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Sunday, 20 September 2020

20-9-2020 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, VALENCIA - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (MALE) (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.

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 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

20-9-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - PLAIN PILL WOODLOUSE (Armadillo officinalis)

20-9-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava)


The Western Yellow Wagtail, Motacilla flava, is a small, graceful passerine bird belonging to the wagtail family, Motacillidae. This species is noted for its slender build and the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail, a hallmark of its genus. Among its European relatives, it boasts the shortest tail. The adult male in breeding plumage is predominantly olive above with a vibrant yellow underbelly. Females and non-breeding males may exhibit a paler yellow, often intermixed with white.

To identify the Western Yellow Wagtail, look for a bird measuring about 15–16 cm in length. Breeding males display a variety of head colors and patterns, which can be quite distinctive, depending on the subspecies. In general, males have a more vivid plumage compared to the females, which are more subdued and often have a greenish wash.

20-9-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - SPOTLESS STARLING (Sturnus unicolor)

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 - MOORISH GECKO (JUVENILE) (Tarentola mauritanica)

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. 

20-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Genus Eupithecia)

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.

Saturday, 19 September 2020

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)


Friday, 18 September 2020

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)

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)