19-10-2020 SIERRA DE ESPUNA, MURCIA - CRESTED TIT (Lophophanes cristatus)

The crested tit or European crested tit (Lophophanes cristatus) (formerly Parus cristatus), is a passerine bird in the tit family Paridae. It is a widespread and common resident breeder in coniferous forests throughout central and northern Europe and in deciduous woodland in France and the Iberian peninsula. In Great Britain, it is chiefly restricted to the ancient pinewoods of Inverness and Strathspey in Scotland, and seldom strays far from its haunts. A few vagrant crested tits have been seen in England. It is resident, and most individuals do not migrate.

This species was formerly placed in Parus, but the distinctness of Lophophanes is well supported, and it is now recognised by the American Ornithologists' Union and the British Ornithologists' Union as a distinct genus.

The current genus name, Lophophanes, is from the Ancient Greek lophos, "crest", and phaino, "to show". The specific cristatus is Latin for "crested".

22-10-2020 SIERRA DE ESPUNA, MURCIA - COMMON REDSTART (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)

The common redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), or often simply redstart, is a small passerine bird in the genus Phoenicurus. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family, (Turdidae), but is now known to be an Old World flycatcher (family Muscicapidae).

The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the European Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage, and chat-like behaviour, and is the same length at 13–14.5 cm long but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy, weighing 11–23 g. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochrurus) has a similarly coloured tail.

The male in summer has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white; the sides of the face and throat are black. The two central tail feathers are dark brown, the other tail feathers bright orange-red. The wings are grey-brown in male P. p. phoenicurus but the remiges have white outer webs forming a pale to whitish wing-patch in adult male P. p. samamisicus (see Taxonomy and systematics). The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscure the colours of the male, giving it a washed-out appearance. The female is grey-brown above and buff-white or light orange below. In most females the throat is whitish, but some (older?) females show a dark bib, some even approaching males in appearance. In P. p. samamisicus, many females tend to show a light wing-patch, analogous to the males but much less prominent.

22-10-2020 SIERRA DE ESPUNA, MURCIA - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

Female Black Redstarts are small, robins-sized birds (approx. 14–15 cm) characterized by uniform grey-brown plumage and a distinguishing, constant quivering of their bright orange-red tail. They are frequently seen in urban, rocky environments, foraging for insects, larvae, and spiders on the ground or, as detailed in the Bird of the Year 2025 guide, building nests in cavities on walls or roofs.

20-10-2020 SIERRA DE ESPUNA, MURCIA - AOUDAD (Ammotragus lervia)

The Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), also known as aoudad (pronounced [ˈɑʊdæd]), is a species of caprine native to rocky mountains in North Africa and parts of West Africa. While this is the only species in genus Ammotragus, six subspecies have been described. Although it is rare in its native North Africa, it has been introduced to North America, southern Europe, and elsewhere. It is also known in Berber languages as waddan or arwi, and in former French territories as the mouflon.

Barbary sheep stand 75 to 110 cm (2 ft 6 in to 3 ft 7 in) tall at the shoulder, with a length around 1.5 m (5 ft), and weigh 30 to 145 kg (66 to 320 lb). They are sandy-brown, darkening with age, with a slightly lighter underbelly and a darker line along the back. Upper parts and the outer parts of the legs are a uniform reddish- or grayish-brown. Some shaggy hair is on the throat (extending down to the chest in males) with a sparse mane. Their horns have a triangular cross-section. The horns curve outward, backward, then inward, and can exceed 76 cm (30 in) in length. The horns are fairly smooth, with slight wrinkles evident at the base as the animal matures.

Barbary sheep are endemic to regions of Northern Africa primarily surrounding the barren center of the Sahara Desert. Countries and territories where aoudad may be found include Algeria, Chad (north), Egypt, Libya, Mali (north), Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Tunisia and Western Sahara. West of the Nile, they can be found in Sudan; east of the Nile, in the Red Sea Hills. The now-extinct Ancient Egyptian corkscrew-horned sheep (Ovis longipes palaeoaegyptiacus) was also thought to be a subspecies of wild barbary sheep.

Populations within its native range have been decreasing due to hunting, legal and otherwise, and destruction of habitat.

Barbary sheep have been introduced to southeastern Spain and the Southwestern United States.

They have become common in a limited region of southeastern Spain, since its introduction in 1970 to Sierra Espuña Regional Park as a game species. Its adaptability enabled it to colonize nearby areas quickly, and private game estates provided other centers of dispersion. The species is currently expanding, according to recent field surveys, now being found in the provinces of Alicante, Almería, Granada, and Murcia. The species is a potential competitor to native ungulates inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula, and has also been introduced to La Palma (in the Canary Islands), and has spread throughout the northern and central parts of the island, where it is a serious threat to endemic vegetation. The aoudad has also been introduced in Croatia several times, where a population exists in Mosor.

During the winter of 1957-1958, 42 Barbary sheep were released in the Palo Duro Canyon of Texas for the purpose of attracting hunters to the region.

Although the species has not yet been recorded in Australia, it is considered a pest species in Queensland, with the potential to establish in the wild.

A. lervia is the only species in the genus Ammotragus, but some authors include this genus in the goat genus Capra, together with the sheep genus Ovis.

Barbary sheep are found in arid mountainous areas where they graze and browse grasses, bushes, and lichens. They are able to obtain all their metabolic water from food, but if liquid water is available, they drink and wallow in it. Barbary sheep are crepuscular - active in the early morning and late afternoon and rest in the heat of the day. They are very agile and can achieve a standing jump over 2 m (7 ft). They are well adapted to their habitat, which consist of steep, rocky mountains and canyons. They often flee at the first sign of danger, typically running uphill. They are extremely nomadic and travel constantly via mountain ranges. Their main predators in North Africa were the Barbary leopard, Barbary lion, and caracal, but now humans, feral dogs, competition due to overgrazing by domestic animals, and drought[20] threaten their populations.

22-10-2020 SIERRA DE ESPUNA, MURCIA - BUFF TAILED BUMBLE BEE (Bombus terrestris)

Bombus terrestris, the buff-tailed bumblebee or large earth bumblebee, is one of the most numerous bumblebee species in Europe. It is one of the main species used in greenhouse pollination, and so can be found in many countries and areas where it is not native, such as Tasmania. Moreover, it is a eusocial insect with an overlap of generations, a division of labour, and cooperative brood care. The queen is monogamous which means she mates with only one male. B. terrestris workers learn flower colours and forage efficiently.

B. terrestris is most commonly found throughout Europe and generally occupies temperate climates. Because it can survive in a wide variety of habitats, there are populations in the Near East, the Mediterranean Islands, and Northern Africa as well. Additionally, it has escaped captivity after being introduced as a greenhouse pollinator in countries where it is not native, so this bee is now considered an invasive species in many of these places, including Japan, Chile, Argentina, and Tasmania. Nests are usually found underground, such as in abandoned rodent dens. Colonies form comb-like nest structures with egg cells each containing several eggs. The queen will lay egg cells on top of one another. Colonies produce between 300 and 400 bees on average, with a large variation in the number of workers.

Like in most social bees, there are three main social caste divisions in B. terrestris. This ensures a division of labor and efficient colony functioning. Queens become the main female individual to reproduce in a future colony. There is only one per colony. Her sole responsibility is to lay eggs after she founds a nest. This fate is determined for larvae that receive more food, have longer instar stages, and higher levels of juvenile hormone biosynthesis. Workers, an entirely female caste, mainly forage for food, defend the colony, and tend to the growing larvae. They are usually sterile for most of the colony cycle and do not raise their own young. Unlike queens and workers, which develop from fertilized diploid eggs, drones, or male bees, are born from unfertilized, haploid eggs. Drones leave the colony shortly after reaching adulthood to find a mate outside the nest. Mating is their sole role in the colony.

A solitary queen hatched from her abandoned colony initiates the colony cycle when she mates with a male and finds a nest. She will stay in this nest over winter and then will lay a small batch of diploid (female) eggs in the spring. Once these hatch, she tends the larvae, feeding them with nectar and pollen. When the larvae are grown, they pupate, and about two weeks later, the first workers emerge. This is known as the initiation phase of the colony. Workers forage for nectar and pollen for the colony and tend later generations of larvae. The workers are smaller than the queen, and usually die while foraging in the jaws of predators like birds or robberflies. The foraging range and frequency of workers depends on the quality and distribution of available food, but most workers forage within a few hundred meters of their nest.

20-10-2020 SIERRA DE ESPUNA, MURCIA - RED CROSSBILL (MALE) (Loxia curvirostra)

The Red Crossbill, known as Loxia curvirostra, is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. This species exhibits a unique adaptation: its mandibles, which cross at the tips, are specialized for extracting seeds from conifer cones and other fruits. Adult males typically display vibrant red or orange plumage, while females are adorned in shades of green or yellow. However, there is considerable variation in both beak size and shape, as well as call types, across its range.

The Red Crossbill is readily identified by its distinctive crossed mandibles, a feature that sets it apart from most other bird species. However, it shares this characteristic with the similar Two-barred Crossbill. The Red Crossbill can be distinguished by its uniformly brownish-black wings, lacking the bright white wing bars present in the Two-barred Crossbill. While there are other closely related crossbills within its range, such as the Parrot, Scottish, and Cassia Crossbills, these are best identified by their calls, as visual differences are minimal.

Red Crossbills inhabit a variety of coniferous forests across North America and Eurasia, where they are closely associated with the availability of conifer seeds.

The Red Crossbill is a widespread species, breeding and residing in coniferous forests across North America and Eurasia. Its presence can be irregular, as it may appear in certain areas only in years when the cone crop is abundant.

This species is known for its nomadic and irruptive behavior, with movements closely tied to the availability of conifer seeds. Red Crossbills typically breed in late summer when conifer seeds mature but may breed at any time of year if a suitable cone crop is found. They are known to disperse widely in search of food, and their occurrence can be quite unpredictable. Some populations, such as the Newfoundland Crossbill, are resident and do not exhibit significant movements.

The Red Crossbill is primarily identified by its call, a single note "chip" that varies between the different types. These calls are frequently given and are key to distinguishing between the various populations.

Breeding occurs in coniferous forests, with timing closely linked to the maturation of conifer seeds. Red Crossbills may nest at any time of year if they find an area with an adequate cone crop.

Similar species include the Two-barred Crossbill, Parrot Crossbill, Scottish Crossbill, and Cassia Crossbill. These species were once considered subspecies of the Red Crossbill but are now recognized as distinct, primarily based on call differences.

The diet of the Red Crossbill is specialized, consisting primarily of seeds from conifer cones. They use their unique bill shape to pry apart the scales of cones and access the seeds within.

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

20-10-2020 SIERRA DE ESPUNA, MURCIA - RED CROSSBILL (FEMALE) (Loxia curvirostra)

The Red Crossbill, known as Loxia curvirostra, is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. This species exhibits a unique adaptation: its mandibles, which cross at the tips, are specialized for extracting seeds from conifer cones and other fruits. Adult males typically display vibrant red or orange plumage, while females are adorned in shades of green or yellow. However, there is considerable variation in both beak size and shape, as well as call types, across its range.

The Red Crossbill is readily identified by its distinctive crossed mandibles, a feature that sets it apart from most other bird species. However, it shares this characteristic with the similar Two-barred Crossbill. The Red Crossbill can be distinguished by its uniformly brownish-black wings, lacking the bright white wing bars present in the Two-barred Crossbill. While there are other closely related crossbills within its range, such as the Parrot, Scottish, and Cassia Crossbills, these are best identified by their calls, as visual differences are minimal.

Red Crossbills inhabit a variety of coniferous forests across North America and Eurasia, where they are closely associated with the availability of conifer seeds.

The Red Crossbill is a widespread species, breeding and residing in coniferous forests across North America and Eurasia. Its presence can be irregular, as it may appear in certain areas only in years when the cone crop is abundant.

This species is known for its nomadic and irruptive behavior, with movements closely tied to the availability of conifer seeds. Red Crossbills typically breed in late summer when conifer seeds mature but may breed at any time of year if a suitable cone crop is found. They are known to disperse widely in search of food, and their occurrence can be quite unpredictable. Some populations, such as the Newfoundland Crossbill, are resident and do not exhibit significant movements.

The Red Crossbill is primarily identified by its call, a single note "chip" that varies between the different types. These calls are frequently given and are key to distinguishing between the various populations.

Breeding occurs in coniferous forests, with timing closely linked to the maturation of conifer seeds. Red Crossbills may nest at any time of year if they find an area with an adequate cone crop.

22-10-2020 SIERRA DE ESPUNA, MURCIA - COMMON DARTER DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Sympetrum striolatum)

The common darter (Sympetrum striolatum) is a dragonfly of the family Libellulidae native to Eurasia. It is one of the most common dragonflies in Europe, occurring in a wide variety of water bodies, though with a preference for breeding in still water such as ponds and lakes. In the south of its range adults are on the wing all year round.

Sympetrum species are not easy to tell apart and in most areas more than one Sympetrum species will occur. Females and teneral individuals have light yellow thorax and abdomen. Males turn red as they mature. Females darken with age, becoming a dark chocolate brown, and sometimes develop a blue colouration to the bottom of the abdomen. The wings also develop a brown tinge with age. In all cases the legs have a cream or yellow stripe on a black background - this is a diagnostic feature of this species. The pterostigma of the females can be red, blue, pale blue or brown.

22-10-2020 PUERTO DE MAZARRON, MURCIA - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (Larus michahellis)

The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) is a large, robust seabird with a commanding presence. Its size can be quite variable, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a Common Gull, and the largest males approaching the heft of a Great Black-backed Gull. Adults typically exhibit a grey back, a shade lighter than that of the Lesser Black-backed Gull, and their heads are notably whiter in the autumn months. A distinctive feature is their yellow legs, which give this species its common name.

When observing the Yellow-legged Gull, look for the yellow legs that contrast with the grey back and the white head, which becomes even whiter during the autumn. The wing tips are black with limited white spots, and adults have a red spot on the bill. The eye is surrounded by a red ring. Juveniles can be identified by their paler head, rump, and underparts, dark bill and eyes, and a black band on the tail.

This gull favors a variety of coastal environments, often nesting on sea cliffs, islands, and occasionally on buildings within urban settings. It is also known to breed on trees in some regions.

The Yellow-legged Gull has a breeding range centered around the Mediterranean Sea, extending to the Atlantic islands and coasts as far north as Brittany and west to the Azores. Its presence is also noted on the western side of the Black Sea.

The species is known for its adaptability, with many individuals remaining in the same area year-round, while others migrate to milder regions of western Europe or head south to areas such as Senegal and the Red Sea. Post-breeding dispersal can lead to increased numbers in regions like southern England from July to October.

21-10-2020 PUERTO DE MAZARRON, MURCIA - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (JUVENILE) (Larus michahellis)

The yellow-legged gull is a large gull, though the size does vary, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a common gull and the largest males being roughly the size of a great black-backed gull. They range in length from 52 to 68 cm (20 to 27 in) in total length, from 120 to 155 cm (47 to 61 in) in wingspan and from 550 to 1,600 g (1.21 to 3.53 lb) in weight. Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 40.8 to 47.2 cm (16.1 to 18.6 in), the bill is 4.6 to 6 cm (1.8 to 2.4 in) and the tarsus is 5.6 to 7.5 cm (2.2 to 3.0 in). Adults are externally similar to herring gulls but have yellow legs. They have a grey back, slightly darker than herring gulls but lighter than lesser black-backed gulls. They are much whiter-headed in autumn, and have more extensively black wing tips with few white spots, just as lesser black-backed. They have a red spot on the bill as adults, like the entire complex. There is a red ring around the eye like in the lesser black-backed gull but unlike in the herring gull which has a dark yellow ring.

22-10-2020 EL BERRO, MURCIA - MARVEL OF PERU (Mirabilis jalapa)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/50616-Mirabilis-jalapa

 

22-10-2020 EL BERRO, MURCIA - SHORT HORNED GRASSHOPPER (Family Acrididae)

Calliptamus is a genus of short-horned grasshoppers (family Acrididae) widespread across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Famous for their vibrant pink hindwings, high adaptability to arid environments, and localized agricultural impact, they are common throughout Spain and the Mediterranean basin.

Physical Characteristics

Size: Strong sexual dimorphism is present; adult males typically measure \(14\) to \(28 \text{ mm}\), while females are noticeably larger, ranging from \(21\) to \(42 \text{ mm}\).

Coloration: Their bodies vary from pale gray to brownish-red. The hind femora are short and thick, and the hind tibiae are typically a striking ruby-red or pink.

The "Rosy Wings": When in flight, they flash brilliant pink or reddish hindwings, earning them the nickname "rosy-winged locust".

22-10-2020 SALADARES DEL GUADALENTIN, MURCIA - CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/5017-Bubulcus-ibis

 

22-10-2020 SALADARES DEL GUADALENTIN, MURCIA - LITTLE OWL (Athene noctua)

The Little Owl, Athene noctua, is a diminutive yet distinctive bird, often associated with the goddess Athena in Greek mythology and Minerva in Roman lore. This bird is characterized by a flat-topped head, a robust, compact body, and a relatively short tail. Its plumage is a mottled greyish-brown, adorned with white spots, streaks, and bars, giving it a cryptic appearance. Both sexes are similar in size, measuring approximately 22 cm in length with a wingspan of 56 cm, and weighing around 180 grams.

The Little Owl possesses a large head, elongated legs, and striking yellow eyes. Its white "eyebrows" lend it a somewhat stern expression. Juvenile birds are somewhat duller than adults and lack the white crown spots. The species is known for its woodpecker-like bounding flight. During the moult, which occurs from July to November, males begin shedding feathers before females.

This owl favors open countryside and thrives in a variety of habitats, including agricultural lands with hedgerows and trees, orchards, woodland edges, parks, gardens, steppes, and semi-deserts. It can also be found in treeless areas such as dunes, and near human-made structures like ruins and quarries.

The Little Owl's range spans much of temperate and warmer parts of Europe, the Palearctic east to Korea, and North Africa. It has been introduced to Britain and the South Island of New Zealand, where it has established populations.

The Little Owl is known for its territorial nature, with males defending their territories from intruders. It is partly diurnal and can often be seen perched in prominent positions during the day. Its diet consists of insects, earthworms, other invertebrates, and small vertebrates. The owl is adept at swooping down on prey from its perch and is known to cache surplus food.

The Little Owl's call is a querulous "kiew, kiew," and it also produces various whistling or trilling sounds. During the breeding season, it may emit more modulated calls, and pairs can engage in duets. Near the nest, the owl may make yelping, chattering, or barking noises.

Breeding season sees increased vocal activity at night in late spring. Nests are located in a variety of places, including tree holes, cliffs, and old buildings. The female lays a clutch of about four eggs, which she incubates. The male provides food during this period, and both parents feed the chicks once hatched. Young owls fledge at about seven weeks of age.

The Little Owl's diet is diverse, including mammals like mice and voles, birds, and a wide range of insects. It hunts both on the ground and in flight, and food caching behavior has been observed.

 This owl usually perches in an elevated position ready to swoop down on any small creature it notices. It feeds on prey such as insects and earthworms, as well as small vertebrates including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. It may pursue prey on the ground and it caches surplus food in holes or other hiding places. A study of the pellets of indigestible material that the birds regurgitate found mammals formed 20 to 50% of the diet and insects 24 to 49%. Mammals taken included mice, rats, voles, shrews, moles and rabbits. The birds were mostly taken during the breeding season and were often fledglings, and including the chicks of game birds. The insects included Diptera, Dermaptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. Some vegetable matter (up to 5%) was included in the diet and may have been ingested incidentally.

22-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Genus Eupithecia)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/311619-Gymnoscelis-rufifasciata

 

22-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STINK BUG (Acrosternum millierei)

Acrosternum millierei (Mulsant & Rey, 1866) is a species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae, recognized as a significant agricultural pest, particularly for pistachio trees. 

Key Facts about Acrosternum millierei:

Agricultural Impact: It is a major pest of pistachios, attacking nuts from early spring to harvest. In Iran, it is known to be a vector for Nematospora coryli, a fungus that causes pistachio nut damage.

Physiological Adaptations: These bugs are freeze-intolerant but highly adapted for overwintering. They survive cold temperatures by accumulating polyols (such as trehalose, myoinositol, sorbitol, and glycerol) and lowering their supercooling point (SCP) from a mean of −11.8 °C in summer to −17.6 °C in winter.

Habitat and Distribution: The species is found in the Mediterranean region, including Spain (Murcia, Balearic Isles, Valencia, Alicante, etc.) and Portugal. It has also been recorded in Iran, where it causes damage to pistachio orchards.

Host Plants: Beyond pistachios, A. millierei has been observed on Leucospermum species.

Description: As a pentatomid, it has a characteristic shield-shaped body and belongs to the tribe Nezarini (green stink bugs and allies).

Classification: It was originally described under the name Nezara millierei.

Defense Mechanism: Like other stink bugs, it can emit a foul-smelling odor when threatened or disturbed. 

A. millierei is closely related to other green stink bugs and is a key target for pest management in nut-producing regions. 

21-10-2020 SALADARES DEL GUADALENTIN, MURCIA - CRIMSON SPECKLED FLUNKEY MOTH (Utetheisa pulchella)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/201279-Utetheisa-pulchella

 

21-10-2020 SALADARES DEL GUADALENTIN, MURCIA - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.

21-10-2020 SALADARES DEL GUADALENTIN, MURCIA - EURASIAN JACKDAW (Corvus monedula)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/8000-Corvus-monedula

 

21-10-2020 SALADARES DEL GUADALENTIN, MURCIA - EURASIAN STONE CURLEW (Burhinus oedicnemus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4923-Burhinus-oedicnemus

 

18-10-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola)

The European stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a subspecies of the common stonechat. Long considered a member of the thrush family, Turdidae, genetic evidence has placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae.

European stonechats breed in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. They are short-distance migrants or non-migratory, with part of the population (particularly from northeastern parts of the range, where winters are colder) moving south to winter further south in Europe and more widely in north Africa.

Perky little bird of open country, especially heathland with gorse, moorland, weedy meadows, scrubby marsh margins, and rough grassland with scattered low bushes. Perches atop bushes and on fences, dropping to the ground to feed, before flying back up to a perch. Male distinctive, with blackish head set off by big white patch on sides of neck, orangey breast. Female brownish overall with paler eyebrow (only behind eye, unlike Whinchat), dull orangey breast; shows paler rump in flight, contrasting with solidly blackish tail. Warbled song is short and buzzy. Calls include dry “tchak” and rising “weet.”

European stonechats breed in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. They are short-distance migrants or non-migratory, with part of the population (particularly from northeastern parts of the range, where winters are colder) moving south to winter further south in Europe and more widely in north Africa.

European stonechats first breed when they are one year old. They are monogamous during the breeding season but do not pair for life. The nest is built entirely by the female and is placed in dense vegetation close to the ground. It is a loose unwoven cup of dried grass lined with hair and feathers. The eggs are laid in early morning at daily intervals. The clutch is typically 4–6 eggs, which are pale blue to greenish-blue with red-brown freckles that are more numerous at the larger end. The average size of an egg is 18.7 mm × 14.4 mm (0.74 in × 0.57 in) with a weight of 2.0 g (0.071 oz). They are incubated for 13–14 days by the female beginning after the last egg is laid. Both parents care for and feed the chicks. They are brooded by the female. The nestlings fledge 12–16 days after hatching but continue to be fed by both parents for a further 4–5 days after which the female begins building a new nest for another brood while the male continues to feed the young for another 5–10 days. The parents raise two or three broods in a season.

18-10-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - SPOTLESS STARLING (Sturnus unicolor)

The Spotless Starling, known scientifically as Sturnus unicolor, is a member of the starling family, Sturnidae. It bears a striking resemblance to its cousin, the Common Starling, but is distinguished by its slightly larger size, measuring 21-23 cm in length and weighing between 70-100 grams. Its plumage is a glossy, oily black, which may exhibit purple or green iridescence under bright light. Notably, during the spring and summer, its feathers are completely devoid of spots, while in winter, it sports only minuscule pale spots.

To identify the Spotless Starling, look for its longer throat feathers, which are double the length of those on the Common Starling, creating a pronounced "beard" especially visible when the bird vocalizes. Its legs are a vivid pink, and the bill color changes with the seasons: yellow with a bluish or pinkish base in summer, and a duller, often blackish hue in winter. Juveniles present a dull brown plumage, darker than their common counterparts, with a black bill and brown legs.

The Spotless Starling is quite adaptable, inhabiting a variety of open environments from farmlands and olive groves to urban areas. It thrives particularly well in open grazed holm oak woods and in cities like Gibraltar, where it is a common sight.

18-10-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (Tarentola mauritanica)

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

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

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

Common wall geckos are mainly nocturnal or crepuscular. They may also be active during the day, on sunny days especially at the end of the winter. They like to receive sunlight near their refuge. They prefer to forage and spend their time singly; in the warmer months of the year, geckos can often be seen hunting nocturnal insects near light sources and street lamps.

18-10-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

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

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

18-10-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

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

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