28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia)

The Common Greenshank, Tringa nebularia, presents itself as a graceful wader from the extensive Scolopacidae family. Its name, derived from the Neo-Latin term for the green sandpiper and the Latin for "mist," alludes to its marshy dwellings. In breeding plumage, it dons a brown attire, while in winter, it adopts a more subdued grey-brown. Notably larger than its cousin, the Common Redshank, it boasts long greenish legs and a long bill with a grey base, which appears upturned when the bird is in water.

Upon sighting, one may observe the white wedge on its back during flight. The bill's shape is distinctive, and its size is a helpful indicator, being somewhat larger than the Common Redshank. The bird's call, a rapid succession of three short fluty notes, can be transcribed as "teu-teu-teu."

The Common Greenshank favors dry ground adjacent to marshy areas for breeding, indicative of its preference for damp environments.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)

The Striated Heron, also known as the Mangrove Heron, Little Green Heron, or Green-backed Heron, is a diminutive member of the heron family. It stands approximately 44 cm tall and is characterized by its blue-grey back and wings, white underparts, and a distinctive black cap. A dark line extends from the bill to under the eye, and the bird's legs are short and yellow. Juveniles display a browner plumage above and are streaked below.

Adult Striated Herons can be identified by their blue-grey plumage on the back and wings, contrasted with white underparts. The black cap and the line extending from the bill under the eye are key features. Their yellow legs are relatively short. Juveniles are distinguishable by their browner and streaked appearance.

The Striated Heron favors small wetlands within the Old World tropics, ranging from West Africa to Japan and Australia, as well as in South America and the Caribbean.

This species is mostly sedentary, with its range encompassing the Old World tropics from West Africa to Japan and Australia, and extending to South America and the Caribbean. Vagrants have been recorded on various Oceanic islands.

The Striated Heron is known for its patient hunting strategy, standing motionless at the water's edge to ambush prey. It is more visible than many of its small heron counterparts. Intriguingly, it has been observed using bait, such as a feather or leaf, to attract fish.

The Striated Heron's nest is a platform of sticks, often located in shrubs or trees near water, though sometimes on the ground in sheltered areas. The clutch consists of 2-5 pale blue eggs. Unique behaviors have been noted at the nest, such as an adult bird making rapid sewing machine-like motions with a stick, though the purpose of this behavior remains a mystery.

The diet of the Striated Heron primarily includes small fish, frogs, and aquatic insects. They are known to use baiting techniques to catch fish.

The Striated Heron is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is widespread and generally common. This status is maintained regardless of whether the Lava Heron is included as a subspecies or not.

2-5-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLAIR'S MOCHA MOTH

Cyclophora puppillaria, or Blair's mocha, is a moth of the family Geometridae. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1799. It can be found in Europe and from North Africa up to the Caucasus area.

The wingspan is 28–36 mm in the first generation; the second and any subsequent generations are on average much smaller often only 19 mm. Front and hindwings have almost the same colour. This is however very variable and ranges usually from reddish brown to reddish yellow and light brown. Some specimens are sand coloured, brown or orange. Also, the pattern is very variable. The inner and outer cross lines, as well as the median band can be very well developed, but also almost completely missing. The interior cross line, but especially the outer cross line is often replaced by a row of dots. The discal spots on the front and rear wings can be large, small or completely absent. In specimens with large discal spots, these are often with white pupils. The front wing margin stains present on the hindwings, but mostly absent. The basal half of the costa is often dark. Where the inner and outer cross line reach the costal of the forewings, noticeable spots are usually developed. The fringes usually have the colour of the wings. The subspecies lilacinipes of Madeira has a dark fringe.

The moths fly from June to October depending on the location.

The larvae feed on oak.

2-5-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GOLDWING MOTH (Synthymia fixa)

Synthymia is a genus of moths of the family Noctuidae. It contains only one species, Synthymia fixa, The Goldwing, which is found in southern Europe and North Africa.

Forewing ash grey in the male, darker, slightly greenish grey in the female the outer half of wing suffused with brownish, the whole speckled with black; orbicular stigma oval, grey in a whitish ring, placed vertically at the edge of the grey basal space; reniform also vertical, an elongate figure of 8, white with dark grey centres; space between them crossed by a deep brown band, sometimes velvety brown in cell, the median vein showing white across it; inner and outer lines brownish, ill-defined; the inner waved, nearly vertical, the outer sinuous edged by grey and on the costa whitish; subterminal line thick, whitish; fringe dark-mottled; hindwing orange, deeper in female than in male; the base diffusely dark; terminal border olive brown, broad at apex, with traces of a submarginal line on inner margin; in the male more fuscous tinged, with traces of outer and submarginal lines; in the ab. griseofusa ab.nov. (= ab. 2. Hmps.) the whole of the hindwing is fuscous. Larva dark green, the dorsum lighter; dorsal and subdorsal lines pale yellow, edged with dark green; lateral stripe white, broad, with dark upper edge; head small, yellowish; thoracic plate black; anal plate brown. The wingspan is 37–40 mm.

Adults are on wing from April to July. There is one generation per year.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Psoralea bituminosa.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - COMMON REDSHANK (Tringa totanus)

The Common Redshank, Tringa totanus, is a Eurasian wader belonging to the large family Scolopacidae. Exhibiting a striking change in plumage, they don a marbled brown color during the breeding season, which transitions to a plainer greyish-brown above and whitish below in the winter. Their legs are a vibrant red, complemented by a black-tipped red bill. In flight, they reveal a distinctive white pattern up the back and on the wings.

To identify the Common Redshank, look for the red legs and the black-tipped red bill, which are characteristic of the species. The white trailing edge on the wings is also a key feature, particularly visible during flight. In breeding plumage, they exhibit a marbled brown coloration, while in winter, they adopt a less patterned greyish-brown and whitish color scheme.

Redshanks are versatile in their choice of wetland habitats, ranging from damp meadows to saltmarshes. They are often found in high densities within these environments.

This species is a widespread breeder across temperate Eurasia and migrates to winter on coasts around the Mediterranean, the Atlantic coast of Europe, and in South Asia. They are occasionally recorded as vagrants in areas such as Micronesia.

The Common Redshank is known for its wariness and its loud, piping call, which can serve as an alarm to other creatures in the vicinity.

Redshanks are not particular about their nesting sites, as long as the location is a wetland. They can nest at high densities and lay clutches of 3–5 eggs.

Their diet consists primarily of small invertebrates, which they forage for in their wetland habitats.

The IUCN considers the Common Redshank to be of Least Concern, indicating a stable population. However, it is listed as Vulnerable in Europe. The species is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

The Spotted Redshank, T. erythropus, is similar but can be distinguished by its longer bill and legs. In breeding plumage, it is almost entirely black, and in winter, it is very pale, contrasting with the Common Redshank's seasonal coloration.

The Common Redshank's call is a distinctive, loud "teu-teu-teu," often heard as they take to the air in alarm or while in flight.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - BLUE FACED MALKOHA (Phaenicophaeus viridirostris)

The Blue-faced Malkoha, or Phaenicophaeus viridirostris, is a non-parasitic member of the cuckoo family. This bird is distinguished by its waxy, dark blue-grey upperparts and a long tail adorned with graduated feathers tipped in white. Its throat and chin are dark, featuring spiny pale feathers that are branched, while the lower belly transitions to a dull creamy or rufous hue. A striking feature is the apple green bill, complemented by a naked patch of blue skin encircling the eye. Both sexes share a similar external appearance.

Adult Blue-faced Malkohas measure approximately 39 cm in length. They possess a dark grey back and head with an oily green or blue sheen, and their dark tail feathers are conspicuously tipped with white. The belly ranges from pale ochre to grey. The chin and throat feathers are unique, being branched with pointed, slightly yellowish tips, giving a streaked and spiny look. The eye is encircled by a large blue patch, with a white-fringed red iris. Juveniles can be identified by their duller upperparts and occasional brown wing feathers.

This species thrives in open forests and scrub jungle, favoring environments such as scrub and deciduous forests.

The Blue-faced Malkoha is native to peninsular India, extending south from Baroda and Cuttack, and inhabits a variety of habitats including semi-evergreen, dry deciduous, and open scrub forests. In Sri Lanka, it is typically found in the plains.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - ROSE RINGED PARAKEET (Psittacula krameri)

The rose-ringed parakeet, also known as the ringneck parrot or Kramer parrot, is a medium-sized parrot with a striking appearance. Males are adorned with a pink and black neck ring, while females and young birds display a more subdued coloration with pale to dark grey neck rings or none at all. In the wild, these birds boast a vibrant green plumage, complemented by a red beak and a blue tail. Captive breeding has led to a kaleidoscope of color mutations, including turquoise, cinnamon, olive, white, blue, violet, grey, and yellow. The species measures approximately 40 cm in length, with the tail feathers making up a significant portion of this measurement.

Adult males can be identified by their distinctive neck rings. Both sexes exhibit a green coloration in their natural habitat, with a red beak and blue tail feathers. The average wing length ranges from 15 to 17.5 cm. When observing these parakeets, listen for their unmistakable squawking call, which is quite prominent in the wild.

The rose-ringed parakeet thrives in disturbed habitats and has shown remarkable adaptability to urban and deforested areas. It is one of the few parrot species that have successfully adapted to such environments.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - TUFTED GREY LANGUR (Semnopithecus priam)

The tufted gray langur (Semnopithecus priam), also known as Madras gray langur, and Coromandel sacred langur, is an Old World monkey, one of the species of langurs. This, like other gray langurs, is mainly a leaf-eating monkey. It is found in southeast India and Sri Lanka. It is one of three Semnopithecus species named after characters from The Iliad, S. hector and S. ajax being the others. In Sinhala it is known as හැලි වදුරා (Heli wandura).

Males are larger than females. The average adult weighs 12.8 kg (28 lb) with a head-to-body length of 61.1 cm (24.1 in). The Indian subspecies is somewhat larger bodied than the Sri Lankan which typically weigh between 6.8 and 13.4 kg (15 and 30 lb).[6] Despite its somewhat slighter size there, the tufted gray langur is the largest native primate on Sri Lanka based on average sizes.

In Sri Lankan subspecies, dorsal area gray to brownish gray in color, getting darker with the age. Underparts are light grayish. Short whitish beard and sideburns present. The hairs of the crown form a distinct pointed tuft or crest, that meets at a central point, hence the name. Black eyebrows project outward. Head scarcely paler or not paler than back. Hands and feet are same color as limbs.

In Sri Lanka, tufted gray langurs are abundant in dry zone forests and also within human dwellings. Many numerous troops are found at archeologically important areas, such as Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, and Sigiriya. The animal is also found in southward of the island, such as Hambantota, Yala National Park, and Tissamaharama.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - JERDON'S BUSH LARK (Plocealauda affinis)

The Jerdon's bush lark, known scientifically as Mirafra affinis, is a modestly adorned avian species belonging to the Alaudidae family. It is a bird that captures the essence of the South Asian landscapes, with its understated beauty and harmonious existence within its environment.

When attempting to identify Jerdon's bush lark, one should look for the distinctive arrowhead-like spots pointing upwards on its breast. This species is often confused with the Indian bush lark, but keen observers will note the Jerdon's bush lark's buffy lores, less white behind the ear coverts, and darker centers to the wing coverts and central tail feathers. The primary coverts display dark centers that are quite prominent, and the wing panels are a duller rufous compared to its relatives. The subspecies found in the southern Western Ghats, known as the race ceylonensis, is darker and more rufous on the underside and boasts a longer bill. Overall, the underparts of Jerdon's bush lark are paler and greyish-brown.

This adaptable bird can be found in a variety of open habitats, which include the perimeters of forests, rocky scrublands, meadows on scrubby hills, clearings within open-type forests, shrub-edged fallow croplands, and dense bamboo thickets, up to an elevation of 1500 meters.

The Jerdon's bush lark graces the landscapes of south-east India and Sri Lanka, with an estimated global extent of occurrence spanning 100,000 to 1,000,000 square kilometers.

The Jerdon's bush lark exhibits a song-flight that mirrors that of the Indian bush lark. However, it distinguishes itself by often perching on trees and wires, a behavior not commonly seen in its close relatives.

The vocal repertoire of the Jerdon's bush lark includes a dry rattle, which it delivers from its perch, adding a unique soundtrack to the regions it inhabits.

The Jerdon's bush lark is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.

In the spirit of Thomas C. Jerdon, the surgeon-naturalist after whom this bird is named, we continue to observe and appreciate the subtle intricacies of the Jerdon's bush lark, a bird that so elegantly embodies the essence of the South Asian avifauna.

30-4-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - MARBLED TEAL (Marmaronetta angustirostris)

The Marbled Duck, or Marbled Teal, is a medium-sized duck adorned with a pale sandy-brown plumage, intricately mottled with off-white markings. Its scientific name, Marmaronetta angustirostris, reflects its marbled appearance and narrow bill. The species is characterized by a distinctive dark eye-patch and a somewhat shaggy head. Adults span approximately 39–42 cm in length, with females typically being slightly smaller than males. Juveniles resemble adults but exhibit more pronounced off-white blotching.

When identifying the Marbled Duck, look for its unique pale coloration and marbled pattern. The lack of a speculum on the secondaries and the pale wings without a marked pattern are key features to note in flight. The dark eye-patch and shaggy head are also distinctive characteristics that aid in identification.

The Marbled Duck favors temporary and shallow fresh, brackish, or alkaline waters with densely vegetated shores. These habitats are often found in otherwise dry regions and may include coastal lagoons, slow-moving rivers, and man-made reservoirs.

Once widespread across the Mediterranean region, the Marbled Duck's range has now contracted to select areas in southern Spain, southern Italy, northwest Africa, and the broader Levant. Its presence extends to the Mesopotamian marshland in southern Iraq, Iran, and isolated pockets in Armenia, Azerbaijan, South European Russia, western India, and western China.

This species exhibits nomadic tendencies, with some populations dispersing from breeding grounds to winter in the Sahel zone, south of the Sahara. The Marbled Duck is gregarious, often forming flocks, which can be small or, in some cases, quite large, particularly in wintering areas like Khuzestan, Iran.

Marbled Ducks breed in habitats with dense vegetation along the water's edge. They lay an average of 12 eggs in nests that are typically on the ground but may occasionally be found among reeds or on reed-made structures.

The diet of the Marbled Duck consists mainly of seeds from plants like Scirpus and Ruppia, invertebrates such as aquatic insect larvae and pupae, tiny crustaceans, and ants. They are equipped with a gizzard to break down seeds and lamellae in their beak for filter-feeding on zooplankton. Juveniles primarily consume invertebrates and small seeds, lacking the developed gizzard of adults.

The Marbled Duck is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. The species faces threats from habitat destruction and hunting, leading to a decline in its population. It is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - TIBETAN SAND PLOVER (JUVENILE) (Anarhynchus atrifrons)

The Lesser sand plover (Anarhynchus atrifrons) is a small wader in the plover family of birds, breeds in Pamir Mountains, Tian Shan, Tibetan Plateau and south Mongolia, winters in east and south Africa, south, east and southeast Asia.

It was previously considered conspecific with the Siberian (lesser) sand plover, and includes three subspecies: A. a. atrifrons, breeds in Tibet, A. a. pamirensis breeds in Pamir Mountains, and A. a. schaeferi, breeds in Qinghai.

A study published in 2022 proposed that the "mongolus" group of lesser sand plover is the sister group of greater sand plover, and "atrifrons" group is the sister group of them also. So a taxonomic split of lesser sand plover was needed. The authors suggested new scientific and common English name for them.

The International Ornithologists' Union accepted the split and renaming of the lesser sand plover in 2023, erecting the Tibetan sand plover as a full species.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - TUFTED GREY LANGUR (Semnopithecus priam)

This monkey is often called the Hanuman langur, named after the Hindu monkey god in the Indian epic, The Ramayana.

Like their African relatives, the colobus monkeys, langurs are predominantly leaf eating monkeys. However, they also eat a wide variety of other foods that allow them to survive near human habitation in places such as the Polonnaruwa Reserve, where they are frequently associated with troops of toque macaques.

The Hanuman langurs are diurnal, and they spend about half of their time on the ground. This makes them very easy to observe.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - ASIAN KOEL (FEMALE) (Eudynamys scolopaceu)

The Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is a member of the cuckoo order, Cuculiformes, known for its glossy bluish-black plumage in males and spotted brown appearance in females. This large, long-tailed bird is notable for its brood parasitic behavior and frugivorous diet.

Males are glossy bluish-black with a pale greenish-grey bill, crimson iris, and grey legs and feet. Females have a brownish crown with rufous streaks and dark brown back with white and buff spots. The underparts are whitish with heavy striping. Juveniles resemble males but have a black beak.

The Asian koel inhabits light woodlands and areas of cultivation, adapting well to human-altered landscapes.

This species is mainly resident across tropical southern Asia, from Iran and Pakistan through India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, to southern China and the Greater Sundas. It has shown remarkable colonization abilities, including the volcanic island of Krakatau.

The Asian koel is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of crows and other hosts. It does not always evict host eggs or chicks and has a unique pattern of moult differing from other parasitic cuckoos.

The male's song is a repeated koo-Ooo, while the female emits a shrill kik-kik-kik. Calls can vary across populations.

The Asian koel lays its eggs in host nests, timing it closely with the host's laying period. The koel chicks hatch earlier than the host's and are sometimes fed by the adult female koel.

The Asian koel forms a superspecies with the closely related black-billed koels and Pacific koels, which differ in plumage, bill color, and voice.

Adults are largely frugivorous, defending fruiting trees and playing a role in seed dispersal. They also consume insects, caterpillars, and occasionally eggs and small vertebrates.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Asian koel as Least Concern, reflecting its wide distribution and stable population trends.

BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - ASIAN GREEN BEE-EATER (Merops orientalis)

The Asian green bee-eater, known scientifically as Merops orientalis, is a captivating near passerine bird belonging to the bee-eater family. This slender and brightly colored avian species measures approximately 9 inches in length, with the elongated central tail-feathers contributing about 2 inches to its overall size. The plumage is predominantly bright green, with a blue tinge on the chin and throat, and a golden rufous touch on the crown and upper back. The flight feathers exhibit a rufous hue mixed with green and tipped with blackish. A distinctive black line runs in front of and behind the eye, while the iris is a striking crimson. The bill is black, and the legs are a dark grey, with feet that are weak and toes that are joined at the base.

To identify the Asian green bee-eater, look for the bright green plumage with blue and golden rufous accents. The sexes appear similar and cannot be visually distinguished. Juveniles lack the elongated tail feathers seen in adults. The bird's bill is black, and the legs are dark grey. The crimson iris is a notable feature that can aid in identification.

The Asian green bee-eater is found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, thin scrub, and forests, often at a considerable distance from water bodies. It prefers open country with bushes and can adapt to different environments from arid areas in Africa and Arabia to more diverse habitats in Asia.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - GREATER COUCAL (Centropus sinensis)

The Greater Coucal, also known as the Crow Pheasant (Centropus sinensis), presents itself as a large, non-parasitic member of the cuckoo order. This bird, stretching to a length of 48 cm, boasts a striking black head, a glossy purple-black mantle and underside, and chestnut brown wings. The eyes of this species are a captivating ruby red, while juveniles exhibit a duller black with spots on the crown and white bars on the underside and tail.

To identify the Greater Coucal, look for its long tail and the characteristic long and straight hind claw. The absence of pale shaft streaks on the coverts is notable. Leucistic specimens, displaying partial albinism, have been observed, though they are rare.

This bird is quite adaptable, found in a variety of habitats ranging from dense jungle to cultivated areas and even urban gardens.

27-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - ORIENTAL GARDEN LIZARD ( Calotes versicolor)

The oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor), also called the eastern garden lizard, Indian garden lizard, common garden lizard, bloodsucker or changeable lizard, is an agamid lizard found widely distributed in Indo-Malaya. It has also been introduced in many other parts of the world.

Calotes versicolor is an insectivore, and the male gets a bright red throat in the breeding season. It measures over 10 cm (3.9 in) in length snout-to-vent. Total length including the tail is up to 37 cm (14.5 in). Two small groups of spines, perfectly separated from each other, above each tympanum. Dorsal crest moderately elevated on the neck and anterior part of the trunk, extending on to the root of the tail in large individuals, and gradually disappearing on the middle of the trunk in younger ones. No fold in front of the shoulder, but the scales behind the lower jaw are much smaller than the others; gular sac not developed. From thirty-nine to forty-three series of scales round the middle of the trunk. The hind foot (measured from the heel to the extremity of the fourth toe) is not much longer than the head in the adult, whilst it is considerably longer in the young. The coloration is very variable, sometimes uniform brownish or greyish-olive or yellowish. Generally broad brown bands across the back, interrupted by a yellowish lateral band. Black streaks radiate from the eye, and some of them are continued over the throat, running obliquely backwards, belly frequently with greyish longitudinal stripes, one along the median line being the most distinct; young and half-grown specimens have a dark, black-edged band across the inter-orbital region. 

The ground-colour is generally a light brownish olive, but the lizard can change it to bright red, to black, and to a mixture of both. This change is sometimes confined to the head, at other times diffused over the whole body and tail. A common state in which it may be seen (as stated by T. C. Jerdon) is, seated on a hedge or bush, with the tail and limbs black, head and neck yellow picked out with red, and the rest of the body red. Jerdon and Blyth agree that these bright, changeable colours are peculiar to the male during the breeding-season, which falls in the months of May to early October.

The female lays from five to sixteen soft oval eggs, about 5/8 of an inch long, in hollows of trees, or in holes in the soil which they have burrowed, afterward covering them up. The young appear in about eight or nine weeks. In a hot sunny day a solitary bloodsucker may be seen on a twig or on a wall, basking in the sun, with mouth wide open. After a shower of rain numbers of them are seen to come down on the ground and pick up the larva and small insects which fall from the trees during the showers.[3] Changeable lizards escape danger by darting to the nearest tree. If the predator comes even closer, they will scale to the side of the tree facing away from the predator and very swiftly dart up the tree. The predator looks behind the tree only to see that the lizard is up in the branches.

During the breeding season, the male's head and shoulders turns bright orange to crimson and his throat black. Males also turn red-headed after a successful battle with rivals. Both males and females have a crest from the head to nearly the tail, hence their other common name, "crested tree lizard".

Unlike some other lizards, they do not drop their tails (autotomy), and their tails can be very long, stiff and pointy. Like other reptiles, they shed their skins. Like chameleons, changeable lizards can move each of their eyes in different directions.

The native range of the species includes southeastern Iran, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India (including the Andaman Islands), Indonesia (Sumatra), Malaysia (western), Maldives, Mauritius (Reunion, Rodrigues), Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Thailand, Vietnam (including Pulo Condore Island). It has been introduced to Brunei, Celebes, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore and United States. The lizards were introduced to Singapore from Malaysia and Thailand in the 1980s. In Singapore, they are a threat to the native green-crested lizard.[4] The changeable lizard is relatively common and found in a wide range of habitats. They appear to adapt well to humans and are thus not endangered. They are commonly found among undergrowth, in open habitats as well as highly urban areas. However, in China people regularly kill them, as they are viewed as pests.

27-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - COMMON PIERROT BUTTERFLY (Castalius rosimon)

The species is found in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar; Tenasserim, extending into the Malayan subregion. In the Indonesian archipelago the butterfly occurs in north-eastern Sumatra, Kalimantan, eastern Java, Bali, Bangka, Timor, Wetar, Kissar, Sumbawa and Sulawesi.

In India the butterfly is found south of the outer ranges of the Himalayas, except in desert tracts; east India; the north-west Himalayas; Assam. The butterfly is also found in the Andaman Islands and the southern Nicobar Islands.

27-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - COMMON TIGER BUTTERFLY (Danaus genutia)

Danaus genutia, the common tiger, is one of the common butterflies of India. It belongs to the "crows and tigers", that is, the Danainae group of the brush-footed butterflies family. The butterfly is also called striped tiger in India to differentiate it from the equally common plain tiger, Danaus chrysippus. The species was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1779.

The butterfly closely resembles the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) of the Americas. The wingspan is 70 to 95 millimetres (2.8 to 3.7 in). Both sexes of the butterfly have tawny wings with veins marked with broad black bands. The male has a pouch on the hindwing. The margins of the wings are black with two rows of white spots. The underside of the wings resembles the upperside but is paler in colouration. The male common tiger has a prominent black-and-white spot on the underside of the hindwing. In drier regions the tawny part of the hindwing pales and approaches white in colour making it very similar to the white tiger (D. melanippus).

D. genutia is distributed throughout India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and extending to South-East Asia and Australia (except New Guinea). At least in the South Asian part of its range it is fairly common, locally very common.

This butterfly occurs in scrub jungles, fallow land adjacent to habitation, dry and moist deciduous forests, preferring areas of moderate to heavy rainfall. Also occurs in degraded hill slopes and ridges, both, bare or denuded, and, those covered with secondary growth.

While it is a strong flier, it never flies rapidly or high. It has stronger and faster strokes than the plain tiger. The butterfly ranges forth in search of its host and nectar plants. It visits gardens where it nectars on the flowers of Adelocaryum, Cosmos, Celosia, Lantana, Zinnia, and similar flowers.

27-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - BLACK HOODED ORIOLE (Oriolus xanthornus)

The Black-hooded oriole (Oriolus xanthornus) is a colorful passerine bird that breeds in tropical southern Asia. These are birds of open woodlands and spend most of their time in the tree canopies.

The male of this species is striking, with the typical oriole black and yellow colouration. The plumage is predominantly yellow, with a solid black hood, and black also in the wings and tail centre. The female black-hooded oriole is a drabber bird with greenish underparts, but still has the black hood. Young birds are like the female, but have dark streaking on the underparts, and their hood is not solidly black, especially on the throat.

Black-hooded orioles breed from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia. They live in open woodlands, mangroves and cultivated areas.

Black-hooded orioles are shy, and even the male may be difficult to see in the dappled yellow and green leaves of the canopy. Their flight is somewhat like a thrush, strong and direct with some shallow dips over longer distances. Black-hooded orioles are diurnal and while foraging they use foliage-gleaning, wood-gleaning, or sallying methods.

Black-hooded orioles are carnivores (insectivores) and herbivores (frugivores). They feed on various insects and fruit, especially figs.

Little is known about the reproductive habits of Black-hooded orioles. They construct their nests in a tree, and females lay clutches of 2 eggs.

The black-hooded oriole (Oriolus xanthornus) is a member of the oriole family of passerine birds and is a resident breeder in tropical southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia.

It is a bird of open woodland and cultivation. The nest is built in a tree, and contains two eggs. Its food is insects and fruit, especially figs, found in the tree canopies where they spend much of their time.

The male is striking, with the typical oriole black and yellow colouration. The plumage is predominantly yellow, with a solid black hood, and black also in the wings and tail centre.

The female black-hooded oriole is a drabber bird with greenish underparts, but still has the black hood. Young birds are like the female, but have dark streaking on the underparts, and their hood is not solidly black, especially on the throat.

The black head of this species is an obvious distinction from the Indian golden oriole, which is a summer visitor to northern India. Orioles can be shy, and even the male may be difficult to see in the dappled yellow and green leaves of the canopy.

The black-hooded oriole's flight is somewhat like a thrush, strong and direct with some shallow dips over longer distances.

While foraging the species uses foliage-gleening, wood-gleening, or sallying methods.

23-4-2025 CATARROJA, VALENCIA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

The Black-winged Stilt, Himantopus himantopus, is a slender wader known for its strikingly long, pink legs and contrasting black-and-white plumage. This elegant bird is a member of the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae.

Adult Black-winged Stilts measure 33–36 cm in length. They possess a long, thin black bill and display a distinctive black and white coloration. The head and neck are predominantly white, with variable black markings depending on the sex and subspecies. Males typically have a glossy or greenish sheen on their black backs, while females exhibit a more brownish tinge. During flight, their long legs trail behind, and their wingbeats are steady.

These birds favor marshes, shallow lakes, and ponds as their breeding grounds. They are also known to inhabit coastal areas during migration and in the winter months.

The Black-winged Stilt has a wide range, extending across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some populations migrate to coastal regions in winter, while others in milder climates may remain resident or engage in short-range movements.

Black-winged Stilts are often seen foraging in shallow waters, gracefully picking insects and crustaceans from the surface. They are known to nest in small groups, sometimes alongside avocets, and exhibit a variety of courtship behaviors, including intricate displays and duets. 

The flight call of the Black-winged Stilt is a sharp and clear kleek, typically heard during its aerial maneuvers.

Nests are simple bare spots on the ground near water. These birds are communal nesters and may breed in loose colonies. They have been known to breed as far north as Britain, with recent successful breeding events recorded in Southern and Northern England.

The Black-winged Stilt can be confused with other stilt species, such as the Black-necked Stilt (H. mexicanus) in the Americas, the White-backed Stilt (H. melanurus), and the Pied Stilt (H. leucocephalus) in Australasia and New Zealand.

Their diet consists mainly of insects and crustaceans, which they deftly pick from the water's surface or from wet sand.

The IUCN lists the Black-winged Stilt as Least Concern, indicating a stable global population. However, they are protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in their conservation.

30-4-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - LARGE MARSH HORSEFLY (Tabanus autumnalis)

Tabanus autumnalis, the large marsh horsefly, is a medium-sized species of biting horse-fly. It is somewhat scarce compared to T. bromius and T. bovinus. This species shows slightly more of a preference for coastal marsh than some of the other European Tabanus, sometime even found in saltmashes. Wing length is 13–16 mm and about 16–22 mm in body length.

27-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - INDIAN ROBIN (FEMALE) (Copsychus fulicatus)

The Indian robin, Copsychus fulicatus, is a small passerine bird that is part of the Muscicapidae family. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the males are distinguished by their striking black plumage with a white shoulder patch, while the females are more subdued in coloration, with brownish-grey feathers. The species is known for its long tail, which is characteristically held upright, revealing the chestnut undertail coverts.

Males of the Indian robin can be identified by their black bodies and the white shoulder patch, which can vary in visibility. The northern subspecies have brownish upper plumage, which becomes progressively blacker as one moves southward. Females lack the white shoulder stripe and are greyish below. Juveniles resemble females but have a mottled throat.

The Indian robin favors open scrub areas, often found in stony, grassy, and scrub forest habitats. It tends to avoid dense forests and regions with high rainfall.

This bird is widespread across the Indian subcontinent, with its range extending through Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It is a resident species, showing no migratory behavior.

30-4-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)

The pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta, presents a striking silhouette with its bold black and white plumage. This large wader, belonging to the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae, is adorned with a distinctive black cap and black markings on its wings and back, contrasting sharply against its otherwise white body. The species is noted for its elegant, upturned bill and elongated, bluish legs, which add to its graceful demeanor.

Adult pied avocets measure approximately 16.5–17.75 inches in length, with a wingspan stretching around 30–31.5 inches. Their long legs and upturned bills, measuring about 2.95–3.35 inches and 3–4 inches respectively, are key features for identification. Both sexes appear similar, while juveniles can be distinguished by their more greyish and sepia tones.

These birds favor shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed mudflats, which provide ideal foraging and breeding grounds.

The pied avocet breeds across temperate Europe and extends across the Palearctic to Central Asia and the Russian Far East. It is a migratory species, with most individuals wintering in Africa or southern Asia. Some, however, remain in the milder parts of their range during winter, such as southern Spain and southern England.

Pied avocets forage in shallow waters or on mudflats, often employing a unique side-to-side scything motion with their bills to capture prey. They primarily consume crustaceans and insects. During the breeding season, they nest on open ground, often forming small groups and sometimes associating with other wader species. Their nests are typically lined scrapes or mounds of vegetation, where they lay three to five eggs.

The avocet's call is a distinctive, melodious "kluit kluit," which carries far across their watery habitats.

Pied avocets establish breeding territories in shallow brackish waters, where they lay their eggs in simple ground nests. These nests may be lined with materials or placed on mounds of vegetation to protect them from flooding.

While the pied avocet's unique plumage and bill shape make it quite distinctive, it could potentially be confused with other avocet species within the genus Recurvirostra. However, its black and white coloration and habitat preferences are usually sufficient for accurate identification.

The diet of the pied avocet consists mainly of crustaceans and insects, which they adeptly capture with their specialized bill.

The IUCN Red List classifies the pied avocet as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, the species does not face any imminent threats to its survival on a global scale.

30-4-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - IBERIAN BLUETAIL DAMSELFLY (FEMALE) (Ischnura graellsii)

A fairly slender species, the posterior edge of the prothorax with a well-marked but slightly raised median tubercle; the forewings and hindwings have a similarly sized pterostigma, bicolor in the male; the abdomen is dorsally bronzed black, the 2nd segment of which bears a well-marked dorsal tubercle, and the 8th and part of the 9th segments are sky-blue in the male and greyish or greenish in the female; the 10th segment of the male bears a thick dorsal tubercle.

♂ Anal appendages: the cercoids are shorter than the cerci, uncrossed, with a sharp tip and an internal branch longer than the internal part; the cerci have an internal expansion.

Dimensions

♂ Abdomen, 20–23 mm; hindwing, 12–16 mm.

♀ Abdomen, 21–23 mm; hindwing, 14–16 mm.

Distribution is the  Iberian Peninsula; North Africa (north of the Atlas Mountains).

Widely distributed across most of the Iberian Peninsula, it is the most common and abundant zygopteran in many areas.

The larvae, which are almost always found in stagnant waters (ditches, ponds, marshes, etc.), can tolerate slightly brackish waters.

The flight period of this species, very common in the Iberian Peninsula, extends from March to September.

24-4-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PETITE WAVE MOTH (Scopula minorata)

Scopula minorata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1833. It is found in Africa south of the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula and on the islands of the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, it is found in southern Europe. It can be distinguished from Scopula lactaria only by examination of its genitalia.

The wingspan is 15–20 millimetres (0.59–0.79 in).

Subspecies

Scopula minorata minorata

Scopula minorata corcularia (Rebel, 1894)

Scopula minorata ochroleucaria (Herrich-Schäffer, 1847)

Scopula minorata tripolitana (Sterneck, 1933)