roughly 60% of their body weight in food daily. 

Key Facts About Common Kingfishers

Hunting & Diet: They hunt by diving into water to catch small fish (minnows, sticklebacks) and invertebrates, using their long, sharp, black, and orange bills. They often beat their prey against a perch to consume it headfirst.

Physical Features: They have a short tail, large head, and long, dagger-like bill. Males have completely black bills, while females possess an orange-red underbill.

Habitat & Range: Common in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, these birds prefer water sources, but in winter, they may move to the coast to avoid freezing inland waters.

Nesting: They dig tunnels in vertical riverbanks to create nests, producing 2–3 broods per year, each consisting of 6–7 eggs.

Flight: They are frequently seen in direct, low, and fast flight, appearing as a bright blue streak over the water.

Behavior: They are highly territorial, and they may fall victim to predators like cats, foxes, and mink.

Lifespan: They live on average seven years, though they can reach up to 15 years.

Engineering Inspiration: The design of the Japanese bullet train was inspired by the kingfisher's beak, which allows for efficient, low-impact, high-speed movement. 

The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), also known as the Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher, is a vibrant, pocket-sized gem among birds. With its unmistakable silhouette characterized by a stout body, large head, and a long, sharp bill, it is a sight to behold. The male boasts a striking palette with blue upperparts, an orange belly, and a conspicuous white throat and collar. The female mirrors the male's vivid colors but can be discerned by her orange-red lower mandible with a black tip.

To identify the Common Kingfisher, look for its bright blue and orange plumage and its rapid, low flight over water. The male's bill is predominantly black with some red at the base, while the female's bill features an orange-red lower mandible. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, greener upperparts and paler underparts. Their black bill and legs gradually acquire the adult coloration.

The Common Kingfisher is found along clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, as well as lakes with well-vegetated banks. It prefers areas with overhanging branches that provide vantage points for hunting. In winter, it may move to coastal regions, frequenting estuaries, harbors, and rocky shores.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - KAMALA (Mallotus philippensis)

Mallotus philippensis is a plant in the spurge family. It is known as the kamala tree or red kamala or kumkum tree, due to the fruit covering, which produces a red dye. However, it must be distinguished from kamala meaning "lotus" in many Indian languages, an unrelated plant, flower, and sometimes metonymic spiritual or artistic concept. Mallotus philippensis has many other local names. This kamala often appears in rainforest margins. Or in disturbed areas free from fire, in moderate to high rainfall areas.

It occurs in South Asia, Southeast Asia, as well as Afghanistan and Australia. The southernmost limit of natural distribution is Mount Keira, south of Sydney. The species name refers to the type specimen being collected in the Philippines, where it is known as banato.

A bush to small or medium-sized tree, up to 25 metres tall and a trunk diameter of 40 cm. The trunk is fluted and irregular at the base. The grey bark is smooth, or with occasional wrinkles or corky bumps. Small branches are greyish brown in colour, with rusty covered small hairs towards the end. Leaf scars evident.

Leaves are opposite on the stem, ovate to oblong in shape. 4 to 12 cm long, 2 to 7 cm wide with a long pointed tip. The upper surface is green without hairs, the underside pale grey in colour. With a magnifying glass, small red glands may be visible. Leaf stems 2 to 5 cm long, somewhat thickened at both ends. The first leaf vein on either side of the mid rib extends from the leaf base, to over half the length of the leaf. Veins raised and evident under the leaf.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - SHOWY RATTLEBOX (Crotalaria spectabilis)

Showy rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis) is a fast-growing, toxic annual legume originating from Asia, recognized by its bright yellow, pea-like flowers and inflated, rattling seed pods. Often found in the Southeastern U.S. as a weed in disturbed areas, it grows 0.6–1.5 meters tall, blooms in late summer, and contains dangerous alkaloids that cause fatal liver damage in livestock. 

Key Facts About Showy Rattlebox:

Appearance: The plant features large, simple, alternate leaves, green-to-purple ribbed stems, and yellow flowers, often resembling a "pea" flower.

The "Rattle": The common name comes from the inflated 5 cm long, Vienna sausage-shaped, seed pods, which rattle loudly when dry due to loose seeds inside.

Toxicity: It is highly poisonous to all livestock, including horses, cattle, chickens, and quails. The seeds have the highest concentration of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which cause irreversible liver damage and are dangerous even when dried in hay.

Invasive Status: Introduced as a cover crop for soil nitrogen fixation, it has become a serious agricultural weed, particularly in the Southeast U.S., where it is listed as a noxious weed.

Life Cycle: A summer annual, it germinates in spring, blooms late summer, and sets seed in the fall.

Ecological Role: While toxic to mammals, it is a host plant for the Ornate Bella moth (Utetheisa ornatrix), which feeds on the plant and incorporates the toxins for protection against predators. 

Management:

Showy rattlebox can be controlled with herbicides like 2,4-D or glyphosate, with the best control occurring during the seedling stage. Due to its danger to livestock, it should be removed from grazing areas. 

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - SOUTHERN SWAMP DEER (MALE) (Rucervus duvaucelii ssp. branderi) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Southern Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi), or hard-ground barasingha, is an endangered deer subspecies found only in Kanha National Park and the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India. Unlike other swamp deer, they have hard hooves adapted for dry, hard ground, inhabiting open sal forests. 

Here are key facts about the Southern Swamp Deer:

Habitat and Adaptation: Adapted to hard ground and open sal forests, unlike their wetland-loving counterparts, these deer thrive in central India's grassland and forest mix.

Distinct Physical Features: They have hard hooves, a maned neck, and a vibrant, bright rufous-brown summer coat. Males possess impressive antlers, usually with 10 to 14 tines.

Population Recovery: Nearly extinct in the early 1970s with only about 60 individuals, successful conservation efforts in Kanha National Park boosted their population to around 750 by 2016.

Diet and Behavior: They are herbivores, primarily eating grasses and leaves, and are generally active throughout the day, with peaks in the morning and evening.

Social Structure: They live in single-sex or mixed herds of 10 to 20 individuals, often led by a female (hind), while males (stags) are less loyal to specific groups.

Conservation Status: Listed as part of the Vulnerable Rucervus duvaucelii species, they face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and inbreeding.

State Animal: The hard-ground barasingha is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.

Reproduction: They have a polygynous mating system, with a 240–250 day gestation period, typically resulting in a single fawn. 

They are currently being reintroduced into the Satpura Tiger Reserve to create a second, sustainable population. 

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - CHITAL (SPOTTED DEER) (FEMALE) (Axis axis)

The Chital (Axis axis), or spotted deer, is a medium-sized deer native to the Indian subcontinent, distinguished by its reddish-brown coat, permanent white spots, and three-pronged antlers. Males, or stags, are larger than females, typically weighing 70–90 kg, and are known for their loud, coarse barking calls.

Key Facts

Appearance: They have a distinctive white throat, belly, and inner legs, with a dark dorsal stripe.Antlers: Males have three-pronged antlers that can reach nearly 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in length.

Habitat & Diet: They prefer grassy woodlands and, while primarily grazers, will consume fruits and shrubs during the dry season.

Social Behavior: They are highly gregarious and often found in large, mixed-sex herds (10-50+ individuals).

Symbiosis: Chital maintain a mutualistic relationship with gray langurs, which drop fruit for them to eat and provide warning calls against predators.

Breeding: Chital can breed throughout the year, with a gestation period of 225-235 days.

Lifespan: Their life expectancy is around 15–20 years.Distribution: Native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, they have been introduced to Texas, Argentina, and Australia.Chital are not considered threatened, with a conservation status of "Least Concern" (LC).

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - CHITAL (SPOTTED DEER) (JUVENILE) (Axis axis)

The Axis deer (Axis axis) is a deer species native to the Indian subcontinent. It was first described and given a binomial name by German naturalist Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben in 1777.

The Axis deer is a beautiful mammal with a spotted body and short tail. Both males and females have markings on their bodies; the markings are white, running in rows along the length of their bodies. The body of Axis deer is bright golden brown in color while the head is a bit lighter shade of the same color. Around their eyes, they have stripes of fur that are paler in color. Males have black spots on their faces and three tines on each of their magnificent antlers. 

These deer have a dark stripe, running along the length of their back and bordered by a row of spots. The outer parts of their legs are light brown in color while the underparts can be both white and creamy. The Axis deer has a white spot on its throat, which is more noticeable in males. In addition, the tail of the Axis deer has a white underpart.

Most of the Axis deer population is concentrated in the forests of India. The major area of their distribution is Sri Lanka and India, though they are introduced to USA and Australia as well. They live in dense forests, forested valleys and also prefer open grasslands, savannas, and plantations.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - SOUTHERN SWAMP DEER (Rucervus duvaucelii ssp. branderi)

The Southern Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi), or hard-ground barasingha, is an endangered deer subspecies found only in Kanha National Park and the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India. Unlike other swamp deer, they have hard hooves adapted for dry, hard ground, inhabiting open sal forests. 

Here are key facts about the Southern Swamp Deer:

Habitat and Adaptation: Adapted to hard ground and open sal forests, unlike their wetland-loving counterparts, these deer thrive in central India's grassland and forest mix.

Distinct Physical Features: They have hard hooves, a maned neck, and a vibrant, bright rufous-brown summer coat. Males possess impressive antlers, usually with 10 to 14 tines.

Population Recovery: Nearly extinct in the early 1970s with only about 60 individuals, successful conservation efforts in Kanha National Park boosted their population to around 750 by 2016.

Diet and Behavior: They are herbivores, primarily eating grasses and leaves, and are generally active throughout the day, with peaks in the morning and evening.

Social Structure: They live in single-sex or mixed herds of 10 to 20 individuals, often led by a female (hind), while males (stags) are less loyal to specific groups.

Conservation Status: Listed as part of the Vulnerable Rucervus duvaucelii species, they face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and inbreeding.

State Animal: The hard-ground barasingha is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.

Reproduction: They have a polygynous mating system, with a 240–250 day gestation period, typically resulting in a single fawn. 

They are currently being reintroduced into the Satpura Tiger Reserve to create a second, sustainable population. 

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - PADDYFIELD PIPIT (Anthus rufulus)

The Paddyfield Pipit, or Oriental Pipit, is a rather large member of the pipit family, measuring around 15 cm in length. It is predominantly streaked grey-brown on its upper parts and pale on its underparts, with some breast streaking. Both sexes appear similar, with long legs, a lengthy tail, and a dark bill. The plumage does not vary significantly between seasons, but juveniles can be distinguished by their richer coloration below and more pronounced spotting on the breast.

Distinguishing the Paddyfield Pipit in winter can be challenging due to the presence of migratory pipit species. However, it is generally smaller and more compact than its relatives, with a shorter tail and a less powerful flight. Its call, a repetitive "chip-chip-chip," is distinct from the explosive "shreep" of Richard's Pipit and the nasal "pschreen" of Blyth's Pipit. The Paddyfield Pipit can be confused with the Tawny Pipit but has more streaking on the mantle and lacks the Tawny's black loreal stripe.

This species thrives in open environments, particularly in short grasslands and cultivated areas that offer patches of bare ground.

The Paddyfield Pipit is a resident breeder across the Indian Subcontinent, extending east to southern China, southern Thailand, and Indochina. Its range also includes the Philippines and parts of Indonesia.

The Paddyfield Pipit is known for its rapid movements on the ground. When disturbed, it takes flight briefly before settling back down. It breeds mainly during the dry season, possibly raising multiple broods. Its breeding behavior includes a fluttery flight display accompanied by a repeated note.

The bird's vocalizations are characterized by a "chip-chip-chip" call, which is notably different from the calls of similar pipit species in the region.

Nesting occurs on the ground, often under grass tufts or bushes. The nest is typically cup-shaped, though exposed nests may be domed. Clutches usually consist of three to four eggs with a greenish hue and brown specks.

The Paddyfield Pipit primarily feeds on small insects, but it will also consume larger beetles, tiny snails, and worms. It forages on the ground and may also catch insects in flight.

The Paddyfield Pipit is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.

29-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GARDEN CARPET MOTH (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)

The garden carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is an abundant and familiar species across its huge range which covers the whole Palearctic region from Ireland to Japan and including the Near East and North Africa. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.

It has a wingspan of 27–31 mm (1.1–1.2 in). The wings are greyish white with three irregular black blotches along the costa of the forewing, the largest in the middle. Occasionally, much darker (melanic) forms occur. "Easy to recognize, in spite of its variability. In the typical form the ground colour is dirty whitish and the median band is almost or altogether obsolete in its posterior half.

The species has an exceptionally long flying season spanning two or three broods, and the adults can be seen any time from April to October in the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of its range. It flies throughout the night and is attracted to light – it is one of the species most likely to be seen at lighted windows.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - CHITAL (SPOTTED DEER) (Axis axis)

The Chital (Axis axis), or spotted deer, is a medium-sized deer native to the Indian subcontinent, distinguished by its reddish-brown coat, permanent white spots, and three-pronged antlers. Males, or stags, are larger than females, typically weighing 70–90 kg, and are known for their loud, coarse barking calls.

Key Facts

Appearance: They have a distinctive white throat, belly, and inner legs, with a dark dorsal stripe.Antlers: Males have three-pronged antlers that can reach nearly 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in length.

Habitat & Diet: They prefer grassy woodlands and, while primarily grazers, will consume fruits and shrubs during the dry season.

Social Behavior: They are highly gregarious and often found in large, mixed-sex herds (10-50+ individuals).

Symbiosis: Chital maintain a mutualistic relationship with gray langurs, which drop fruit for them to eat and provide warning calls against predators.

Breeding: Chital can breed throughout the year, with a gestation period of 225-235 days.

Lifespan: Their life expectancy is around 15–20 years.Distribution: Native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, they have been introduced to Texas, Argentina, and Australia.Chital are not considered threatened, with a conservation status of "Least Concern" (LC).

The chital (Axis axis; /tʃiːtəl/), also called spotted deer and axis deer, is a deer species native to the Indian subcontinent. It was first described by Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben in 1777. A moderate-sized deer, male chital reach 90 cm (35 in) and females 70 cm (28 in) at the shoulder. While males weigh 70–90 kg (150–200 lb), females weigh around 40–60 kg (88–132 lb). 

It is sexually dimorphic; males are larger than females, and antlers are present only on males. The upper parts are golden to rufous, completely covered in white spots. The abdomen, rump, throat, insides of legs, ears, and tail are all white. The antlers, three-pronged, are nearly 1 m (3 ft 3 in) long.

The chital ranges over 8–30°N in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The western limit of its range is eastern Rajasthan and Gujarat; its northern limit is the Terai and northern West Bengal, Sikkim to western Assam and forested valleys in Bhutan below an elevation of 1,100 m (3,600 ft). It also occurs in the Sundarbans and some eco parks around the Bay of Bengal, but is locally extinct in central and north-eastern Bangladesh. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sri Lanka are the southern limits of its distribution. It inhabits deciduous and semi-evergreen forests and open grasslands throughout the Indian peninsula.

The chital was the first species of deer introduced into Australia in the early 1800s. While some of the stock originated from Sri Lanka, the Indian race likely is also represented.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - GREATER COUCAL (Centropus sinensis)

The Greater Coucal, also known as the Crow Pheasant (Centropus sinensis), presents itself as a large, non-parasitic member of the cuckoo order. This bird, stretching to a length of 48 cm, boasts a striking black head, a glossy purple-black mantle and underside, and chestnut brown wings. The eyes of this species are a captivating ruby red, while juveniles exhibit a duller black with spots on the crown and white bars on the underside and tail.

To identify the Greater Coucal, look for its long tail and the characteristic long and straight hind claw. The absence of pale shaft streaks on the coverts is notable. Leucistic specimens, displaying partial albinism, have been observed, though they are rare.

This bird is quite adaptable, found in a variety of habitats ranging from dense jungle to cultivated areas and even urban gardens.