20-9-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias niger)

The Whiskered Tern, Chlidonias hybrida, is a member of the tern family Laridae, exhibiting a swallow-like appearance, as suggested by its genus name derived from the Ancient Greek khelidonios. This species is the largest of the marsh terns, showcasing a blend of features from both the white Sterna terns and the black tern.

Adult Whiskered Terns in summer plumage are characterized by their robust bill, measuring 29–34 mm in males and 25–27 mm in females, with a pronounced gonys. They possess a black cap and a short, forked-looking tail. The cheeks are white, and the legs and bill are a vibrant red. Juveniles display a white-flecked crown and a more uniformly blackish hindcrown, while the winter adult has a similar pattern with additional white flecking. The black ear-coverts create a C-shaped band when viewed from above. Throughout the year, the rump maintains a pale grey hue. The call of the Whiskered Tern is a distinctive "krekk."

Whiskered Terns breed in colonies on inland marshes, often in the company of black-headed gulls, which offer a degree of protection.

The Whiskered Tern has several geographical races, varying mainly in size and minor plumage details. The Eurasian Whiskered Tern (C. h. hybrida) is found in warmer parts of Europe and the Palearctic, while the African Whiskered Tern (C. h. delalandii) resides in east and south Africa, and the Australasian Whiskered Tern (C. h. javanicus) ranges from Java to Australia. The tropical forms are resident, but European and Asian birds migrate south to Africa and the Indian Subcontinent for wintering.

European and Asian Whiskered Terns are migratory, traveling south during the winter months. A tagged individual was observed in April 2021 at the Manakudi Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, India.

The Whiskered Tern is known for its characteristic "krekk" call.

This species breeds in colonies on inland marshes, sometimes amongst black-headed gulls.

The diet of the Whiskered Tern includes small fish, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans.

The Whiskered Tern is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.

20-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HORSE CHESTNUT MOTH (Pachycnemia hippocastanaria)

Pachycnemia hippocastanaria (Horse Chestnut Moth) is a small geometrid moth with a 28–32 mm wingspan, appearing in grey, brown, and red tones. Native to European heathlands, it has two broods (April-May, August) and feeds on Heather (Calluna vulgaris), not Horse Chestnut trees. It is distinct from the invasive Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella). 

Key Facts about Pachycnemia hippocastanaria

Appearance: A relatively small, slender-bodied moth with a wingspan of 28–32 mm. The forewings are typically a mixture of grey, brown, and reddish tones with darker markings.

Habitat: Primarily found in warm, dry, open habitats such as heathlands.

Distribution: A southern species in Britain, restricted to heathlands in the southernmost counties. It is also found in various parts of Europe.

Life Cycle: It is double-brooded, with adults appearing in April and May, and a second, sometimes smaller brood appearing in August.

Larval Foodplant: Contrary to its name, the larvae feed on heathland plants, specifically Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix).

Behaviour: Both males and females are attracted to light. 

31-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - WILSON'S SNIPE (Gallinago delicata)

The Wilson's snipe (Gallinago delicata) is a small, stocky wader, a member of the shorebird family Scolopacidae. It is characterized by its mottled brown plumage on top, pale underparts, and a distinctive long, straight, dark bill. Adults measure between 23–28 cm in length, with a wingspan of 39–45 cm, and weigh from 79–147 g. Their legs are short and greenish-grey, and they possess pointed wings, which aid in their agile flight.

To identify Wilson's snipe, look for the dark stripe through the eye, flanked by lighter stripes above and below. The species is differentiated from the common snipe by a narrower white trailing edge on the wings and a unique tail feather count—Wilson's snipe has eight pairs of tail feathers, as opposed to the seven typical of the common snipe.

Wilson's snipe favors marshes, bogs, tundra, and wet meadows for breeding. It is also a year-round resident along the U.S. Pacific coast.

This bird breeds across Canada and the northern United States, extending to the Chukchi Peninsula in Russia. The eastern population migrates to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and northern South America.

Wilson's snipe is known for its elusive nature, often hiding close to ground vegetation and flushing only when approached closely. It exhibits a zig-zag flight pattern to evade predators. During courtship, males perform a "winnowing" display, consisting of high, circling flights followed by shallow dives, producing a distinctive sound reminiscent of the boreal owl's call.

Nesting occurs in well-hidden ground locations. The species' breeding behavior is influenced by climate change, with birds arriving at breeding grounds earlier and departing later than in the past.

9-3-2020 THATTEKAD BIRD SANCTUARY, INDIA - YELLOW STEMMED MICOPORE (Microporus xanthopus)

Microporus xanthopus (Yellow-stemmed Micropore) is a common tropical, inedible polypore fungus identified by its thin, brown-zoned funnel cap and distinct yellow, central stalk. Found on rotting hardwood in Asia, Africa, and Australia, this saprotrophic, "spinning top" fungus decomposes wood and has potential for mycoremediation. 

Key Facts about Microporus xanthopus:

Appearance: Features a 1–3 mm thick, funnel-shaped cap (up to 150mm wide) with concentric, brownish, or reddish-brown zones. The underside is white with very fine pores, often 8-10 per mm.

Stem: The yellow to golden-brown stem is central or off-centre and supports the cap.

Habitat: Commonly grows on dead hardwood logs and stumps in tropical forests.

Ecology: Saprotrophic, meaning it feeds on dead organic matter, contributing significantly to nutrient cycling.

Growth Rate: The stem can grow at an average rate of 1.3 mm per day.

Regional Names: Also known as the "golden-footed fungus" or "spinning top fungus".

Uses: While inedible, it is noted for its tough, woody, and persistent structure. 

These mushrooms are often found in clusters and are known to be quite durable in humid, forested environments. 

16-9-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus, stands as the most widespread and largest member of the flamingo family. This majestic bird is adorned with pinkish-white plumage, save for the red wing coverts and contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers. The bill is a striking pink with a black tip, and the legs are a uniform pink, completing the iconic look of this species.

Adult greater flamingos can be identified by their height, ranging from 110 to 150 cm, and their weight between 2 and 4 kg. The largest males can reach up to 187 cm tall and weigh 4.5 kg. Observers should note the distinctive coloration, with the majority of the body being pinkish-white, red wing coverts, and black flight feathers. The pink bill with a black tip and entirely pink legs are also key identification features. The call of the greater flamingo is reminiscent of a goose-like honking.

Greater flamingos favor mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with saline water, where they can be seen stirring the mud with their feet in search of food.

This species is common in the Old World, with a range that includes Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, and Southern Europe. Notably, they are found in coastal regions and along water bodies such as the Nile River, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.

19-9-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - OLD WORLD SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Papilio machaon)

Papilio machaon, the Old World swallowtail, is a butterfly of the family Papilionidae. The butterfly is also known as the common yellow swallowtail or simply the swallowtail (a common name applied to all members of the family, but this species was the first to be given the name). It is the type species of the genus Papilio. This widespread species is found in much of the Palearctic (it is the only swallowtail in most of Europe) and in North America.

This species is named after Machaon (Ancient Greek: Μαχάων, romanized: Makháōn) a figure in Greek mythology. He was a son of Asclepius.

This butterfly is present throughout the entire Palearctic region, ranging from Russia to China and Japan, (including the Himalayas and Taiwan), and across into Alaska, Canada, and the United States, and thus, is not restricted to the Old World, despite the common name. In Asia, it is reported as far south as Saudi Arabia, Oman, the high mountains of Yemen, Lebanon, Iran and Israel. In southern Asia, it occurs in Pakistan and Kashmir, northern India (Sikkim, to Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, and northern Myanmar.

This butterfly is widespread in Europe. In the United Kingdom, it is limited to a few areas in the Norfolk Broads of East Anglia. It is the UK's largest resident butterfly. The monarch (Danaus plexippus) is slightly larger, but is only a rare vagrant.

As P. machaon is widespread throughout Eurasia and often common, it is not threatened as a species. It is listed as "vulnerable" in the South Korean and Austrian Red Data Books, and in the Red Data Book of the former Soviet Union. In Armenia the species demonstrates stable population trend and is assessed as Least Concern.

In some countries, P. machaon and its subspecies are protected by law. Papilio machaon machaon is protected by law in six provinces of Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. The species is protected in the United Kingdom, and subspecies verityi is protected in India.

The butterfly has a strong and fast flight, but frequently pauses to hover over flowering herbs and sip nectar. It frequents alpine meadows and hillsides, and males are fond of 'hilltopping', congregating near summits to compete for passing females. At lower elevations, it can be seen visiting gardens.

19-9-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - BLUE WINGED GRASSHOPPER (Oedipoda caerulescens)

The blue-winged grasshopper, Oedipoda caerulescens, is a grasshopper in the genus Oedipoda.

This species occurs in Europe, North Africa and Asia. It was recently rediscovered in the Maltese islands.

Oedipoda caerulescens is a medium-sized grasshopper, between 15 and 21 mm for males and between 22 and 28 mm for females. The body coloration varies greatly depending on the substrate on which the animals have developed: reddish brown, gray, yellowish, or even completely dark or bright. The forewings are crossed most often by two or three pale bands, but the most striking characteristic, very visible when the insect flies away, is the bright coloration of the hind wings, a beautiful turquoise highlighted with a black marginal stripe. Furthermore, the posterior femora have a notch on their upper surface. At rest, confusion is possible with other Oedipoda species such as O. germanica.

Oedipoda caerulescens frequents dry areas with low and open vegetation: dunes, heathlands, grasslands on sand and sunlit limestone rocks. Many stations correspond to land recently used for human activities, such as coal spoil heaps, quarries and pits, the ballast of railway tracks, etc. It is exclusively a terrestrial insect, and its cryptic coloration often matches its substrate. It presses itself to the ground and remains motionless, and jumps only at the very close approach of danger. A remarkable behavior is the "hook" landing which serves to confuse potential attackers. Thus, the grasshopper lands and swings round to face the direction it has come from. The sudden disappearance of the blue hind wings of the adult makes it difficult for predators to shift quickly enough to a different kind of search to relocate the prey. The female lays her eggs in bare, dry soil. In this species, acoustic emissions are virtually nonexistent. The diet consists mainly of grasses.

19-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Genus Eupithecia)

Eupithecia is the largest genus of moths of the family Geometridae, and the namesake and type genus of tribe Eupitheciini. Species in the genus are, like those of other genera in the tribe, commonly known as pugs. The genus is highly speciose, with over 1400 species, and members of the genus are present in most of the world with exception of Australasia. 

Roughly a quarter of described Eupithecia species occur in the Neotropical realm, where they have an especially high species diversity in the montane rain forests of the Andes. The genus includes a few agricultural pest species, such as the currant pug moth, Eupithecia assimilata, which is a pest on hops,[6] and the cloaked pug moth, Eupithecia abietaria, which is a cone pest in spruce seed orchards.

18-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - THIN LEGGED WOLF SPIDER (Genus Pardosa)

Pardosa is a large genus of wolf spiders, commonly known as the thin-legged wolf spiders. It was first described by C. L. Koch, in 1847, with more than 500 described species that are found in most regions of the world.

Pardosa are found worldwide except Australia.

These spiders are generally found in dry open woods as well as on wet ground near ponds and streams.

The egg-sac is lenticular, usually greenish when fresh and changing to dirty grey when older. Studies of P. crassipalpis found it to be a univoltine species with males passing through seven instars before reaching maturity and females through eight. During the reproductive phase, females produce an average of three egg sacs with an average of 23.3 eggs per sac.

16-9-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus, stands as the most widespread and largest member of the flamingo family. This majestic bird is adorned with pinkish-white plumage, save for the red wing coverts and contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers. The bill is a striking pink with a black tip, and the legs are a uniform pink, completing the iconic look of this species.

Adult greater flamingos can be identified by their height, ranging from 110 to 150 cm, and their weight between 2 and 4 kg. The largest males can reach up to 187 cm tall and weigh 4.5 kg. Observers should note the distinctive coloration, with the majority of the body being pinkish-white, red wing coverts, and black flight feathers. The pink bill with a black tip and entirely pink legs are also key identification features. The call of the greater flamingo is reminiscent of a goose-like honking.

Greater flamingos favor mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with saline water, where they can be seen stirring the mud with their feet in search of food.

This species is common in the Old World, with a range that includes Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, and Southern Europe. Notably, they are found in coastal regions and along water bodies such as the Nile River, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.

16-9-2020 L'ESTANY CULLERA, VALENCIA - MUSKOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)

The Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata, is a robust bird native to the Americas. Males are substantially larger than females, with the former reaching lengths of about 76 cm and weighing up to 7 kg, while the latter grow to roughly half that size. The plumage is predominantly black and white, with males displaying iridescent and glossy back feathers, and females appearing more subdued. The amount of white on the neck and head varies, as does the bill color, ranging from yellow to pink to black, or a combination thereof. Both sexes possess distinctive pink or red wattles around the bill, with the male's being larger and more vivid.

Muscovy ducks can be identified by their large size, long claws on their feet, and a broad, flat tail. The males, or drakes, have a more pronounced appearance with caruncles at the base of the bill and a low erectile crest of feathers. Ducklings are mostly yellow with buff-brown markings on the tail and wings, and they lack the adult's wattles for a period after hatching.

16-9-2020 L'ESTANY CULLERA, VALENCIA - MUSKOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)

The Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata, is a robust bird native to the Americas. Males are substantially larger than females, with the former reaching lengths of about 76 cm and weighing up to 7 kg, while the latter grow to roughly half that size. The plumage is predominantly black and white, with males displaying iridescent and glossy back feathers, and females appearing more subdued. The amount of white on the neck and head varies, as does the bill color, ranging from yellow to pink to black, or a combination thereof. Both sexes possess distinctive pink or red wattles around the bill, with the male's being larger and more vivid.

Muscovy ducks can be identified by their large size, long claws on their feet, and a broad, flat tail. The males, or drakes, have a more pronounced appearance with caruncles at the base of the bill and a low erectile crest of feathers. Ducklings are mostly yellow with buff-brown markings on the tail and wings, and they lack the adult's wattles for a period after hatching.

These ducks are typically found in forested swamps, lakes, streams, and nearby grasslands. They are known to roost in trees at night.

16-9-2020 L'ESTANY CULLERA, VALENCIA - MUSKOVY DUCK (JUVENILE) (Cairina moschata)

The Muscovy or Barbary is the domestic form of the wild Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata. There are a number of local or regional breeds, and drakes of these are commonly cross-bred with mallard-derived domestic ducks to produce the hybrids called mulards.

The Muscovy had been domesticated by various indigenous peoples of the Americas well before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492.

Domestic Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) are unique, silent, perching waterfowl, often identified by red, fleshy caruncles around their eyes and beak. Originally from Central/South America, they are not descended from Mallards, unlike other domestic ducks. They are excellent for pest control, quiet (hissing rather than quacking), and, unlike most ducks, prefer to nest in trees. 

Domestic Muscovy drakes weigh some 4.5–6.3 kg. The duck is much smaller, typically about half the size of the drake, with a weight of 2.3–3.2 kg.[3]: 466 

Recognised colour varieties include five solid colours – black, blue, chocolate, lavender and white[3]: 465  – and eight 'magpie' colours, in which the whole back from the tail to the shoulders and the underside from below the tail to the breast is coloured black, blue, chocolate or lavender, the remainder being white. In the standard magpie colourings the crown of the head is also coloured; in the white-headed magpie colours the head is white.

The Muscovy is commonly reared for meat.

In commercial production, it is often cross-bred – either naturally or by artificial insemination – with a mallard-derived domestic duck to produce the hybrid known as a mulard.. In France – where 35 million mulards were reared in 2007 – the duck is usually a Rouen or Pekin; in Taiwan, local breeds such as the Tsaiya or Kaiya (Tsaiya x Pekin cross) are used.  These hatch in about four weeks and grow rapidly like a mallard-type duck, but to about the size and weight of the Muscovy. 

The inverse cross – domestic drake with Muscovy duck – is also possible, but infrequent. In France the mulard is reared both for its meat and for its liver; ducks are used principally to produce magret de canard, while drakes – which are better able to withstand the gavage or force-feeding employed – are reared for foie gras de canard. In countries such as China, Taiwan and Vietnam, mulards are reared mainly for their meat, which is less fatty than that of the Pekin.

Smart Foragers: Known for their intelligence, they are excellent pest controllers. They actively hunt mosquitoes, flies, slugs, and even mice. 

Key Facts About Domestic Muscovy Ducks:

Appearance & Size: They possess a "scaly" leg look, with long, sharp claws for gripping branches. Males (drakes) are much larger, weighing 

 kg (

 lbs), while females are roughly half that size (

 kg). Common colors include black, white, blue, and chocolate.

Vocalizations & Temperament: They are considered quiet, with males producing low hisses and females producing a soft trilling sound. They are generally friendly but can be territorial during breeding season.

Behavior & Ecology: They do not need a large water source for swimming, as their oil glands are underdeveloped compared to other ducks. They are excellent flyers and often prefer to roost in trees at night.

Diet & Utility: Muscovies are foragers that eat insects, snails, and larvae, making them excellent, natural pest control.

Tree Perchers: Unlike most ducks, Muscovies have strong claws on their webbed feet, allowing them to perch in trees and roost off the ground. 

Behavior & Intelligence

"Quackless" Ducks: They are remarkably quiet. Drakes produce a low, breathy hiss, while females make a soft, musical trill or "pip" sound.

Communication: They express excitement or friendliness by wagging their tails like dogs and raising a small crest of feathers on their heads.

Breeding: They are highly broody and known as excellent mothers. They lay large clutches of eggs (8-21) with a long incubation period of 35 days.

Lifespan: With proper care, domesticated Muscovy ducks can live for 15 to 20 years.

Meat Production: They are highly valued for their meat, which is known to be leaner ( fat-free) than other duck breeds. 

Key Physical Characteristics

Distinctive Faces: They are easily recognized by red, fleshy facial growths called caruncles. These develop as they age and are more prominent in males.

Size Difference: Males (drakes) are significantly larger than females, often weighing 10–15 lbs (4.5–6.8 kg), while females typically weigh 5–8 lbs (2.3–3.6 kg).

Color Variety: While wild Muscovies are mostly black with white wing patches, domestic varieties come in many colors, including white, chocolate, blue, and lavender.

Breeding & Lifespan

Long Incubation: Muscovy eggs take 35 days to hatch, which is a full week longer than mallard-derived ducks.

Mothers: Females are highly dedicated mothers and can raise multiple clutches (8–20 eggs each) per year.

Lifespan: In a domestic setting, they typically live 8 to 12 years, but can reach up to 20 years with proper care. 

Economic & Culinary Use

Lean Meat: They are primarily raised for their highly lean, red meat (98% fat-free), which is often compared to the taste of roast beef or veal rather than traditional greasy duck.

Sterile Hybrids: When bred with mallard-type ducks (like Pekins), they produce sterile offspring called "Mulards" or "mules," which are popular for commercial meat production. 

16-9-2020 L'ESTANY CULLERA, VALENCIA - MUSKOVY DUCK (JUVENILE)

The Muscovy or Barbary is the domestic form of the wild Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata. There are a number of local or regional breeds, and drakes of these are commonly cross-bred with mallard-derived domestic ducks to produce the hybrids called mulards.

The Muscovy had been domesticated by various indigenous peoples of the Americas well before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492.

Domestic Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) are unique, silent, perching waterfowl, often identified by red, fleshy caruncles around their eyes and beak. Originally from Central/South America, they are not descended from Mallards, unlike other domestic ducks. They are excellent for pest control, quiet (hissing rather than quacking), and, unlike most ducks, prefer to nest in trees. 

Domestic Muscovy drakes weigh some 4.5–6.3 kg. The duck is much smaller, typically about half the size of the drake, with a weight of 2.3–3.2 kg.[3]: 466 

Recognised colour varieties include five solid colours – black, blue, chocolate, lavender and white[3]: 465  – and eight 'magpie' colours, in which the whole back from the tail to the shoulders and the underside from below the tail to the breast is coloured black, blue, chocolate or lavender, the remainder being white. In the standard magpie colourings the crown of the head is also coloured; in the white-headed magpie colours the head is white.

16-9-2020 L'ESTANY CULLERA, VALENCIA - MUSKOVY DUCK (JUVENILE) (Cairina moschata)

Juvenile Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) are large, fast-growing waterfowl. They transition from distinct yellow ducklings to dull, brownish-black juveniles. At this stage, they lack the prominent red, warty facial caruncles of adults and are highly energetic, foraging heavily as they grow to near-adult size in just a few months.

Appearance & Identification

Plumage: Duller and browner than adults, featuring an overall brownish-black body. The wings have little to no white, and the signature green wing feathers are only faintly visible.

Facial Features: Juveniles have fully feathered faces. The fleshy red bumps (caruncles) characteristic of the species have not yet developed.

Size Differences: Though both sexes look similar at this age, juvenile males are noticeably larger than females.

Behavior & Growth

Rapid Maturation: Muscovy ducklings grow quickly, often reaching 10-12 pounds within their first 12 weeks.

Vocalization: Unlike typical ducks, they do not quack. Juveniles make soft, peeping sounds and can let out low, hissing wheezes.Independence: Females diligently protect and teach their offspring for roughly 60 to 70 days, after which the juveniles become fully independent.

Habitat & Diet

Natural Range: Native to Central and South America, but frequently found in domestic and feral populations globally, such as in parks and along Florida's waterways.

Diet: They are omnivores. Juveniles spend much of their time foraging in shallow waters or grazing on vegetation, insects, small fish, and crustaceans.

Muscovy ducks are large ducks, averaging 4.3 kilograms. The typical wingspan of a Muscovy duck is between 137 to 154 centimeters. Males are generally larger than females. Muscovy ducks have red, fleshy protuberances on the face. 

The plumage is brownish-black with iridescent green and purple dorsal plumage and with white wing patches. Domestic Muscovy ducks come in a wide variety of plumages, most are white, others are pied, buff, brown, chocolate, lilac, and blue.

8-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Charissa mucidaria)

Charissa mucidaria, commonly known as the coppery taupe, is a species of geometer moth in the family Geometridae. It is native to the western Palaearctic region, particularly southern Europe and North Africa. 

Here are the key facts about this species:

The moth, also called the coppery taupe, has a scientific name of Charissa mucidaria and belongs to the Geometridae family. It is typically yellow-tan to greyish-brown with a wingspan between 20–30 mm. 

Native to Southern Europe and North Africa, it is often found in rocky habitats. Adults fly from March to May and again from July to September and are active at night. The larvae, known as "inchworms," feed on plants like Sedum and Rumex. 

Synonyms for the species include Charissa lusitanica and Charissa ochracearia. The species is included in biodiversity studies. 

17-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SMALL BLOOD VEIN MOTH (Scopula imitaria)

Scopula imitaria, the small blood-vein, is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1799 and it is found throughout Europe and in North Africa.

The wingspan is 12–26 mm. (1st generation); the next generation is typically much smaller and reaches no more than 18 mm. The forewing leading edge (costa) forms an acute angle with the outer edge forming a sharp point. The hindwings also come to a sharp angle in the middle of the outer edge (a "tail"). 

The pattern and colouring are variable. The wings are reddish, yellowish or orange to light brown. The lines and marginal line are almost always clear, but fine. The median crossline is clearly developed and inclined slightly diagonally to the inner and outer crossline. It is slightly curved and very weakly wavy and often accompanied by a distal facing shadow. The interior and exterior crosslines are slightly wavy (more clearly than the median line). The hindwings have the pattern, however they often lack the inner crossline. The outer cross line shows a pointed bulge outwards, which follows the "tail" of the perimeter. Discal flecks are only sometimes present or weak, They are more pronounced on the hindwing. The discal fleck of the hindwings sits on the outside of the medium line or in the "shadow". On the forewing it is basal to the median line.

16-9-2020 L'ESTANY CULLERA, VALENCIA - GREYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser)

The Greylag Goose (Anser anser) is a large and robust member of the waterfowl family Anatidae, easily recognized by its mottled and barred grey and white plumage. It boasts an orange beak, pink legs, and a sizeable stature, measuring between 74 and 91 centimeters in length and weighing an average of 3.3 kilograms. This species is the progenitor of most domestic goose breeds and exhibits a wide distribution across Europe and Asia.

Adult Greylag Geese have a rotund body, a thick and long neck, and a large head and bill. Their legs and feet are pink, and their bill is orange or pink with a white or brown nail. The wingspan ranges from 147 to 180 centimeters. Males are typically larger than females, and the eastern subspecies rubirostris is larger than the nominate subspecies. The plumage is greyish brown with a darker head and paler underparts, with black spotting that varies among individuals. Juveniles can be identified by their lack of black speckling and greyish legs.

Greylag Geese breed in a variety of wetland habitats, including moorlands, marshes, lakes, and coastal islands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover. In winter, they occupy semi-aquatic habitats such as estuaries, marshes, flooded fields, and agricultural lands.

The Greylag Goose has a Palearctic distribution, with the western subspecies breeding from Iceland to central Europe and the eastern subspecies from Romania to northeastern China. Northern populations often migrate southwards to spend the winter in warmer regions, while many populations are resident year-round.

Greylag Geese are known for their lifelong monogamous pair bonds. They are gregarious and form flocks, which provides safety in numbers. Family groups stay together, migrating southwards in autumn and separating the following year. They are herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses, and can cause damage to agricultural crops.

The call of the Greylag Goose is a loud cackling, similar to that of domestic geese. They use various calls for different situations and can recognize individual geese by voice. Flocks produce a sound reminiscent of baying hounds.

Greylag Geese mate for life and nest on the ground among vegetation. They lay a clutch of three to five eggs, which the female incubates. Both parents defend and rear the young, who are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching..

16-9-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)

The pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta, presents a striking silhouette with its bold black and white plumage. This large wader, belonging to the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae, is adorned with a distinctive black cap and black markings on its wings and back, contrasting sharply against its otherwise white body. The species is noted for its elegant, upturned bill and elongated, bluish legs, which add to its graceful demeanor.

Adult pied avocets measure approximately 16.5–17.75 inches in length, with a wingspan stretching around 30–31.5 inches. Their long legs and upturned bills, measuring about 2.95–3.35 inches and 3–4 inches respectively, are key features for identification. Both sexes appear similar, while juveniles can be distinguished by their more greyish and sepia tones.

These birds favor shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed mudflats, which provide ideal foraging and breeding grounds.

The pied avocet breeds across temperate Europe and extends across the Palearctic to Central Asia and the Russian Far East. It is a migratory species, with most individuals wintering in Africa or southern Asia. Some, however, remain in the milder parts of their range during winter, such as southern Spain and southern England.

Pied avocets forage in shallow waters or on mudflats, often employing a unique side-to-side scything motion with their bills to capture prey. They primarily consume crustaceans and insects. During the breeding season, they nest on open ground, often forming small groups and sometimes associating with other wader species. Their nests are typically lined scrapes or mounds of vegetation, where they lay three to five eggs.

16-9-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - RUFF (Calidris pugnax)

Ruffs are highly gregarious, especially during migration when they form large flocks. Males display at leks, with territorial males occupying small areas and satellite males attempting to mate within these territories. A third, rare male type mimics females to gain mating opportunities.

The ruff is generally silent, but during display, a soft "gue-gue-gue" may be heard.

Females lay four eggs in a well-hidden ground nest and incubate them alone. Chicks are mobile soon after hatching and are reared solely by the female. Males leave the breeding grounds early in the season.

Ruffs feed on insects, especially during the breeding season, and consume plant material, including rice and maize, during migration and winter. They forage in wet grassland and soft mud, probing or searching by sight for edible items.

Globally, the ruff is classified as "Least Concern" due to its large breeding numbers in Scandinavia and the Arctic. However, European populations are contracting and are listed as "Near Threatened" due to habitat loss and over-hunting. The species is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

16-9-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus, stands as the most widespread and largest member of the flamingo family. This majestic bird is adorned with pinkish-white plumage, save for the red wing coverts and contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers. The bill is a striking pink with a black tip, and the legs are a uniform pink, completing the iconic look of this species.

Adult greater flamingos can be identified by their height, ranging from 110 to 150 cm, and their weight between 2 and 4 kg. The largest males can reach up to 187 cm tall and weigh 4.5 kg. Observers should note the distinctive coloration, with the majority of the body being pinkish-white, red wing coverts, and black flight feathers. The pink bill with a black tip and entirely pink legs are also key identification features. The call of the greater flamingo is reminiscent of a goose-like honking.

Greater flamingos favor mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with saline water, where they can be seen stirring the mud with their feet in search of food.

This species is common in the Old World, with a range that includes Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, and Southern Europe. Notably, they are found in coastal regions and along water bodies such as the Nile River, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.

16-9-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard, or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is a familiar and widespread dabbling duck with a presence across temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The male is renowned for its iridescent green head and white collar, while the female sports a brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes boast a speculum—a patch of feathers with iridescent purple or blue hues bordered by white. The Mallard's length ranges from 50 to 65 cm, with a wingspan of 81 to 98 cm, and it typically weighs between 0.7 and 1.6 kg.

Males during the breeding season are unmistakable with their glossy green heads, white collars, and purple-tinged brown breasts. Females are mottled brown with buff cheeks and an eye-stripe. Both sexes have the distinctive speculum on their wings. The male's bill is yellowish-orange tipped with black, while the female's is darker, ranging from black to mottled orange and brown.

Mallards are found in a variety of wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They prefer water depths less than 0.9 meters and are drawn to areas with aquatic vegetation.