Thursday, 10 December 2020
Wednesday, 9 December 2020
9-12-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)
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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.
This species is widely distributed across south and central Europe, Asia, and north-west Africa. It is a resident in milder regions, while populations in the northeast migrate to warmer areas during winter.
9-12-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)
The common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus, is a bird of prey from the kestrel group within the falcon family Falconidae. It is also known as the European kestrel, Eurasian kestrel, or Old World kestrel. In the United Kingdom, it is often simply referred to as the "kestrel." This raptor is small compared to other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds, with long wings and a distinctive long tail.
Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism in their plumage. The male has a blue-grey cap and tail with a black tip bordered by a narrow white rim. Its back is chestnut with black spots, and the underside is buff with black streaks. The female is larger and lacks the blue-grey coloring, having a brown back with black bars and a similar underside to the male. Both sexes have a prominent black malar stripe, bright yellow cere, feet, and eye-ring, with dark toenails, bill, and iris.
The common kestrel favors open habitats such as fields, heaths, shrubland, and marshland. It does not require woodland but needs alternative perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It thrives in treeless steppes and can adapt to human settlements and various landscapes, from wetlands to arid savannas.
This species has a vast range, being widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and occasionally reaching the east coast of North America. It has colonized some oceanic islands, though vagrant individuals are generally rare.
The common kestrel is diurnal and can be sedentary or migratory, depending on the region. It is known for its characteristic hunting behavior, hovering 10-20 meters above the ground before diving steeply onto prey. It is also capable of seeing ultraviolet light, which aids in detecting the urine trails of small mammals.
Breeding occurs in spring or the start of the dry season, with the kestrel preferring cavity nests in cliffs, trees, or buildings. Clutches typically consist of 3-7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The young fledge after 4-5 weeks and stay with the family for a short period thereafter.
The lesser kestrel and American kestrel are similar but not closely related. The lesser kestrel lacks black on the upperside except for wing and tail tips, while the American kestrel has much grey in the wings of males.
The common kestrel's diet consists almost exclusively of mouse-sized mammals, such as voles, shrews, and true mice. It may also consume small birds, particularly during the summer when fledglings are abundant. Invertebrates and arthropods can be significant food sources seasonally.
Tuesday, 8 December 2020
7-12-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - NORTHERN CADDISFLIES (Tribe Stenophylacini)
Northern caddisflies (family Limnephilidae) are a diverse group of aquatic insects known for building protective, portable cases from silk, plant, and mineral materials as larvae. They are a critical, pollution-sensitive, and widespread aquatic macroinvertebrate. Larvae are mostly aquatic herbivores or detritivores, while adults are short-lived, moth-like insects.
Key Facts About Northern Caddisflies (Limnephilidae)
Case-Building Larvae: Larvae use saliva to turn silk into cases made of sand, pebbles, twigs, and leaves. These cases often take on a "log-cabin" appearance in certain genera.
Habitat & Distribution: As one of the most diverse families of caddisflies, they are found in cold streams, lakes, ponds, and marshy habitats throughout Northern temperate regions.
Ecological Indicators: Their presence signifies good water quality and healthy ecosystems, as they cannot survive in low-oxygen or polluted water.
Unique Adaptation: The genus Enoicyla is the only terrestrial caddisfly, living in damp leaf litter rather than water.
Lifecycle: They go through a complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (often up to 1 year), pupa, and adult.
Adult Appearance: Adults resemble moths with long antennae, but they have hairs (setae) on their wings instead of scales. They are mostly brown, with a tapered, tent-like wing structure.
Feeding Habits: Larvae act as scavengers or browse on algae. Adults are believed to feed on nectar or not at all, focusing on mating.
Monday, 7 December 2020
Sunday, 6 December 2020
6-12-2020 CREU DE LONGA, 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.
White Wagtails are monogamous breeders, with both sexes contributing to nest building. The nest is often placed in crevices or holes near water or in human-made structures. The species lays three to eight cream-colored, speckled eggs, which both parents incubate. Chicks fledge after 12 to 15 days and continue to be fed for a week thereafter.
The Pied Wagtail, particularly the subspecies M. a. yarrellii, is similar but has a darker back and is found in Great Britain and Ireland. Other subspecies vary in wing, back, and head coloration.
The diet of the White Wagtail primarily consists of insects and small invertebrates, including beetles, dragonflies, flies, and crustaceans. It continues to feed on insects even in winter, unlike many other insectivorous birds in temperate climates.
The White Wagtail is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population is large and stable, and the species has adapted well to human-altered landscapes. However, it faces threats from being kept as pets, used for food, and potentially from climate change affecting migration patterns.
The White Wagtail is the national bird of Latvia and has been depicted on the postage stamps of several countries. It is celebrated in Latvian folk songs and holds a special place in the cultural heritage of the regions it inhabits.
Friday, 4 December 2020
Thursday, 3 December 2020
3-12-2020 GANDIA, 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.
Wednesday, 2 December 2020
Tuesday, 1 December 2020
1-12-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - COMMON KINGFISHER (FEMALE) (Alcedo atthis)
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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.
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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.
This species has a broad range across Eurasia and North Africa. It is a year-round resident in many parts of its range but migrates from colder regions where water bodies freeze in winter.
The Common Kingfisher is a solitary and highly territorial bird, particularly during the breeding season. It is known for its fast and direct flight, often creating a flash of electric blue as it moves along waterways. When hunting, it perches above the water before diving in to catch prey with remarkable precision.
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The Common Kingfisher's call is a sharp, high-pitched whistle, often repeated in flight. When alarmed, it emits a harsher sound, and nestlings vocalize with a churring noise to signal hunger.
Breeding pairs form in the autumn, with each bird maintaining its own territory. The courtship involves chasing and ritual feeding. Nests are burrows tunneled into riverbanks, where the female lays glossy white eggs. Both parents share incubation duties, and the young fledge after about a month.
In its range, the Common Kingfisher could be confused with other small blue kingfishers. However, its rufous ear patches and specific head pattern are distinguishing features.
The diet of the Common Kingfisher is predominantly fish, complemented by aquatic insects and, in winter, crustaceans. It hunts by diving from perches, using specialized vision to locate prey underwater.
The Common Kingfisher is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has a large, stable population and a vast global range. However, it remains sensitive to water pollution and habitat disturbance, which can impact local numbers.
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