3-7-2020 ALDEAROQUETA, CASTELLON - EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus oriolus)

The Eurasian golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus), also known as the common golden oriole, is a species of passerine bird and the only Old World oriole breeding in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. It is a summer migrant in Europe and the Palearctic and spends the winter season in central and southern Africa.

The Eurasian golden oriole was formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae. He named the species Coracias oriolus, assigning it to the genus Coracias, which now contains only rollers. The species is now placed in the genus Oriolus that Linnaeus introduced in 1766, creating a tautonym.

The Eurasian golden oriole and the Indian golden oriole were formerly considered conspecific, but in 2005 they were treated as separate species by the ornithologists Pamela Rasmussen and John Anderton, in the first edition of their Birds of South Asia. Support for this split was provided by a molecular phylogenetic study published in 2010, and most ornithologists now treat the Indian golden oriole as a separate species. Alternate names for the Eurasian golden oriole include the European golden oriole and western Eurasian golden oriole. The species is monotypic; no subspecies are recognized.

The Eurasian golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus) is the only member of the Old World oriole family of passerine birds breeding in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. The name "oriole" was first used in the 18th century and is an adaptation of the scientific Latin genus name, which is derived from the Classical Latin "aureolus" meaning golden. Various forms of "oriole" have existed in Romance languages since the 12th and 13th centuries. Albertus Magnus used the Latin form oriolus in about 1250 and erroneously stated that it was onomatopoeic because of the golden oriole's song. In medieval England, its name, derived from the song, was the woodwele.

Males of this species are golden yellow in color with black wings that have yellow-tipped coverts. Females are almost greenish with a yellowish-white belly. Despite the bright colors of males it's quite difficult to spot these birds in the yellow and green leaves of the canopy due to their secretive habits.

3-7-2020 MOROS MARJAL, VALENCIA - YELLOW HORNED POPPY (Glaucium flavum)

It grows in coastal habitats on shingle banks and beaches, but can also be found on cliff tops and in sand dunes.

It produces an orange foul smelling sap, if cut open. All parts of the plant, including the seeds, are toxic, and can cause a wide range of symptoms (if eaten), and respiratory failure, resulting in death.

Glaucine is the main alkaloid component in Glaucium flavum. Glaucine has bronchodilator and antiinflammatory effects, acting as a PDE4 inhibitor and calcium channel blocker, and is used medically as an antitussive in some countries. Glaucine may produce side effects such as sedation, fatigue, and a hallucinogenic effect characterised by colourful visual images, and as a recreational drug. For a detailed bibliography on glaucine and Glaucium flavum see: National Agricultural Library. (Glaucium flavum entry)

In the past, it was known in Hampshire, UK as 'squatmore', and the roots were used to treat bruises. Also pains in the breast, stomach and intestines.

The Yellow Horned Poppy (Glaucium flavum) is a striking coastal plant known for its bright yellow, four-petaled flowers and long,, curved, horn-like seed pods that can reach 30 cm in length. Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, this plant thrives on shingle beaches, dunes, and cliffs, often appearing in coastal areas. It is characterized by its blue-grey, fleshy leaves and poisonous yellow sap.

Key Facts About Yellow Horned Poppy

Appearance: Features large (55–75 mm), sunny-yellow flowers that bloom from June to September."Horned" Pods: The name comes from the long, narrow, curved pods that appear after the petals fall, resembling animal horns.

Poisonous Nature: All parts of the plant, especially the yellow sap, are toxic and contain alkaloids like glaucine, which can cause respiratory issues if consumed.

Habitat: It is a maritime plant found on shingle banks, sandy beaches, and sea cliffs.

2-7-2020 ROSSELL, CASTELLON - IBERIAN MARBLE WHITE BUTTERFLY (Melanargia lachesis)

Melanargia lachesis, the Iberian marbled white, is a butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae.

It can be found on the Iberian Peninsula and the south of France.

The length of the forewings is 25–28 mm. Seitz- M. lachesis Hbn. (= nemausica Esp.) (38b). Lighter than galathea, even than the lightest forms of the same. The black discocellular anguliform spot of the forewing constricted where it is bent. Hindwing entirely white, apart from the interrupted submarginal band; the base very sparingly dusted, the markings of the underside however shine through in the male. In Spain, Portugal and South France. – The specimens with creamy yellow ground-colour, which are somewhat rarer than the chalky white canigulensis Obth.; from the Pyrenees.

The butterflies fly in one generation from June to August.They occur from the plain to about 1,600 meters above sea level. They prefer dry, flowering, natural meadows that can also be overgrown with bushes. The larvae feed on various grasses.

The Iberian Marbled White (Melanargia lachesis) is a distinctive black-and-white butterfly native to the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Despite its common name, it is actually part of the "Brown" family (Satyrinae) rather than the true whites.

Key FactsAppearance: It features a striking chequered black and white pattern. It is distinguished from the similar Marbled White (M. galathea) by having less black at the base of its forewings and a generally whiter appearance.

Size: This is a relatively large butterfly, with some individuals reaching a wingspan of up to 6 cm.

Distribution: It is almost exclusively found in Spain, Portugal, and southern France as far as the Rhône valley. In northern Spain and southern France, its range overlaps with its cousin, the common Marbled White.

Habitat: It thrives in hot, dry, flowery grasslands and meadows, often on calcareous soils.Diet: Adults frequently feed on the nectar of purple flowers like knapweed, thistles, and scabious.

Life Cycle:It is univoltine, meaning it produces only one generation per year, with adults flying between June and August.Caterpillars feed on various grass species (such as Festuca and Brachypodium) and hibernate through the winter while still small.Unusually, females do not attach their eggs to plants; they drop them randomly onto the ground while flying over tall grasses.

2-7-2020 ROSSELL, CASTELLON - CORN BUNTING (Emberiza calandra)

The corn bunting (Emberiza calandra) is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae, a group now separated by most modern authors from the finches, Fringillidae. This is a large bunting with heavily streaked buff-brown plumage. The sexes are similar but the male is slightly larger than the female. Its range extends from Western Europe and North Africa across to northwestern China.

The corn bunting was formally described by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae and retains its original binomial name of Emberiza calandra. The type locality is Sweden. The genus name Emberiza is from Old German Embritz, a bunting. The specific calandra is from Ancient Greek kalandros, the calandra lark. The corn bunting has sometimes been placed in its own monotypic genus Miliaria.

This is an unusual bunting because the plumages of the sexes are similar in appearance, though the male is approximately 20% larger than the female. This large bulky bunting is 16–19 cm long, with a conspicuously dark eye and yellowish mandibles. Males lack any showy colours, especially on the head, which is otherwise typical of genus Emberiza. Both sexes look something like larks, being streaked grey-brown above with whitish underparts. The underparts are streaked over the flanks and breast, and the streaking forms gorget around the throat. The lesser wing coverts are distinctively dark and white-tipped. The tail is plain brown.

The song of the male is a repetitive metallic sound, usually likened to jangling keys, which is given from a low bush, fence post or telephone wires.

It breeds across southern and central Europe, north Africa and Asia across to Kazakhstan. It is mainly resident, but some birds from colder regions of central Europe and Asia migrate southwards in winter.

The corn bunting is a bird of open country with trees, such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It has declined greatly in north-west Europe due to intensive agricultural practices depriving it of its food supply of weed seeds and insects, the latter especially vital when feeding the young. It has recently become extinct in Wales and Ireland, where it was previously common.

Its natural food consists mainly of seeds but also includes insects such as crickets, especially when feeding young.

Males defend territories in the breeding season and can be polygynous, with up to three females per breeding male. The population sex ratio is generally 1:1, which means some males remain unmated during a season. Males play only a small role in parental care; they are not involved in nest building or incubation, and only feed the chicks when they are over half grown.

The nest is made of grass, lined with hair or fine grass, and is usually built on the ground. Average clutch size is four, but commonly varies from three to five, occasionally six.

30-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STONECROP (Petrosedum dianium)

                           

Petrosedum sediforme, the pale stonecrop, is a perennial flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae. It is naturally distributed throughout the Mediterranean Basin, from Portugal in the west to Syria in the east. It is similar to other species of Petrosedum, but grows taller, and may be used in cooking or as an ornamental plant.

The natural range of Petrosedum sediforme extends throughout the Mediterranean Basin. It is found in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Mediterranean islands, as well as Turkey, Palestine, Israel, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. It typically grows in lowland areas, often near the sea on dunes or coastal cliffs, but it can also be found at higher elevations, reaching up to 1000 meters in the French Alps and 1750 meters in the Sierra Nevada. It prefers open, sunny habitats, but tolerates a wide range of climates and environmental conditions. It is commonly (but not exclusively) found in limestone.

Petrosedum sediforme is a branching species with often woody, non-flowering basal shoots. Leaves are overlapping, oblong to elliptic, with pointed tips, somewhat thickened, sometimes flattened and spurred, reaching up to 20 mm in length. They are smooth, dark green, and often glaucous. Because its leaves are remarkably succulent, the species does not go through dormancy during the summer.

When in bloom, Petrosedum sediforme produces upright flowering stems that range from 25 to 60 cm tall. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem, with each flower attached by a very short stalk or none at all. The small green triangular sepals (the outer parts that protect the flower bud) are about 2–3 mm long. The petals are oblong, greenish-white to creamy in color, and about 5–8 mm long. The plant usually has 6–8 petals per flower, rarely 5 or 9. The stamens (the parts that hold pollen) have white filaments with a rough texture at the base and yellow anthers. The flowers are produced in mid-summer. They are followed by erect, dark brown fruit. Seeds are oblong, brown, and ribbed.

Petrosedum sediforme is difficult to distinguish from P. rupestre, P. ochroleucum, and P. montanum based solely on vegetative traits. Spanish plants with brownish or olive-green tones are remarkably similar to some Israeli specimens—despite originating from the opposite end of the species’ range. In the Sierra Nevada, even plants growing side by side can exhibit striking differences.

30-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY (Lasiommata megera)

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.

29-6-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - WHITE FEATHERLEG DAMSELFLY (Platycnemis latipes)

As well as the diagnostic broad, 'feathery' white legs, it generally has a paler blue body to help distinguish it from the other blue damselflies. The pale chestnut wing spots are also characteristic. Immature males and females are mostly creamy white (form lactea). Females take on a very pale green colour on maturity.

This damselfly favours slow moving rivers and canals with luxuriant vegetation.

It can be seen from mid May to mid August.

The males engage in a courtship display to woo the female, raising its front white legs in front of the female as part of the act.

In Britain it is found in mainly lowland areas, up to the Midlands. It is uncommon but can become locally frequent.

29-6-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (JUVENILE) (Carduelis carduelis)

The European goldfinch, or simply goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), is a small, vibrant passerine bird belonging to the finch family. This charming avian species is adorned with a striking red face, encircled by black markings near the eyes, and a black-and-white head. The back and flanks exhibit a warm buff or chestnut brown, while the wings are black with a prominent yellow bar. The tail is black, and the rump is a contrasting white. Males and females are similar in appearance, though the male boasts a slightly more extensive red mask.

Upon closer inspection, one can discern the male goldfinch by its larger, more vivid red mask that extends just beyond the eye. The female's red face does not reach past the eye, and her shoulder feathers are brown, as opposed to the male's black. The bill is ivory-colored, long, and pointed, and the tail is forked. Juveniles can be identified by their plain heads and greyer backs, but the yellow wing stripe is a clear indicator of their species.

The European goldfinch favors open, partially wooded lowlands and is a resident in the milder western parts of its range. In colder regions, it migrates to escape the harsh weather.

Native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, the European goldfinch has also been introduced to various regions across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay.

The European goldfinch is known for its sociable nature, often forming flocks in the winter. It is a frequent visitor to bird feeders, particularly in the colder months.

The goldfinch's song is a delightful, silvery twittering, while its call is a melodic tickeLIT. Its song comprises a tinkling medley of trills and twitters, always including the tri-syllabic call phrase.

The female goldfinch solely constructs the nest, which is often situated several meters above ground, camouflaged by leaves. The nest is made of mosses and lichens, lined with plant down, and secured with spider silk. Eggs are laid at daily intervals, typically resulting in a clutch of 4-6 eggs. Incubation lasts 11-13 days, with the female being fed by the male. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge 13-18 days after hatching.

Goldfinches have a preference for small seeds, such as those from thistles and teasels, but will also consume insects when feeding young. They are particularly drawn to bird feeders offering niger seed.

29-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SOUTHERN SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (Orthetrum brunneum)

Orthetrum brunneum, the southern skimmer, is a species of 'skimmers' belonging to the family Libellulidae.

Subspecies

Subspecies include:

Orthetrum brunneum var. brunneum (Fonscolombe, 1837) (Palearctic realm)

Orthetrum brunneum var. cycnos (Sélys, 1848) (Corsica and Sardinia) 

Distribution

This 'skimmer' is present in most of Europe and the range extends to Mongolia and North Africa.

It occurs in Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Republic of Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia; Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and Ukraine.

This species mainly prefers small streams, canals and ditches, with shallow, fast warming water.

The adults grow up to 40–45 millimetres (1.6–1.8 in) long. Their dimensions on average are larger than in Orthetrum coerulescens.

The thorax and the abdomen are pale blue in males, yellowish-brown or greyish-brown in females. Young males are brownish. The abdomen is relatively flattened and shows a thin middorsal black line and distinct points on each segment. The wings are hyaline, with yellow or pale brown pterostigma. The wingspan reaches 66–70 millimetres (2.6–2.8 in).

Adults can be encountered from mid June through late August in the immediate vicinity of quiet rivers or close to stagnant and shallow waters, lying on a well sunny ground. Sexually mature males defend a 'territory' on the waterfront by making short inspection flights, in order to chase away other males.

These skimmers commonly mate at rest, usually on the ground. Female lays the eggs on the surface of shallow water, touching it only with her abdomen while flying, sometimes accompanied by the male, that keeps other males at a distance.

The larvae are ferocious predators. They live buried in fine soil material (fine sand, silt, etc.), in unshaded places in shallow water. They overwinter and develop in two or three years.

29-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

The spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata ) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It breeds in most of Europe and in the Palearctic to Siberia, and is migratory, wintering in Africa and south western Asia. It is declining in parts of its range.

This is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have grey-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, with a streaked crown and breast, giving rise to the bird's common name. The legs are short and black, and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. Juveniles are browner than adults and have spots on the upperparts.

The spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata ) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It breeds in most of Europe and in the Palearctic to Siberia, and is migratory, wintering in Africa and south western Asia. It is declining in parts of its range.

This is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have grey-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, with a streaked crown and breast, giving rise to the bird's common name. The legs are short and black, and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. Juveniles are browner than adults and have spots on the upperparts.

The spotted flycatcher is a small slim bird, around 14.5 cm (5.7 in) in length, with a weight of 14–20 g (0.49–0.71 oz). It has dull grey-brown upperparts and off-white underparts. The crown, throat and breast are streaked with brown while the wings and tail feathers are edged with paler thin margins. The subspecies M. s. tyrrhenica has paler and warmer plumage on the upperparts, with more diffuse markings on the head and breast. The sexes are alike. Juveniles have ochre-buff spots above and scaly brown spots below.

Spotted flycatchers hunt from conspicuous perches, making sallies after passing flying insects, and often returning to the same perch. Their upright posture is characteristic.

29-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

The speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) is a butterfly found in and on the borders of woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic realm. The species is subdivided into multiple subspecies, including Pararge aegeria aegeria, Pararge aegeria tircis, Pararge aegeria oblita, and Pararge aegeria insula. The color of this butterfly varies between subspecies. The existence of these subspecies is due to variation in morphology down a gradient corresponding to a geographic cline. 

The background of the wings ranges from brown to orange, and the spots are either pale yellow, white, cream, or a tawny orange. The speckled wood feeds on a variety of grass species. The males of this species exhibit two types of mate locating behaviors: territorial defense and patrolling. The proportion of males exhibiting these two strategies changes based on ecological conditions. The monandrous female must choose which type of male can help her reproduce successfully. Her decision is heavily influenced by environmental conditions.

28-6-2020 POTRIES, VALENCIA - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (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.

28-6-2020 POTRIES, VALENCIA - IBERIAN GREEN FROG (Pelophylax perezi)

The Perez's frog (Pelophylax perezi), also known as Iberian waterfrog, Iberian green frog or Coruna frog, is a species of frog in the family Ranidae. It is native to southern France, Portugal, Spain, and has been introduced to the Canary and Balearic Islands, Madeira, the United Kingdom, and the Azores. In the Iberian Peninsula it is widespread and common.

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rivers, intermittent rivers, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, sandy shores, arable land, and urban areas. It is not considered threatened by the IUCN. A medium-sized, stout frog; snout-vent length is usually from 40 to 70 mm, but sometimes is longer than 10 cm (Docampo and Milagrosa-Vega 1988; González de la Vega 1988). The head is as long as wide, with prominent eyes located in dorsal position very close to each other. The tympanum is well marked, about 1/2 to 3/4 the eye diameter (Salvador and García-París 2001). Toes have well developed webbing. Skin is either smooth or slightly rough, with well-formed dorsolateral folds.

The dorsal coloration is very variable, usually green but also brown or grayish to dark gray. They usually show a vertebral stripe, mostly yellow or green. Two irregular rows of dark, rectangular spots are present on both sides of the vertebral stripe. These spots are also present on the rear limbs, sometimes forming a banded pattern. Some individuals lack both the spots and the vertebral stripe. Ventrally they are white with a variable number of dark spots. Males are smaller than females and have stronger forelimbs. They have gray vocal sacs than can be appreciated even when they are not in use.

Tadpoles grow up to 111 mm total length (Salvador 1985), but usually measure between 60-70 mm (Barbadillo et al. 1999). The spiracle is sinistral and the anus open on the right side of the base of the tail. Marginal papillae are absent from the upper side of the mouth. Denticles are arranged in a variable number of single rows (Llorente et al. 1994), but the most common formula is 2(2)/3. The dorsal fin is low, starting at the level of the spiracle. The tip of the tail is pointed. Ground coloration is green or light brown, with small, dark dots. These dots are denser and larger in the tail fin. The tail presents a typical pattern with three longitudinal dark stripes. The ventral coloration is white.

28-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - THE BORDERED STRAW MOTH (Heliothis peltigera)

Heliothis peltigera, also known as the bordered straw, is a species of moth of the family Noctuidae.

The Greek epithet "Heliothis" means "scorched by the sun", while the Latin species name peltigera means wearing a small shield, with reference to the reniform marking on the forewings.

This species can be found in Southern Europe and the Near East, but it is present further north too, because it is a regular migratory species northbound. It is also present in most of Africa (Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Gambia, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Somalia, Tunisia)  and in Asia, ranging to China and Laos.

This heat-loving species occurs mainly on hot wastelands and warm slopes.

Heliothis peltigera has a wingspan of 29–40 mm  and forewings reaching a length of 16–19 mm. These moths are rather variable in pattern and colour.

28-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (Tarentola mauritanica)

Tarentola mauritanica, known as the common wall gecko, is a species of gecko (Gekkota) native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe. It has been introduced to Madeira and Balearic Islands, and the Americas (in Montevideo, Buenos Aires and California). A nocturnal animal with a predominantly insectivorous diet, it is commonly observed on walls in urban environments in warm coastal areas; it can be found further inland, especially in Spain where it has a tradition of cohabitation with humans as an insect hunter. A robust species, up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long, its tubercules are enlarged and give the species a spiny armoured appearance.

The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is also known as moorish gecko, crocodile gecko, European common gecko, and, regionally, as osga (in Portuguese), salamanquesa (in Spanish) and dragó (in Catalan).

The Common wall gecko is a small lizard native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe. It is commonly observed on walls in urban environments, mainly in warm coastal areas. However, the Common wall gecko can be found further inland, especially in Spain where it has a tradition of cohabitation with humans as insect hunter. This little creature is brownish-grey or brown in color with darker or lighter spots. These colors change in intensity according to the light. When geckos are active by day their color is darker than during the night.

28-6-2020 BENIFLA CAMPO, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris)

The European greenfinch, or simply greenfinch, is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. Exhibiting a predominantly green plumage with yellow accents on the wings and tail, the male is a vibrant sight, while the female and juveniles are more subdued with brownish tones. This bird measures approximately 15 cm in length with a wingspan ranging from 24.5 to 27.5 cm, resembling the size and shape of a house sparrow.

To identify the European greenfinch, look for its thick and conical bill, a characteristic of seed-eating birds. The male's plumage is a striking green with yellow flashes on the wings and tail, whereas the female and young birds are more muted with brownish backs. The male's display flight is akin to a butterfly, a dance to charm its mate.

The greenfinch favors woodland edges, farmland hedges, and gardens with dense vegetation for breeding. It nests in trees or bushes within these habitats.

This bird has a broad range across Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. It is mainly sedentary, but some populations in the northernmost regions migrate southwards in colder months. The species has also been introduced to Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay, and Argentina.

The female greenfinch constructs the nest and incubates the eggs, typically laying 4-6 eggs per clutch. Eggs are incubated for about 13-14 days, with chicks being fed an insect larva-rich diet initially, followed by a seed paste as they grow.

The greenfinch can be confused with other finches, but its unique green and yellow plumage, along with its size and bill shape, usually set it apart.

Greenfinches have a varied diet consisting of seeds, berries, fruits, buds, flowers, and some arthropods. They forage in trees, bushes, and on the ground, adapting to available food sources.

28-6-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (Larus michahellis)

The yellow-legged gull is a large gull found in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, which has only recently achieved wide recognition as a distinct species. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of either the Caspian gull L. cachinnans, or more broadly as a subspecies of the herring gull L. argentatus.The genus name is from Latin Larus which appears to have referred to a gull or other large seabird, and the species name honours the German zoologist Karl Michahelles.

The yellow-legged gull is a large gull, though the size does vary, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a common gull and the largest males being roughly the size of a great black-backed gull. They range in length from 52 to 68 cm (20 to 27 in) in total length, from 120 to 155 cm (47 to 61 in) in wingspan and from 550 to 1,600 g (1.21 to 3.53 lb) in weight. Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 40.8 to 47.2 cm (16.1 to 18.6 in), the bill is 4.6 to 6 cm (1.8 to 2.4 in) and the tarsus is 5.6 to 7.5 cm (2.2 to 3.0 in). Adults are externally similar to herring gulls but have yellow legs. They have a grey back, slightly darker than herring gulls but lighter than lesser black-backed gulls. 

They are much whiter-headed in autumn, and have more extensively black wing tips with few white spots, just as lesser black-backed. They have a red spot on the bill as adults, like the entire complex. There is a red ring around the eye like in the lesser black-backed gull but unlike in the herring gull which has a dark yellow ring.

First-year birds have a paler head, rump and underparts than those of the herring gull, more closely resembling first-year great black-backed gulls in plumage. They have a dark bill and eyes, pinkish grey legs, dark flight feathers and a well-defined black band on the tail. They become lighter in the underparts and lose the upperpart pattern subsequently. By their second winter, birds are essentially feathered like adults, save for the patterned feathers remaining on the wing coverts. However, their bill tips are black, their eyes still dark, and the legs are a light yellow flesh colour.

The call is a loud laugh which is deeper and more nasal than the call of the herring gull.

The breeding range is centred on the Mediterranean Sea. In North Africa, it is common in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia and increasing in places. Recent breeding has occurred in Libya and Egypt. In the Middle East, a few breed in Israel and Syria with larger numbers in Cyprus and Turkey. In Europe, there are colonies all along the Mediterranean coast, and also on the Atlantic islands and coasts north to Brittany and west to the Azores. It also breeds on the western side of the Black Sea; here it overlaps with the Caspian gull but there is a difference in habitat, with the yellow-legged gull preferring sea cliffs and the Caspian gull flatter shores. In recent decades birds have spread north into central and western Europe. One to four pairs have attempted to breed in southern England since 1995 (sometimes hybrid pairs with lesser black-backed gulls), though colonisation has been very slow.

28-6-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - IBERIAN BLUE TAIL DAMSELFLY (Ischnura elegans)

The Iberian Bluetail – Ischnura graellsii – Cola azul ibérico is a small slender damselfly species. It is possibly the most commonly encountered and frequently the most numerous damselfly on the Iberian peninsula.

Total length: 26 to 31mm

Hind Wing length: 13 to 19mm

Flight period in Iberia: early June to early November

Habitat: Any wetland habitat with plentiful emergent vegetation including rivers, ditches and pools. Can sometimes be numerous around coastal lagoons & saltmarshes.

Distribution: The Mediterranean regions of Morocco, Algeria & Tunisia, Portugal & most of Spain

Similar species: Very similar to the Common Bluetail (Ischnura elegans) and the Scarce Bluetail (Ischnura pumilio) both of which occur on the Iberian peninsula.

28-6-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - EURASIAN REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

The Common Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus, is a medium-sized warbler measuring approximately 13 cm in length with a wingspan ranging from 17 to 21 cm. It exhibits an unstreaked brown back with buff underparts. Both sexes are identical in appearance, which is typical for warblers. Juveniles can be distinguished by their richer buff underparts. The species is characterized by a flattened forehead and a robust, pointed bill.

When identifying the Common Reed Warbler, look for its brown, unstreaked back and buff underparts. The bird's supercilium is less pronounced than that of the larger Great Reed Warbler. In flight, observe the wing-span and listen for its distinctive song.

This species is almost exclusively found in reed beds, often with interspersed bushes, providing it with the necessary cover and nesting sites.

The Common Reed Warbler breeds across Europe into the temperate western Palaearctic and is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. It is also a resident species in large parts of Africa.

Males typically arrive at breeding grounds a few weeks before females. The species is generally monogamous, with pairs raising up to two broods per season. It is known to be brood parasitized by the Common Cuckoo.

The song of the Common Reed Warbler is a distinctive slow, chattering "jit-jit-jit" with acrocephaline whistles and mimicry.

Nests are built by the female over water, often in reeds, and are deep cylindrical cups. Clutches usually contain three to five pale green eggs with olive or grey speckles. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after 9-12 days. Fledglings leave the nest after 10-12 days but are fed by parents for an additional 10-14 days.

The Great Reed Warbler is similar in appearance but is larger and has a more pronounced supercilium.

The Common Reed Warbler is primarily insectivorous but may occasionally consume plant material such as berries.

27-6-2020 MARXUQUERA, VALENCIA - RED RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica)

The Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica) is a small, graceful passerine bird, a member of the swallow family. It is characterized by its blue upperparts and dusky underparts, with a distinctive pale or reddish rump, face, and neck collar. Unlike the Barn Swallow, it lacks a breast band but features black undertails. Its wings are broad yet pointed, allowing for swift and agile flight.

To identify the Red-rumped Swallow, look for its darker underparts compared to the Barn Swallow, and the absence of a breast band. The rump is pale or reddish, providing a stark contrast to the blue upperparts. The bird's flight is fast, with frequent swoops as it pursues airborne insects.

This species is often found in open hilly country, where it can be seen gracefully hawking for insects over grasslands. It is also known to adapt to human structures, nesting under cliff overhangs, on buildings, and bridges.

The Red-rumped Swallow has a wide distribution, breeding in temperate southern Europe and Asia, from Portugal and Spain to Japan, India, Sri Lanka, and tropical Africa. While the Indian and African populations are resident, European and other Asian birds are migratory, wintering in Africa or India.

These swallows are gregarious outside the breeding season, often seen in large numbers on the plains of India. They do not typically form large breeding colonies but are known to be social. Their flight is characterized by swift, agile movements as they feed on insects in the air.

The Red-rumped Swallow communicates with a series of chirps and trills, a delightful symphony that fills the air especially during the breeding season.

The Red-rumped Swallow constructs quarter-sphere nests with a tunnel entrance, using mud collected in their beaks. They lay 3 to 6 eggs and prefer to nest under cliff overhangs or on human-made structures.

This species is an aerial insectivore, feeding on insects caught in flight. They are adept at catching their prey mid-air, often following cattle or taking advantage of grass fires to find insects.

24-6-2020 RIVER JUCAR, RIOLA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), also known as the waterhen or swamp chicken, is a bird species in the rail family (Rallidae). It is distributed across many parts of the Old World.

The common moorhen lives around well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and other wetlands. The species is not found in the polar regions or many tropical rainforests. Elsewhere it is likely the most common rail species, except for the Eurasian coot in some regions.

The closely related common gallinule of the New World has been recognized as a separate species by most authorities, starting with the American Ornithologists' Union and the International Ornithological Committee in 2011.

The moorhen is a distinctive species, with predominantly black and brown plumage, with the exception of a white under-tail, white streaks on the flanks, yellow legs and a red frontal shield. The bill is red with a yellow tip. The young are browner and lack the red shield. The frontal shield of the adult has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides; the tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is a smooth waving line. In the related common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) of the Americas, the frontal shield has a fairly straight top and is less wide towards the bill, giving a marked indentation to the back margin of the red area.

The common moorhen gives a wide range of gargling calls and will emit loud hisses when threatened. A midsized to large rail, it can range from 30 to 38 cm (12 to 15 in) in length and span 50 to 62 cm (20 to 24 in) across the wings. The body mass of this species can range from 192 to 500 g (6.8 to 17.6 oz).

This is a common breeding and resident bird in marsh environments, rivers, well-vegetated lakes and even in city parks. Populations in areas where the waters freeze, such as eastern Europe, will migrate to more temperate climates. In China, common moorhen populations are largely resident south of the Yangtze River, whilst northern populations migrate in the winter, therefore these populations show high genetic diversity.

This species will consume a wide variety of vegetable material and small aquatic creatures. They forage beside or in the water, sometimes walking on lilypads or upending in the water to feed. They are often secretive, but can become tame in some areas. Despite loss of habitat in parts of its range, the common moorhen remains plentiful and widespread.