Wednesday, 17 February 2021
17-2-2021 RACO DE OLLA, 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.
The two forms gradually intergrade into each other. Subspecies P. a. oblita is a darker brown, often approaching black with white rather than cream spots. The underside of its hindwings has a marginal pale purple band and a row of conspicuous white spots. The spots of subspecies P. a. insula are a tawny orange rather than a cream color. The underside of the forewings has patches of pale orange, and the underside of the hindwing has a purple-tinged band. Although there is considerable variation with each subspecies, identification of the different subspecies is manageable.
Tuesday, 16 February 2021
Monday, 15 February 2021
15-2-2021 JALON, VALENCIA - 15-2-2021 JALON, VALENCIA - MALLARD X MUSKOVY DUCK (Anas platyrhynchos × cairina moschata)
The cross between a Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and a Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) produces a unique hybrid often called a Mulard or Mule Duck. Because these two species belong to different genera, their offspring are almost always sterile, meaning they cannot reproduce.Quick Comparison & Hybrid Types
Mule Duck: Produced when the father is a Muscovy and the mother is a Mallard (or Mallard-derived breed like a Pekin). These are typically larger and used in the commercial meat industry.
Hinny: Produced when the father is a Mallard and the mother is a Muscovy. These are less common and generally smaller than Mule Ducks.
Key Facts & CharacteristicsAppearance:
Hybrids often exhibit a "mixed" look. They may have the iridescent green sheen of a Mallard head but with the larger body and slight red or black caruncles (fleshy growths) around the bill typical of a Muscovy.
Voice: They are generally quieter than Mallards. While female Mallards are famous for their loud quack, these hybrids may only produce soft hisses, trills, or muffled quacks.
Behavior: They often display a blend of habits. They may prefer terrestrial foraging like a Muscovy but are also capable swimmers like a Mallard.
Commercial Use: In agriculture, Mulards are highly valued for their meat and foie gras production. They are considered hardier and grow faster than many purebred ducks.
Commonality: While rare in the wild, they are frequently seen in urban parks and lakes where domestic ducks of both species are often abandoned and interbreed.
Sunday, 14 February 2021
Saturday, 13 February 2021
Friday, 12 February 2021
Thursday, 11 February 2021
11-2-2021 POTRIES, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (MALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)
%20(Sylvia%20melanocephala)%2020.jpg)
11-2-2021 POTRIES, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)