12-10-2020 BENIOPA, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (MALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

The Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a small, charismatic passerine bird, exhibiting a blend of dark and vibrant plumage. Males are distinguished by their dark grey to black upperparts and breast, with a striking orange-red rump and tail. Females and juveniles are more subdued in color, with grey to grey-brown feathers and the same vivid tail coloration that is the hallmark of the species.

Adult males are easily identified by their dark upperparts and black breast, contrasting with the orange-red lower rump and tail. The belly and undertail may vary from blackish-grey to orange-red, depending on the subspecies. Females and juveniles are less conspicuous, with overall greyer tones and a distinctive orange-red rump and tail. The presence of pale fringes on the secondaries forms a whitish wing panel in some subspecies.

The Black Redstart has adapted remarkably to urban environments, often found nesting in crevices or holes within buildings. Originally a dweller of stony mountainous regions, it now thrives in industrial areas with similar structural features.

12-10-2020 BAYREN CASTLE GANDIA, VALENCIA - WHITE ERMINE MOTH CATERPILLAR (Spilosoma lubricipeda)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/81653-Spilosoma-lubricipeda

 

12-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (JUVENILE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/15299-Sylvia-melanocephala

 

9-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

The red-veined darter or nomad (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a dragonfly of the genus Sympetrum.

Sympetrum fonscolombii was named under the protonym Libellula fonscolombii by the Belgian entomologist Edmond de Sélys Longchamps, in 1840, in honor of the French entomologist Étienne of Fonscolombe (hence the species name). Its name is sometimes spelt fonscolombei instead of fonscolombii but Askew (2004) gives the latter as the correct spelling.

Sympetrum fonscolombii can reach a body length of 38–40 millimetres (1.5–1.6 in). This species is similar to other Sympetrum species but a good view with binoculars should give a positive identification, especially with a male.

Males have a red abdomen, redder than many other Sympetrum species. The frons and the thorax are red-brown. The eyes are brown above and blue/grey below. The wings have red veins and the wing bases of the hind-wings are yellow. The pterostigma is pale yellow with a border of black veins.

Female are similar but the abdomen is ochre yellow, not red, with two black lines along each side. The wings have yellow veins at the costa, leading edge and base, not red veins as found in the males. The legs of both sexes are mostly black with some yellow.

Immature males are like females but often with more red and a single line along each side of the abdomen.

11-10-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13858-Passer-domesticus

 

11-10-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops)

The Eurasian hoopoe or common hoopoe (Upupa epops) is the most widespread species of the genus Upupa. It is a distinctive cinnamon coloured bird with black and white wings, a tall erectile crest, a broad white band across a black tail, and a long narrow downcurved bill. Its call is a soft "oop-oop-oop".

The Eurasian hoopoe is native to Europe, Asia and Africa. It is migratory in the northern part of its range. Some ornithologists consider the Madagascar hoopoes as a subspecies. The African hoopoe, subspecies U. e. africana, has sometimes been treated as a separate species.

The Eurasian hoopoe was formally described in 1758 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae. He cited the earlier descriptions by the French naturalist Pierre Belon and by the Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner, both of which had been published in 1555. Linnaeus placed the Eurasian hoopoe with the northern bald ibis and the red-billed chough in the genus Upupa and coined the binomial name Upupa epops. The specific epithet epops in the Ancient Greek word for a hoopoe.

The muscles of the head allow the hoopoe's bill to be opened when it is inserted into the ground

The Eurasian hoopoe is a medium-sized bird, 25–32 cm (9.8–12.6 in) long, with a 44–48 cm (17–19 in) wingspan. It weighs 46–89 g (1.6–3.1 oz).[8] The species is highly distinctive, with a long, thin tapering bill that is black with a fawn base. The strengthened musculature of the head allows the bill to be opened when probing inside the soil. The hoopoe has broad and rounded wings capable of strong flight; these are larger in the northern migratory subspecies. The hoopoe has a characteristic undulating flight, which is like that of a giant butterfly, caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats. Adults may begin their moult after the breeding season and continue after they have migrated for the winter.

The call is typically a trisyllabic oop-oop-oop, which may give rise to its English and scientific names, although two and four syllables are also common. An alternative explanation of the English and scientific names is that they are derived from the French name for the bird, huppée, which means crested. In the Himalayas, the calls can be confused with that of the Himalayan cuckoo (Cuculus saturatus), although the cuckoo typically produces four notes. Other calls include rasping croaks, when alarmed, and hisses. Females produce a wheezy note during courtship feeding by the male.

The Eurasian hoopoe is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa and northern Sub-Saharan Africa. Most European and north Asian birds migrate to the tropics in winter. Those breeding in Europe usually migrate to the Sahel belt of sub-Saharan Africa. The birds predominantly migrate at night. In contrast, the African populations are sedentary all year. The species has been a vagrant in Alaska; U. e. saturata was recorded there in 1975 in the Yukon Delta. Hoopoes have been known to breed north of their European range, and in southern England during warm, dry summers that provide plenty of grasshoppers and similar insects, although as of the early 1980s northern European populations were reported to be in the decline, possibly due to changes in climate. In 2015, a record numbers of hoopoes were recorded in Ireland, with at least 50 birds recorded in the southwest of the country. This was the highest recorded number since 1965 when 65 individuals were sighted.

The hoopoe has two basic requirements of its habitat: bare or lightly vegetated ground on which to forage and vertical surfaces with cavities (such as trees, cliffs or even walls, nestboxes, haystacks, and abandoned burrows) in which to nest. These requirements can be provided in a wide range of ecosystems, and as a consequence the hoopoe inhabits a wide range of habitats such as heathland, wooded steppes, savannas and grasslands, as well as forest glades.

Hoopoes make seasonal movements in response to rain in some regions such as in Ceylon and in the Western Ghats. Birds have been seen at high altitudes during migration across the Himalayas. One was recorded at about 6,400 m (21,000 ft) by the first Mount Everest expedition.

In what was long thought to be a defensive posture, hoopoes sunbathe by spreading out their wings and tail low against the ground and tilting their head up; they often fold their wings and preen halfway through. They also enjoy taking dust and sand baths.

11-10-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris)

The Common Starling, Sturnus vulgaris, is a medium-sized passerine bird characterized by its glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen. Throughout the year, the plumage is speckled with white, though less so during the breeding season. Adults measure approximately 20 cm in length, with pink legs and a seasonally changing bill color—black in winter and yellow in summer. Juveniles display browner plumage compared to adults.

To identify the Common Starling, look for its iridescent black feathers, which may appear purple or green when reflecting light. The bird's bill is black in the winter and transitions to yellow in the summer, aiding in identification. The starling's flight is strong and direct, with pointed wings that are distinctive in the air. On the ground, its waddling gait is notable.

Common Starlings are highly adaptable, favoring urban and suburban areas where they find ample nesting and roosting opportunities. They also inhabit grasslands, such as farmlands and pastures, where short grass makes foraging for invertebrates easier.

Native to temperate Europe and western Asia, the Common Starling has been introduced to Australia, New Zealand, North America, and other regions. Its range extends from Europe to northern Africa and across the Palearctic to western Mongolia.

11-10-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is the most widespread species of swallow in the world, occurring on all continents, with vagrants reported even in Antarctica. It is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail. In Anglophone Europe, it is just called the swallow; in northern Europe, it is the only member of family Hirundinidae called a "swallow" rather than a "martin".

There are eight subspecies of barn swallow, which breed across the Northern Hemisphere. Two subspecies (H. r. savignii and H. r. transitiva) have fairly restricted ranges in the Nile valley and eastern Mediterranean, respectively. The other six are more widespread, with winter ranges covering much of the Southern Hemisphere.

The barn swallow is a bird of open country that normally nests in man-made structures and consequently has spread with human expansion. It builds a cup nest from mud pellets in barns or similar structures and feeds on insects caught in flight. This species lives in close association with humans, and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by humans; this acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest.

The barn swallow favors open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows, and farmland, often near water. It avoids heavily wooded or steep areas and densely built-up locations. The species typically nests in man-made structures like barns and stables, or under bridges and wharves.

This bird has a vast global range, breeding across the Northern Hemisphere and wintering in much of the Southern Hemisphere. Its distribution spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Barn swallows are semi-colonial and may settle in groups. They exhibit site fidelity, often returning to the same location annually for breeding. The species is known for its aerial insectivory, catching insects in flight with remarkable agility.

11-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia cf. semigraphata)

Eupithecia semigraphata is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is found from most of Europe (except the Netherlands, Ireland, Great Britain, Denmark, Fennoscandia, the Baltic region and Portugal) to the Caucasus and Armenia. It is also present on the Canary Islands and North Africa.

The wingspan is about 18–20 mm. Adults are on wing from late June to August in one generation per year.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Calamintha (including Calamintha nepeta and Calamintha sylvatica), Hypericum, Origanum and Thymus species. The species overwinters in the pupal stage.

Subspecies

Eupithecia semigraphata semigraphata

Eupithecia semigraphata arida Dietze, 1910

Eupithecia semigraphata canariensis Dietze, 1910

Eupithecia semigraphata gravosata Schutze, 1956

Eupithecia semigraphata lutulentaria Schwingenschuss, 1939

Eupithecia semigraphata nepetata Mabille, 1869

Eupithecia semigraphata porphyrata Zerny, 1934

11-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Genus Dyscia)

The genus Dyscia is a distinct group of geometer moths within the massive family Geometridae and the subfamily Ennominae. These moths are best known for their incredible camouflage, highly specialized habitat choices, and their unique larval stage—the "inchworm".

Physical Characteristics

Adult Dyscia moths generally display muted, earthy tones that make them look like dried leaves or lichen-covered rocks.

Wingspan: Typically ranges from 22 mm to 42 mm depending on the specific species.

Coloration: Their wings come in shades of sandy beige, chalky white, or light brownish-grey. They are heavily peppered with fine, dark scales and usually feature a distinct central spot on the forewings.

Resting Posture: Like most geometer moths, they rest with their broad wings held completely flat and spread out, creating continuous pattern lines across their forewings and hindwings.

Antennae: Males possess noticeably feathery antennae used to detect female pheromones, while females feature simple, thread-like antennae.

10-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EGYPTIAN BIRD GRASSHOPPER (Anacridium aegyptium)

Anacridium aegyptium, the Egyptian grasshopper or Egyptian locust, is a species of insect belonging to the subfamily Cyrtacanthacridinae.

A fairly common species, the Egyptian grasshopper is present in most of Europe, the Afrotropical realm, eastern Palearctic realm, the Near East, and North Africa, and has recently been observed in Cape Town, South Africa.

These grasshoppers inhabit trees and shrubs, scrub land, maquis, and orchards in warm and bright environments, at an elevation from sea level to 1,500 m.

Anacridium aegyptium is one of the largest European grasshoppers. Adult males grow up to 30–56 mm (1.2–2.2 in) long, while females reach 46–70 mm (1.8–2.8 in) in length. Their bodies are usually gray, brown, or olive-coloured, and their antennae are relatively short and robust. The tibiae of the hind legs are blue, while the femora are orange. The hind femora have characteristic dark marks. They are also easily identified by their characteristic eyes, which have vertical black and white stripes. Their pronota show a dorsal orange stripe and several small white spots. The wings are clear with dark marks.

10-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Crocallis auberti)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/475739-Crocallis-auberti

 

9-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Crocallis auberti)

Crocallis auberti is a species of geometer moth belonging to the family Geometridae. First described by Charles Oberthür in 1883, this moth is primarily distributed across the Iberian Peninsula and parts of North Africa, frequenting Mediterranean scrublands and woodlands.

Key Facts at a Glance

Taxonomy: Belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Geometridae, and subfamily Ennominae.

Geographic Distribution: Endemic to southwestern Europe and the western Mediterranean. Records highlight its presence in Spain, Portugal, and North Africa (such as Morocco and Algeria).

Flight Period (Adults): Adults are typically active in the late autumn months, with most flight records occurring between October and November. Like many Geometridae, they are nocturnal and attracted to artificial light.

Life Cycle: Univoltine (having one generation per year). The species overwinters as an egg. The polyphagous larvae (caterpillars) emerge to feed in the spring before pupating.

Habitat: Typically found in warm, shrubby habitats, including Mediterranean scrub (such as areas featuring Cistus and Rosmarinus), woodland edges, and hedges.

Host Plants: The caterpillars are polyphagous and feed on a variety of woody shrubs and broad-leaved plants common to its environment.

10-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - DISCRETE CHAPERON MOTH (Cymbalophora pudica)

The wingspan of Cymbalophora pudica is typically 35–42 mm in males and 37–42 mm in females. The background color of the wings and the shape of their markings are rather variable. The external surface of the forewings usually may be milky white or pinkish, with a pattern of black triangular patches. Hindwings vary from white to pinkish with marginal spots. The blackish-haired thorax is characterized by two yellowish longitudinal stripes and by a broad, yellowish cervical spine. The antennae of the males are ciliated (hairy), while those of the females are filiform (thread like). The abdomen is reddish with black spots.

The wings may be shaded with yellowish in Cymbalophora f. flaveola Schultz, 1906, in gray in Cymbalophora f. fumosa Oberthür, 1911. Cymbalophora f. Cohaerens Schultz, 1905 shows confluent spots. Very pink forms are called rosina. The caterpillars are gray brown, hairy, and covered with black-brown warts on each segment.

Like other species of the genus Cymbalophora ("cymbal bearers"), males are capable of emitting sounds from their wings during flight.

Cymbalophora pudica preyed upon by the rove beetle Ocypus olens

This species is univoltine. Caterpillars can be found from May to June. Then they construct their cocoons and rest a long time in the cocoon prior to pupation. The moths are on wing from August to September, depending on the location. The larvae feed on Taraxacum officinale, Stipa species, Brachypodium phoenicoides, Festuca species, various grasses (Poaceae) and other low growing plants.

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia semigraphata)

Eupithecia semigraphata is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is found from most of Europe (except the Netherlands, Ireland, Great Britain, Denmark, Fennoscandia, the Baltic region and Portugal) to the Caucasus and Armenia. It is also present on the Canary Islands and North Africa.

The wingspan is about 18–20 mm. Adults are on wing from late June to August in one generation per year.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Calamintha (including Calamintha nepeta and Calamintha sylvatica), Hypericum, Origanum and Thymus species. The species overwinters in the pupal stage.

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN RECLUSE SPIDER (Loxosceles rufescens)

The Mediterranean recluse spider (Loxosceles rufescens) is a species of spider that originated in the Mediterranean region as its name implies, but can now be found in many parts of the world and is listed as one of the most invasive spiders worldwide. Usually dwelling in caves, this species will also inhabit basements and tunnels. The spider hunts at night and eats insects including silverfish and cockroaches, and they usually target smaller species.

Similar to other species in their genus, bites from L. rufescens can cause necrosis and, for some individuals, systemic damage due to the enzyme sphingomyelinase D. Pest control may be undertaken with similar strategies as used for the brown recluse spider.

Loxosceles rufescens is a cave-dwelling arachnid that is nearly indistinguishable in appearance from Loxosceles reclusa, the brown recluse spider. Individuals can be identified as medium-sized spiders distinguished by three pairs of two eyes organized in the shape of a triangle (spiders commonly have eight eyes), with a violin-shaped pattern on their cephalothorax. This spider belongs to the genus Loxosceles which contains many of the most dangerous spiders in the world. Both males and females grow to approximately 7–7.5 mm in length.

Loxosceles rufescens egg sacs contain approximately 40 eggs that each take a few weeks to hatch, depending on the temperature. The young spiders grow slowly and produce molts during their growing phase. These molts often have a pale ghostly appearance. Mediterranean recluse spiders typically live from one to three years. The webs of Mediterranean recluse spiders spin function as a daytime hiding spot and provide seclusion for the egg sacs. The webs are very thin and fragile, formed by strands of silk laid in a disorganized manner.

The Mediterranean recluse is listed as one of the most invasive species in the world. It is native to the Mediterranean area and western Asia, including parts of Europe and Northern Africa, and prefers warm temperatures and generally dry weather. Today, this spider has a global distribution due to increased human travel and the increase of transported goods.

This species has been introduced to Madagascar, southeast Asia from India to Japan, Australia, and numerous Atlantic and Pacific islands (including four in the Hawaiian archipelago) and in North America, it has been recorded in over 20 of the United States, widely scattered from California to Florida and north to Michigan, as well as Ontario, Canada.

In South Africa, only a single specimen was recorded from Cape Town in 1914.

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PINK BARRED EUBLEMMA MOTH (Eublemma cochylioides)

Eublemma cochylioides, the pink-barred eublemma, is a species of moth of the family Erebidae described by Achille Guenée in 1852.

It is found throughout the Old World countries (including France). Besides France, it can also be found in such European countries as Greece and Portugal, and on islands such as Crete and Cyprus. It is also common in Asian ones such as Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Taiwan, where it might migrate. When comes African migration the species resort to South Africa, from which it might migrate to such Australian islands as Fiji and Tonga, and including Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.

The wingspan is about 20 millimetres (0.79 in). Male with no pit in the membrane of forewing towards apex, which is somewhat acute. Head and thorax ochreous white. Forewings with ochreous-white basal area, bounded by a very oblique fulvous line, beyond which the area is bright pink. Outer margin fulvous suffused. Two white spots can be seen near outer angle, with some black scaled on their outer edge. Hindwings pale, suffused with fuscous towards outer margin.

The larvae have been recorded on Elephantopus species and Prenanthes spinosa.

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (JUVENILE) (Tarentola mauritanica)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/33602-Tarentola-mauritanica

 

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CELLER SPIDER (Holocnemus caudatus)

The Cellar Spider (Holocnemus caudatus) is a small, delicate arachnid native to the Mediterranean. While often overshadowed by its more famous relative, the Marbled Cellar Spider (H. pluchei), it shares many of the fascinating "vibrating" behaviors typical of the Pholcidae family. 

Body & Appearance: It features a yellowish-grey, elongated body with a characteristic dark longitudinal stripe on the underside. Its legs are exceptionally long and spindly, often featuring white and black rings at the joints.

Size: Males typically measure between 5–5.5 mm in body length.

Native Range: This species is primarily found in Spain and Sicily.

Unique Anatomy: The spinnerets (silk-producing organs) are situated in the middle of the abdomen rather than at the very tip, forming a conical protuberance. 

Fascinating Behaviors

The "Vibrating" Defense: Like most cellar spiders, when disturbed, they may rapidly pulse their bodies, making their entire web shake. This creates a "blur" that confuses potential predators.

Maternal Care: Females are known to carry their egg sacs in their mouthparts (chelicerae) until they hatch. They often do not feed during this time to protect the brood.

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPANISH CARPET MOTH (Scotopteryx peribolata)

The larvae feed on broom and gorse and probably also other Papilionaceae.

Scotopteryx peribolata inhabits maquis, open, dry and warm woodlands (edges, clearings) and rocky slopes.

The moths occur in September and October and larvae overwinter.

The Atlanto-Mediterranean species occurs from NW-Africa across the Iberian Peninsula to southern and western (Atlantic coast to Normandie) France. Single records also in S-England.

Wingspan 28-33 mm. This attractive geometer is resident in the Channel Islands, but otherwise only occurs sporadically as an immigrant along the south coast of England.

The adult moths occur in August and September and can be flushed in the daytime from the foodplant.

The caterpillars are greyish and feed on broom (Cytisus).

Scotopteryx peribolata, the Spanish carpet, is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is found in Spain, Portugal, France, Switzerland and Great Britain, where it is found on the Channel Islands and on occasion along the southern coast of mainland Britain.

The larvae feed on Cytisus, Genista and Ulex species. They are greyish.

6-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Dolicharthria bruguieralis)

Dolicharthria bruguieralis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. It is found from France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Greece and Turkey, east to Japan and Taiwan. It is also found in Africa, including Morocco, Algeria and South Africa.

The wingspan is about 17 millimetres (0.67 in).

It is so called on account of its pearly color.

6-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Crocallis auberti)

Crocallis auberti is a species of geometer moth within the family Geometridae and genus Crocallis, primarily found in Europe.

Here are the key facts regarding Crocallis auberti:

Classification: It belongs to the Animalia kingdom, Arthropoda phylum, Insecta class, and Lepidoptera order.

Distribution: This species is found in Europe, with specific records in Portugal and Spain.

Habitat & Identification: It belongs to a genus often found in warm habitats, such as scrublands and woodland edges. Crocallis species generally have robust, hairy bodies and males have feathered (pectinate) antennae.

Occurrence: It was recorded as present in Portugal according to GBIF Backbone Taxonomy

.Species Context: Crocallis auberti is one of several species in its genus, often confused with or discussed alongside other Mediterranean Crocallis species, including C. tusciaria or C. elinguaria, which are common in similar habitats.The Crocallis genus is known for its members being active in autumn and having larvae that are polyphagous, feeding on various shrubs.

6-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MANTIS (MALE) (Mantis religiosa)

Colias croceus is one of the most widespread species in Europe. The common clouded yellow's breeding range is North Africa and southern Europe and eastwards through Turkey into the Middle East, but it occurs throughout much of Europe as a summer migrant, in good years individuals reaching Scandinavia. In Asia, its range extends into central Siberia in the north and barely into India in the south; it is not found in Central Asia.

The European mantis (Mantis religiosa) is a large hemimetabolic insect in the family of the Mantidae ('mantids'), which is the largest family of the order Mantodea (mantises). Their common name praying mantis is derived from the distinctive posture of the first pair of legs that can be observed in animals in repose. It resembles a praying attitude. Both males and females have elongated bodies with two pairs of wings. The most striking features that all Mantodea share are a very mobile, triangular head with large compound eyes and their first pair of legs (the 'raptorial legs'), which is highly modified for the efficient capture and restraint of fast-moving or flying prey.

In Germany, M. religiosa is listed as Gefährdet [endangered] on the German Red List on the basis of an assessment from 1998. It is not supposed to be caught or held as a pet. At a global level, it is assessed by the IUCN as least concern.

7-10-2020 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4237-Tachybaptus-ruficollis

 

7-10-2020 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - NORTHERN WHEATEAR (FEMALE) (Oenanthe oenanthe)

The Northern Wheatear, or Oenanthe oenanthe, is a small, charismatic passerine bird. It is the most widespread member of the wheatear genus Oenanthe in Europe, North and Central Asia, with populations also in northeastern Canada, Greenland, northwestern Canada, and Alaska. This bird is notable for its migratory habits, breeding in open stony country and wintering in Africa.

Adult Northern Wheatears measure 14.5–16 cm in length, with a wingspan of 26–32 cm and a weight range of 17-30 g. Both sexes boast a distinctive white rump and tail, marked by a contrasting black T-pattern. The summer male is adorned with grey upperparts, a buff throat, and a striking black face mask and wings. Come autumn, the male's plumage softens to resemble the female's, which is generally paler with brown upperparts and buff underparts. The male's song is a whistling, crackly melody, while its call is a sharp "chack," and the flight call mirrors this sound.

The Northern Wheatear favors open, stony terrain for breeding. It often nests in rock crevices and abandoned rabbit burrows, demonstrating a preference for environments that offer both shelter and open ground.

Historically, the Northern Wheatear was trapped and sold as a delicacy in England, known as "the English ortolan." This practice has since ceased, and the bird now primarily holds interest for birdwatchers and ornithologists.

This bird's breeding range spans Europe, across the Palearctic to east Siberia, and into northwest North America. Remarkably, all Northern Wheatears migrate to spend the winter in Africa, regardless of their vast breeding distribution.

The Northern Wheatear is known for its impressive migratory behavior, undertaking one of the longest journeys of any small bird. It crosses oceans, ice, and deserts to migrate between its breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere and wintering grounds in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Northern Wheatears reach sexual maturity at one year of age. The female is solely responsible for nest construction, often in cavities like rabbit burrows or rock crevices. Clutches typically consist of 4-7 pale blue eggs, which are incubated predominantly by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after about 15 days and gain independence at around 28-32 days old. Usually, only one brood is raised per year.

As an insectivorous species, the Northern Wheatear feeds on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates, foraging on the ground in its open habitat.