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

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.

Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.

The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.

Native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia, the house sparrow has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, making it one of the most widely distributed wild birds.

11-11-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13695-Motacilla-alba

 

11-11-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/117016-Phylloscopus-collybita

 

11-11-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - COMMON CHAFFINCH (MALE) (Fringilla coelebs)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/10070-Fringilla-coelebs

 

11-11-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - ZITTING CISTICOLA (Cisticola juncidis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/7697-Cisticola-juncidis

 

11-11-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - COMMON KINGFISHER (FEMALE) (Alcedo atthis)

The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), also known as the Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher, is a vibrant, pocket-sized gem among birds. With its unmistakable silhouette characterized by a stout body, large head, and a long, sharp bill, it is a sight to behold. The male boasts a striking palette with blue upperparts, an orange belly, and a conspicuous white throat and collar. The female mirrors the male's vivid colors but can be discerned by her orange-red lower mandible with a black tip.

To identify the Common Kingfisher, look for its bright blue and orange plumage and its rapid, low flight over water. The male's bill is predominantly black with some red at the base, while the female's bill features an orange-red lower mandible. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, greener upperparts and paler underparts. Their black bill and legs gradually acquire the adult coloration.

The Common Kingfisher is found along clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, as well as lakes with well-vegetated banks. It prefers areas with overhanging branches that provide vantage points for hunting. In winter, it may move to coastal regions, frequenting estuaries, harbors, and rocky shores.

10-11-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13000-Phoenicurus-ochruros

 

10-11-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small, elegant passerine bird, a member of the family Motacillidae, which includes pipits and longclaws. This slender bird measures between 16.5 to 19 cm in length, with East Asian subspecies reaching up to 21 cm. It is characterized by its long, constantly wagging tail, a behavior that has become synonymous with the genus. Weighing an average of 25 g, the White Wagtail can live up to 12 years in the wild.

Adult White Wagtails exhibit a distinctive plumage with a combination of grey, black, and white. The bird's upper parts are generally grey, with a white face, belly, and breast. Males during the breeding season may show a darker back, and the species is known for its sharp, brisk call and more melodious song during courtship.

The White Wagtail is commonly found in open country, often in close proximity to human habitation and water sources. It shows a preference for bare areas which facilitate the sighting and pursuit of prey. This bird has adapted well to urban environments, utilizing paved areas such as parking lots for foraging.

This species has a vast breeding range across Europe, the Asian Palearctic, parts of North Africa, and has a presence in Alaska. It is a migratory bird, with populations moving to Africa and parts of Asia during the winter. In Great Britain and Ireland, the darker subspecies known as the Pied Wagtail is more prevalent.

The White Wagtail is known for its perpetual tail wagging, a behavior that remains somewhat enigmatic but is thought to be a signal of vigilance to predators. It is a monogamous bird that defends its breeding territory with determination.

The call of the White Wagtail is a sharp "chisick," softer than that of the Pied Wagtail. Its song is more structured and is used by males to attract females rather than to mark territory.

10-11-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/6930-Anas-platyrhynchos

 

10-11-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

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

 

10-11-2020 EL SALER, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4954-Ardea-cinerea

 

10-11-2020 EL SALER, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13695-Motacilla-alba

 

8-11-2020 POTRIES, VALENCIA - LAMENTING GRASSHOPPER (Eyprepocnemis plorans)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/424336-Eyprepocnemis-plorans

 

8-11-2020 MONTEVERNER, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4954-Ardea-cinerea

 

8-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN DWARF MANTIS (Ameles spallanzania)

Ameles spallanzania, common name European dwarf mantis, is a species of praying mantis.

The species name spallanzania honors the Italian naturalist Lazzaro Spallanzani.

Ameles spallanzania can reach a length of 18–40 millimetres (0.71–1.57 in). Their colour may be brown, green, ocher or grey. The eyes are slightly pointed, antennae are threadlike, the pronotum is short and squared and the broad abdomen of the females is commonly curled upwards. This very small mantid (hence the common name) is characterized by an evident sexual dimorphism. The males are winged and have a quite slender body, while females show stubby bodies and are unable to fly, as they possess only small wing vestiges (brachypterous).

This thermophile species shows adaptable life-cycle strategies in different latitudes, as hatching earlier, more than one generation per year or overwintering nymphs or oothecae. Adults can be found from late spring to late summer, depending on the latitude. Nymphs usually hatch in July and the ootheca is commonly laid in September.

Similarly to the common Mantis religiosa the females may cannibalise the males whilst mating.

This species can be found in the Mediterranean area, from Morocco to Greece and from southern Europe to northern Africa (Albania, Algeria, Dalmatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia).

These mantids prefer sparse low vegetation in warm, dry places.

 

8-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BOAT BUG (Enoplops scapha)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/469995-Enoplops-scapha

 

8-11-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (FEMALE) (Saxicola rubicola)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/201192-Saxicola-rubicola

 

7-11-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/35666-Podarcis-liolepis

 

7-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Compsoptera opacaria)

Compsoptera opacaria is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found in south-western Europe, including Spain, Portugal, France[2] and Italy.

The wingspan is 34–45 mm. Adults are on wing from August to October in one generation per year.

The larvae feed on the leaves of various plants, including Genista, Thymus, Juniperus and Calluna vulgaris.

 Compsoptera opacaria is a geometrid moth found in southwestern Europe (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy). Adults have a 34–45 mm wingspan, appearing from August to October. Larvae feed on plants like Genista, Thymus, and Calluna vulgaris. The species hibernates as eggs, with larvae active until June. 

Key Facts about Compsoptera opacaria

Family: Geometridae (inchworm moths).

Distribution: Primarily southwestern Europe, including Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy.

Habitat & Status: Inhabits well-conserved environments, often serving as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem, such as in the Valencian Community.

Flight Period: One generation per year, with adults active from August to October.

Life Cycle: Eggs hibernate. Larvae are found from early spring until June.

Larval Food Plants: Larvae feed on various shrubs, including broom (Genista), thyme (Thymus), juniper (Juniperus), and heather (Calluna vulgaris).

Wingspan: 34–45 mm.

Synonyms: Historically known as *Geometra opacaria* Hübner, 1819, and sometimes referred to by synonyms like C. hubneri or C. rubra. 

6-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (FEMALE) (Monticola solitarius)

The blue rock thrush (merill) is Malta's national bird. It is 20-23cm long and has a long slim bill. It nests in rock cavities and buildings near the sea, and usually lays 3-5 eggs. It eats a wide variety of insects in addition to berries.

An omnivore, the Blue Rock Thrush eats a wide variety of insects and small reptiles in addition to berries and seeds. This is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm in length with a long slim bill. The summer male is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings.

The Blue Rock-thrush is very territorial and guards its territory also outside of the breeding season. It chases away birds that invade the territory, even birds from other species. The Blue Rock-thrush is an "old world" bird from Morocco in the west to Japan in the east. 

6-11-2020 MARXUQUERA, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13695-Motacilla-alba

 

6-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COMMON MAQUIS GRASSHOPPER (Pezotettix giornae)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/333530-Pezotettix-giornae

 

5-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CLICK BEETLE (Genus Cebrio)

Click beetles (family Elateridae) are distinct for their ability to flip themselves upright when on their backs by snapping a thorax spine into a groove, creating an audible "click" to escape predators. Over 7,000–10,000 species exist worldwide, typically measuring 12–40 mm (up to 2.5 inches) with long, slender, dark-colored bodies. Their larvae, known as wireworms, live in soil, feeding on roots and tubers. 

Key Facts About Click Beetles

Unique Mechanism: When flipped on their backs, they snap their thorax, launching themselves into the air while making a clicking sound.

Physical Appearance: They have hard, elongated, and often parallel-sided bodies (brown, black, or grey). Some species feature eye-like spots on their pronotum.

Larvae (Wireworms): The larvae are hard-bodied, slender, and yellow to brown, often resembling worms with six small legs. They can spend up to four years in the larval stage.

Diet and Habitat: Adults are primarily herbivorous, feeding on pollen and nectar, while larvae (wireworms) can be significant agricultural pests that damage crop roots, seeds, and tubers.

Behavior: They are nocturnal, often attracted to light, and may enter homes at night.

Defense: In addition to jumping, they may play dead when threatened.

2-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PETITE WAVE MOTH (Scopula minorata)

The Petite Wave moth (Scopula minorata) is a small geometer moth (15–20 mm wingspan) found across sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Southern Europe. It inhabits warm, dry lowland areas, with larvae being highly polyphagous, feeding on various plants. They are active from April to October. 

Key Facts About the Petite Wave (Scopula minorata)

Appearance: Background color varies from light ocher to brown with dark, sometimes blackish, markings. They feature characteristic, often jagged, external transverse lines.

Wingspan: Small, typically 15–20 mm.

Distribution: Primarily Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, and Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria).

Habitat: Dry and warm lowland, particularly coastal regions.

Flight Period: Generally flies from April to October, producing several generations per year.

Larval Food Plants: Polyphagous (feeds on many plants), including Mentha (mint), Rumex (dock), Tamarix, and others.

Identification: Difficult to distinguish from Scopula lactaria without examining genitalia.

Other Notes: Occasionally found in the UK as an adventive species (imported), particularly through produce. 

2-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia semigraphata)

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