30-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian Coot is all-black and larger than its cousin, the Moorhen. It has a distinctive white beak and 'shield' above the beak which earns it the title 'bald'. Its feet have lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act in the same way as webbed feet when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards others.

European Coot, also known as the Eurasian Coot, is a bird species commonly found in Europe and Asia. They belong to the Rallidae family and are easily recognizable by their black plumage and distinctive white beak.

Here are 10 interesting facts about the European Coot:

European Coots have a wingspan of up to 75 cm and can weigh up to 1.2 kg.

These birds are excellent swimmers and divers, using their lobed toes to propel through the water.

European Coots are omnivores and feed on various foods, including aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.

During the breeding season, these birds are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nests against intruders.

European Coots have a unique way of feeding their chicks, producing a particular type of milk in their crop that they regurgitate and feed to their young.

These birds are highly adaptable and can live in various habitats, from lakes and rivers to city parks and gardens.

European Coots have distinctive white beaks and red eyes, thought to be an adaptation for better underwater vision.

These birds are monogamous during the breeding season but may mate with different partners in subsequent years.

European Coots have a lifespan of up to 17 years in the wild.

Despite their common name, European Coots are also found in parts of Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea.

 The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

The Eurasian coot is less secretive than many rails, often visible on open water or grasslands. It is territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, with both parents defending their territory. In non-breeding seasons, coots may form large flocks. They are reluctant flyers, preferring to run across water surfaces, and are known for bobbing their heads while swimming.

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - GREAT CRESTED GREBE (FEMALE & JUVENILE) (Podiceps cristatus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4208-Podiceps-cristatus

 

1-6-2021 PUEBLA DON RODRIGO, LA MANCHA - EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/145360-Chloris-chloris

 

1-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RUNNING CRAB SPIDER (Family Philodromidae)

Philodromidae, also known as philodromid crab spiders and running crab spiders, is a family of araneomorph spiders first described by Tord Tamerlan Teodor Thorell in 1870 (then known as subfamily Philodrominae within Thomisidae). It contains over 500 species in thirty genera.

The most common genus is Philodromus which is widespread, similar to Ebo. Other common genera include the elongate grass-dwelling Tibellus and the widespread Thanatus, which includes the house crab spider that commonly captures flies on and in buildings.

2-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WOOD LEOPARD MOTH (Zeuzera pyrina)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/200930-Zeuzera-pyrina

2-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GOLDWING MOTH (Synthymia fixa)

 The Goldwing moth (Synthymia fixa) is a small, specialized moth known for its striking, hidden coloration and limited habitat range in southern Europe and North Africa. It belongs to the Erebidae family, specifically within the subfamily often referred to as underwing moths. 

Here are key facts about the Goldwing moth (Synthymia fixa):

Physical Characteristics

Appearance: They are small, with a wingspan of only 37–40 mm. The forewings are typically brown, providing excellent camouflage when at rest.

Hidden Colors: When disturbed, they reveal bright orange or golden hindwings. This sudden flash of color is a defense mechanism intended to surprise predators.

Appearance in Flight: They are often described as small brown moths that appear bright orange when flying in the countryside.

Flight Time: They are primarily seen in late spring, particularly April and May.

Day-Flying: While many moths are nocturnal, Goldwings can be seen flying during the day, particularly when disturbed from their resting spots.

Habitat: They prefer warm regions and are found in the Maltese islands, parts of southern Europe, and North Africa. 

Host Plant: The caterpillars feed exclusively on Bitumen Vetch (Bituminaria bituminosa), which is also known as Pitch Clover or Silla tal-mogħoż in Malta.

Habitat Association: Due to their specialized diet, the moths are found in close proximity to patches of Bitumen Vetch. 

Distribution: While common in certain Mediterranean areas, they are not a resident British species, with only a single, historic report of one being caught in Devon in 1937.

Visibility: In good years, they can be seen in large numbers fluttering through patches of their host plant in the Maltese countryside. 

30-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4208-Podiceps-cristatus

 

30-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4943-Egretta-garzetta

 

30-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/20969-Upupa-epops

 

30-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - WHITE HEADED DUCK (MALE) (Oxyura leucocephala)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/7081-Oxyura-leucocephala

 

30-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - CETTI'S WARBLER (Cettia cetti)

The Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti) is a small, elusive bird with a rich chestnut or dark reddish-brown upperparts and pale grey underparts. It has a rounded head with a narrow pale grey stripe over its conspicuous black eyes, and short, rounded wings. The tail is notably longer and broader than many other warblers, and this species is unique among passerines for having ten tail feathers instead of the usual twelve.

Males and females of the Cetti's Warbler are similar in plumage, but males are significantly heavier and have longer wings. The male's wing length exceeds 60 mm, while the female's is shorter than 55 mm. Juveniles resemble adults but can be distinguished by their fresher plumage and two dark spots on the tongue.

Cetti's Warblers are typically found in damp environments such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and riversides, where they can be heard if not always seen.

This species breeds across southern and central Europe, northwest Africa, and eastward to Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan. Since 1990, their numbers have increased across Europe, with stable or growing populations in Italy and Turkey. The UK saw its first record in 1961, and it is now a rare vagrant in Ireland.

Cetti's Warblers are known for their skulking habits, making them a challenge to observe. They are territorial, especially during the breeding season, with males establishing their domains and attracting multiple females.

30-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - COMMON MALLOW (Malva sylvestris)

Malva sylvestris is a species of the mallow genus Malva, of which it the type species. Known as common mallow to English-speaking Europeans, it acquired the common names of cheeses, high mallow and tall mallow (mauve des bois by the French as it migrated from its native home in Western Europe, North Africa and Asia through the English-speaking world.

M. sylvestris is a vigorous plant with showy flowers of bright mauve-purple, with dark veins, standing 0.91–1.22 metres (3–4 ft) high and growing freely in meadows, hedgerows and in fallow fields.

30-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - CRESTED LARK (Galerida cristata)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/578607-Galerida-cristata

 

30-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - MEADOW BROWN BUTTERFLY (Maniola jurtina)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/55653-Maniola-jurtina

 

29-5-2021 MORAL DE CALATRAVA, LA MANCHA - CRESTED LARK (Galerida cristata)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/578607-Galerida-cristata

11-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, 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.