7-3-2026 SAO TOME ISLAND, WEST AFRICA - BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans)

The black kite or fire kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors. It is thought to be the world's most abundant species of Accipitridae, although some populations have experienced dramatic declines or fluctuations. Current global population estimates run up to 6.7 million individuals.

Unlike others of the group, black kites are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. They spend much time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food. Their angled wing and distinctive forked tail make them easy to identify. They are also vociferous with a shrill whinnying call.

The black kite is widely distributed through the temperate and tropical parts of Eurasia and parts of Australasia and Oceania, with the temperate region populations tending to be migratory. Several subspecies are recognized and formerly had their own English names. The European populations are small, but the South Asian population is comparatively very large.

Black kites can be distinguished from red kites by the slightly smaller size, less forked tail (visible in flight), and generally dark plumage without any rufous. The sexes are alike though the male is a little smaller and less aggressive (this is the case in most birds of prey). They weigh on average 735 grams (25.9 oz). The upper plumage is brown but the head and neck tend to be paler. The patch behind the eye appears darker. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base. The lower parts of the body are pale brown, becoming lighter towards the chin. The body feathers have dark shafts giving it a streaked appearance. The cere and gape are yellow, but the bill is black (unlike that of the yellow-billed kite). The legs are yellow and the claws are black. They have a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. Males and females have the same plumage but females are longer than males and have a little larger wingspan. Their wingspan is around 150 cm (5 ft).

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN LION (MALE) (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita)

The Southern lion is a lion subspecies from Southern and East Africa. In this region, lion populations were referred to by several regional names, including Katanga lion, Transvaal lion, Kalahari lion, Southeast African lion, Southwest African lion, Masai lion, Serengeti lion, Tsavo lion, and Uganda lion. It has also been referred to as 'Eastern-Southern African lion', 'Southern lion', and as 'southern subspecies'.

The fur of Southern lions varies in color from light buff to dark brown. They have rounded ears and a black tail tuft. Mane color varies from sandy, tawny, isabelline, and light reddish yellow to dark brown and black. Mane length varies from short to extending to knee joints and under the belly. Lions without a mane were observed in the Tsavo area. Mane development is related to age: older males have more extensive manes than younger ones; manes continue to grow up to the age of four to five years, long after lions become reproductively mature. Males living in the Kenyan highlands develop heavier manes than lions in the more humid and warmer lowlands of eastern and northern Kenya. White lions have occasionally been encountered in and around South Africa's Kruger National Park and the adjacent Timbavati Private Game Reserve. Their whitish fur is a rare morph caused by a double recessive allele. It has normal pigmentation in the eyes and skin. They were removed from the wild in the 1970s, thus decreasing the white lion gene pool. 

Little is known about the behavior of Southern lions. In general, lions can be active at any time of the day but their activity generally peaks after dusk with a period of socializing and grooming. Most hunting often takes place at dusk. Apart from that African lions spend much of their time resting. They rest in order to save energy, in the absence of prey, or to escape the midday heat. African lions are highly social animals, gathering in groups or prides, which include up to 3 male lions and multiple lionesses with their young. Prides are defended by males, who patrol and mark the territory. However, there's harsh competition between males for the territory and position in the pride. In a case, if another male overcomes the leading male of the pride, he usually kills all cubs, sired by the previous male. 

Meanwhile, males do not tend to hunt due to their slow speed and eye-catching appearance. Instead, hunting is left to females of the pride, who hunt in groups, cooperating with each other during their hunting trips. The females are excellent hunters: they are faster and more agile than males, able to hunt down animals that are much bigger and faster than them. Lions have a large repertoire of vocalizations. Most of them are variations of growling, snarling, meowing, and roaring. Other sounds produced include purring, puffing, bleating, and humming. Roaring is used for advertising their presence. Lions most often roar at night, a sound that can be heard from a distance of 8 km (5 miles).

7-3-2026 SAO TOME ISLAND, WEST AFRICA - SAO TOME GREEN PIGEON (Treron sanctithomae)

The São Tomé green pigeon (Treron sanctithomae) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to the island of São Tomé in São Tomé and Príncipe. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. The species was described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789. They have disappeared from Ilhéu das Rolas due to habitat loss. There are between 37,007 and 109,255 pigeons of this species today, but this is decreasing due to unsustainable levels of hunting. 

The São Tomé green pigeon was described by German naturalist Georg Marcgrave in 1648 and the English ornithologist Francis Willughby in 1678. When the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin revised and expanded Carl Linnaeus's Systema Naturae in 1789 he chose to include the São Tomé green pigeon. He placed it with all the other doves and pigeons in the genus Columba and coined the binomial name Columba sanctithomae. The São Tomé green pigeon is now placed with around 30 other green pigeons in the genus Treron that was introduced in 1816 by the French ornithologist Louis Pierre Vieillot.] The genus name is from the Ancient Greek trērōn meaning "pigeon" or "dove". The specific epithet sanctithomae is from Late Latin sanctus meaning "saint" and Thomae for "Thomas". The species is monotypic as no subspecies are recognised.

7-3-2026 SAO TOME ISLAND, WEST AFRICA - MELASTOMES (TRISTEMMA MAURITIANUM)

 Tristemma mauritianum (often known by the family name Melastome) is a perennial, shrubby herb or, less commonly, a climber. It is native to tropical Africa, Madagascar, and the Mascarene Islands, and is recognized by its vibrant pink flowers, angular stems, and edible red, berry-like fruits. 

Key Facts about Tristemma mauritianum:

Appearance and Growth Habit: It is an erect, branched shrub or subshrub, typically growing 0.8 to 2 meters high. The stems are distinctively 4-angled (quadrangular) and often have narrow wings.

Leaves: The leaves are opposite, simple, and elliptic to ovate-elliptic in shape, measuring 6–14 cm long and 3–6 cm wide. They are, thick and tough, with 3 to 5 prominent arched lateral veins.

Flowers: The flowers are 5-merous, with petals that are pink, pale mauve, or sometimes white. They have 5 unequal, yellow stamens.

Fruit and Seeds: The fruit is a fleshy, smooth, red berry, which is ovoid, 10–16 mm long, and 6–12 mm wide. The fruits contain numerous small, curved, black seeds.

Habitat: T. mauritianum grows in wet, tropical areas, often in sunny or partially shaded spots like forest margins, along rivers, in disturbed areas, and on the edges of rice fields and plantations. It thrives at altitudes from 0 to 1500–1950 meters.

Ethnomedicinal Uses: The plant is used in traditional medicine, particularly in Madagascar, for treating eczema, psoriasis, and dysmenorrhea. A decoction of the plant is also used to prevent miscarriages.

Invasiveness: It has been introduced to other regions, such as North Queensland, Australia, where it is considered a naturalized, potentially weedy species in disturbed rainforest areas.

Edibility: The red berries are edible, having a flavor similar to strawberries.

Range: It is widespread in Tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, and south to Angola and Mozambique. 

25-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO (Clamator glandarius)

The great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes, which also includes the roadrunners, the anis and the coucals.

It is widely spread throughout Africa and the Mediterranean Basin. It is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of corvids, in particular the Eurasian magpie.

This species is slightly larger than the common cuckoo at 35–39 cm (14–15 in) in length, but looks much larger with its broad wings and long narrow tail. The adult is grey above with a slender body, long tail and strong legs. It has a grey cap, grey wings, a yellowish face and upper breast, and white underparts. Sexes are similar. The juveniles have blackish upperparts and cap, and chestnut primary wing feathers. This species has a magpie-like flight.

It is a bird of warm open country with trees. It feeds on insects, spiders, small reptiles and hairy caterpillars, which are distasteful to many birds.

The great spotted cuckoo's call is a loud cher-cher-kri-kri and variations.

Unlike the common cuckoo, neither the hen nor the hatched chick of this species evict the host's eggs, but the young magpies often die because they cannot compete successfully with the cuckoo for food. However it has been shown that this species' chicks secrete a repellent scent when predators threaten. The repellent protects great spotted cuckoo chicks themselves as well as the host's chicks from predators. Carrion crow (Corvus corone corone) chicks survive better if a great spotted cuckoo chick shares their nest. Birds of prey and feral cats less frequently prey on crow's nests that include a great spotted cuckoo chick. Crow chicks benefit only when predators are very active; when there is less predation, losing food to great spotted cuckoo chicks harms the crow chicks without compensation.

7-3-2026 SAO TOME ISLAND, WEST AFRICA - HANGING LOBSTER CLAW HELICONIA (Heliconia rostrata)

Heliconia rostrata, the hanging lobster claw or false bird of paradise, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to El Salvador, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, and naturalized in Puerto Rico. It is found in tropical rainforests, as it thrives in warm and humid environments. The inflorescences of many other heliconias grow vertically, facing upwards (e.g. Heliconia bihai), their cup-shaped bracts storing water for birds and insects. This plant, however, has pendulous inflorescences with the bracts facing downwards, the flowers nestled underneath. Without the collection of rainwater in the bracts, the flowers within them provide a source of undiluted nectar.

Heliconias are known to those who grow them as a host flower to many birds, especially hummingbirds. Because of its unique characteristics, it is often used as a specimen for tropical gardens and is commonly found in landscaped areas within humid and tropical regions.

Along with the cantuta flower, Heliconia rostrata, known as patujú, is the national flower of Bolivia.

7-3-2026 SAO TOME ISLAND, WEST AFRICA - SAO TOME PARADISE FLYCATCHER (MALE) (Terpsiphone atrochalybeia)

The São Tomé paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone atrochalybeia), also known as São Tomé flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. The species was described by Thomas Richard Heywood Thomson in 1842, with Tchitrea atrochalybeia the binomial and Fernando Po given as the type locality. The species is endemic to São Tomé Island.  Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Habitat: They inhabit moist, tropical forests, particularly in the canopy and understory, thriving in both primary and secondary growth, notes Birdbuddy.

Appearance: Males are glossy blue-black with a pale blue bill and eye-rings, featuring long tail streamers, say eBird. Females have a dark crown, grey face, and rust-colored (cinnamon) upperparts with a shorter tail, say eBird.

Behavior: These birds are active insectivores, often catching insects on the wing, say Wikipedia. They are known for being very vocal, with calls described as rapid electric clicking or buzzing sounds, notes eBird.

Conservation Status: The species is listed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN. They are not considered threatened as they have a stable, non-declining population, according to BirdLife DataZone.

Range: They are endemic to São Tomé Island in the Gulf of Guinea, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world, say Wikipedia.

Identification: They are easily distinguished from other birds in their range, as the only similar species, the Spotted Flycatcher, is a rare migrant, says eBird. 

23-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - CRIMSON BREASTED GONOLEK (Laniarius atrococcineus)

The crimson-breasted shrike (Laniarius atrococcineus) or the crimson-breasted gonolek, ('gonolek' - supposedly imitative of its call), or the crimson-breasted boubou, is a southern African bird. It has black upper parts with a white flash on the wing, and bright scarlet underparts. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated it as a "least-concern species".

The species was first collected by William John Burchell in 1811 near the confluence of the Vaal and Orange Rivers. He named it atrococcineus meaning 'black/red', finding the striking colour combination quite remarkable. The generic name Laniarius was coined by the French ornithologist Louis Pierre Vieillot and was meant to call attention to the butcher-like habits of the group. In South West Africa its colours reminded Germans of their homeland flag and it therefore became the Reichsvogel ("Empire bird"). The species is closely related to two other bushshrikes, the yellow-crowned gonolek (Laniarius barbarus) and the black-headed gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster) of East Africa, but DNA research has shown that it does not form a superspecies with the yellow-crowned gonolek (L. barbarus), the black-headed gonolek (L. erythrogaster) and the papyrus gonolek (L. mufumbiri), as previously thought.

The sexes have the same colouration and are indistinguishable from each other. The upper parts, including the wings and tail, are black, the wings having a broad white bar. The underparts are vivid scarlet. A yellow-breasted form is occasionally seen, and was at first thought to be a separate species. Young birds have a mottled and barred buff-brown appearance with a pale bill.

This shrike is extremely nimble and restless, its penetrating whistles often being the first sign of its presence, although it is not a shy species.

The crimson-breasted shrike is non-migratory and occurs in a broad swathe from southern Angola to the Free State province in South Africa and Northern Cape. Its preferred habitat is drier thornbush areas, in thickets and riparian scrub. It makes small seasonal migrations, preferring lower altitudes during cold periods.

3-3-2026 WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA - CAPE FUR SEAL (Arctocephalus pusillus ssp. pusillus)

Arctocephalus pusillus, also known as the Cape fur seal and the Afro-Australian fur seal, is a species of fur seal.

Arctocephalus pusillus is the largest and most robust member of the fur seals. It has a large and broad head with a pointed snout that may be flat or turned up slightly. It has external ear flaps (pinnae) and its whiskers (vibrissae) are long, possibly growing back past the pinnae, especially in adult males. The fore-flippers are covered with sparse hairs over about three-quarters of their length. The hind-flippers are short relative to the large body, with short, fleshy tips on the digits. The size and weight of the brown fur seal depends on the subspecies; the Southern African subspecies is, on average, slightly larger than the Australian subspecies. Males of the African subspecies (A. p. pusillus) are 2.3 m (7.5 ft) in length on average and weigh 200–300 kg (440–660 lb). Females are smaller, averaging 1.8 m (5.9 ft) in length and typically weighing 120 kg (260 lb).[5] Males of the Australian subspecies (A. p. doriferus) are 2.0–2.2 m (6.6–7.2 ft) in length and weigh 190–280 kg (420–620 lb). Females are 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) length and weigh 36–110 kilograms (79–243 lb).

Adult male cape fur seals are dark gray to brown, with a darker mane of short, coarse hairs and a lighter belly, while adult females are light brown to gray, with a light throat and darker back and belly. The fore-flippers of the fur seal are dark brown to black. Pups are born black, molting to gray with a pale throat within 3–5 months. The skull of the African subspecies has a larger crest between the mastoid process and the jugular process of the exoccipital.

The African fur seal inhabits the southern and southwestern coast of Africa, from Cape Cross, Namibia to around the Cape of Good Hope and from Black Rocks, near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province. The Australian fur seal lives in the Bass Strait, on four islands off Victoria (southeastern Australia), and five islands off Tasmania. Brown fur seals prefer to haul-out and breed on rocky outcrops and small islands, rock ledges and exposed reefs, as well as on rocky, pebble or boulder beaches. However, some larger colonies can be found on sandy beaches, such as in South Africa. Fur seals spend most of the year at-sea, but are never too far from land. They have been recorded 160 km from land, but this is not common.

The African fur seal's diet is made of up to 70% fish, 20% squid, and 2% crab. Also eaten are other crustaceans, cephalopods and sometimes seabirds. In rare instances, they have even been documented attacking and eating sharks. A recent incident occurred off Cape Point, South Africa, where a large male was observed attacking and killing five blue sharks between 1.0 and 1.4 m long. Observers concluded that the seal likely killed the sharks to eat the fish-rich contents of their stomachs, as well as their livers, as a source of energy. The Australian fur seal mostly eats squid, octopus, fish, and lobsters. The brown fur seal dives for its food. The African subspecies can dive as deep as 204 m (669') for as long as 7.5 minutes. The Australian subspecies generally feeds at lower depths, diving an average of 120 m (394'), and going as deep as 200 m (656').

The brown fur seal's main predators are great white sharks, orcas, and occasionally vagrant southern elephant seals. African land-based predators, primarily of pups, include black-backed jackals, brown hyenas and occasionally lions on the Skeleton Coast in Namibia. In addition, seagulls and other seabirds are thought to peck the eyes out of baby seals, especially sick or injured individuals, to render them helpless and disabled, as they begin to feast on their flesh.

In False Bay, the seals employ a number of defensive strategies while in shark-infested waters, such as:

Swimming in large groups, and harassing sharks in the vicinity.

Low porpoising, to increase subsurface vigilance.

Darting in different directions, to cause confusion when attacked.

Using their agility to stay out-of-reach.

Swimming near the dorsal fin to stay clear of the shark's jaws, when pursued.

This species is an inquisitive and friendly animal when in the water, and often accompanies scuba divers. They swim around divers for periods of several minutes at a time, even at a depth of 60 m. On land, they are far less relaxed and tend to panic when humans come near them.

Brown fur seals are still harvested in Namibia. Permits are issued for the killing of pups for their luxurious fur and adult males for their genitalia, which are considered an aphrodisiac in some countries. It is also considered necessary to limit seal numbers in Namibia because of the supposed effect seals have on the country's fish harvest. Research by environmental groups disputes this.

3-3-2026 WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA - WEST COAST WHITE FRONTED PLOVER (Anarhynchus marginatus ssp. marginatus)

The white-fronted plover or white-fronted sandplover (Anarhynchus marginatus) is a small (45-50 g) shorebird of the family Charadriidae that inhabits sandy beaches, dunes, mudflats and the shores of rivers and lakes in sub-saharan Africa and Madagascar. It nests in small shallow scrapes in the ground and lays clutches of one to three eggs. The species is monogamous and long-lived, with a life expectancy of approximately 12 years. The vast majority of pairs that mate together stay together during the following years of breeding and retain the same territory. The white-fronted plover has a similar appearance to the Kentish plover, with a white fore crown and dark bands connecting the eyes to the bill.

Subspecies

Four or five subspecies are recognized, which vary in the colour shade of the neck collar and breast:

A. m. arenaceus (Clancey, 1971) occurs from southern Mozambique to the south-western Cape Province in South Africa.

A. m. marginatus (Vieillot, 1818), the nominate subspecies, occurs from southern Angola to the south-western Cape Province.

A. m. mechowi (Cabanis, 1884) occurs locally in Africa south of the Sahara to northern Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe and northern Mozambique.

A. m. tenellus (Hartlaub, 1861) is endemic to Madagascar.

A. m. pons is a subspecies that is not currently accepted by all authorities.

Description

The average white-fronted plover weighs approximately 45-50 g, and the two sexes differ slightly in plumage coloration. Adult male plovers show a white forecrown and supercilium, with a dark band crossing the mid crown, with the rest of the crown a sandy grey colour. The face is mainly white, with a blackish brown stripe running from behind the eye to the ear coverts. The mantle, back, and rump is light greyish brown, with pale brown to grey fringing feathers. The upper covert and central feathers of the tail are black, and the lateral feathers are white. Primaries and secondaries are dark brown with white shafts, bases, and inner webs. White-fronted plovers also have a pale dusky-brown lateral patch on the upper breast, and white underparts, occasionally with a washed chestnut lower breast and upper belly. The eyes are brown, the bill is black, and the legs are pale grey, green-grey, or pale green/olive. Adult females have a similar appearance to adult males, however the black crown band is less defined and not as thick, and may even be absent in some cases. Additionally, the wing of the females is slightly longer than that of the males. Juveniles have similar markings to adult females, but always lack the crown band altogether, and there is no black colouration on the head- lores are brown. The lateral breast patch is very variable between individuals of this species.

28-2-2026 WATERFRONT CAPE TOWN, SA - AFRICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus maquini)

The African oystercatcher or African black oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) is a large charismatic wader resident to the mainland coasts and offshore islands of southern Africa. This oystercatcher has a population of over 6,000 adults, which breed between November and April. The scientific name moquini commemorates the French naturalist Alfred Moquin-Tandon who discovered and named this species before Bonaparte.

The African oystercatcher is a large, noisy wader, with completely black plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill. The sexes are similar in appearance, however, females are larger and have a slightly longer beak than males. Juveniles have soft grey plumage and do not express the characteristic red legs and beak until after they fledged. The call is a distinctive loud piping, very similar to Eurasian oystercatchers. As the Eurasian oystercatcher is a migratory species they only occur as a vagrant in southern Africa, and its black-and-white plumage makes confusion impossible.

27-2-2026 WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN - CAPE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax capensis)

 The Cape cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis), also known as the Cape shag, is a member of the cormorant family. It is endemic to the southwestern coast of Africa, and classified as "Endangered" by the IUCN. The Cape cormorant is most closely related to the great cormorant and Japanese cormorant.

The Cape cormorant is a blue-black bird with a glossy shine. The entire body follows the same coloration. There is little to no sexual dimorphism, with both males and females measuring 61–64 cm and weighing 1.1-1.3 kg, along with a similar plumage. The beak is dark grey-black, and a deep yellow-orange gular pouch can be observed. The eyes are turquoise with a greenish eye-ring around them.

Both non-breeding and immature adults have duller plumage, with a brown throat for immature adults. Juveniles are browner than immature adults, with grey eyes and a black, white, or speckled gular pouch.

Males and females have a wingspan of around 260 mm. For breeding adults, the wings are bottle green. Cape cormorants have a non-breeding range extending from Lobito, Angola, to Maputo Bay, Mozambique. Their breeding range is smaller, reaching from Southern Angola to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Cape cormorants stay close to the Benguela Upwelling System, an area of high food availability.

There are around 57,000 breeding pairs of Cape cormorants in Namibia alone. However, overfishing in the Cape cormorant’s range has led to a shift in food sources. Anchovies, sardines, and rock lobster have all recently shifted south and east. Cape cormorants have a limited foraging range when breeding. As such, this resource shift has led to a strong decline in Cape cormorant numbers.

23-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHEAST AFRICAN CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus)

The Southeast African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) is the nominate cheetah subspecies native to East and Southern Africa. The Southern African cheetah lives mainly in the lowland areas and deserts of the Kalahari, the savannahs of Okavango Delta, and the grasslands of the Transvaal region in South Africa. In Namibia, cheetahs are mostly found in farmlands. In India, four cheetahs of the subspecies are living in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh after having been introduced there.

The cheetah is a medium-sized cat. An adult male cheetah's total size can measure from 168 to 213 cm (66 to 84 in) and 162 to 200 cm (64 to 79 in) for females. Adult cheetahs are 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in) tall at the shoulder. Males are slightly taller than females and have slightly bigger heads with wider incisors and longer mandibles. 

The Southeast African cheetah usually lives on grasslands, savannahs, scrub forests, and arid environments such as deserts and semidesert steppes. These cheetahs can be found in open fields, where they chase and hunt herbivorous mammals such as antelopes at a very high speed. In South Africa, the cheetah also prefers woodlands (in Kruger National Park), shrublands, high mountains, mountainous grasslands, and montane areas where favorable prey are mostly available.

The Southeast African cheetah is currently the most common subspecies and was widespread everywhere in southern to central Africa, ranging from South Africa to the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo (Katanga Province) and southern Tanzania. Its range is now greatly reduced, where it occurs in an area of 1,223,388 km2 (472,353 sq mi), 22% of its original range.

22-2-2026 RHULANI LODGE MADIKWE, S AFRICA - COMMON BARK KATYDID (Cymatomera denticollis)

Cymatomera denticollis, commonly known as the Common Bark Katydid, is a nocturnal African insect that perfectly mimics tree bark to hide from predators during the day. Found in woodlands (savannahs, miombo, mopane) south of the Sahara, it is notable for its flattened, fuzzy body and its active defense of flashing bright red-orange and black abdomen colors along with releasing noxious, foul-smelling chemical spray.

Key Facts About Cymatomera denticollis:

Camouflage & Appearance: It is a bark mimic with a flat body, often covered in fine fuzz to resemble lichen-covered bark. Its legs are flattened and lobed to help eliminate its shadow.

Defense Mechanism: When threatened, the katydid fans its wings to expose a brightly colored, red-orange, and black abdomen and releases a noxious, foul-smelling liquid. This is thought to be a chemical defense, likely using repellent pyrazines, to deter primates and birds.

Behavior: It is nocturnal and spends the daylight hours resting, pressed tightly against the trunks of trees.

Habitat: Primarily found in open woodland savannahs, as well as dense forested areas in Southern Africa.

Diet: The Common Bark Katydid (Cymatomera denticollis) on iNaturalist is a plant-feeder.Identification: The species is characterized by the two thin black lines on its pronotum (part of the thorax).

8-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COAL TIT (Periparus ater)

 

The Coal Tit, scientifically known as Periparus ater, is a diminutive passerine bird belonging to the tit family, Paridae. It is easily recognized by its large white nape spot set against a black head. The adult's glossy blue-black head, throat, and neck contrast with the off-white face and brilliant white nape. The underparts range from whitish to rufous on the flanks, and the bird's bill is a stark black.

To identify the Coal Tit, look for the distinctive white nape spot on its black head. The sides of the face may have a grey to yellow tinge, depending on the subspecies. The white tips of the wing coverts are visible as two wingbars. Juveniles are duller, lacking the glossy black head, and their white nape and cheeks are tinged with yellow.

The Coal Tit is not particularly habitat-specific but is typically found in temperate humid conifer forests. It can also be seen in a variety of wooded areas, including mixed forests and gardens.

This species is a widespread and common resident breeder throughout the temperate to subtropical Palearctic, including North Africa. It is mostly sedentary, with only local movements in response to severe weather.

Coal Tits are known for their acrobatic skills and restless activity. They often form small flocks with other tits during winter. Their foraging behavior is influenced by risk, and they are known to increase body mass in response to predator calls and adjust their mass gain based on food availability.

The Coal Tit's calls are short "dee" or "see-see" sounds, while its song is a strident "if-he, if-he, if-he," which is most frequently heard from January to June and in autumn. The song is similar to that of the Great Tit but is much faster and higher in pitch.

Nesting sites are varied, including holes in rotting tree stumps, ground burrows, and old nests of other large birds. The nest is made of moss, hair, and grass, with a lining of rabbit fur or feathers. The Coal Tit typically lays seven to eleven red-spotted white eggs, mainly in May, and usually breeds once per year.

The Coal Tit can be confused with other tit species, but its distinctive white nape spot and black head are key differentiators.

The diet consists of beechmast, seeds from fir and larch cones, and seeds from alders and birches. They also visit gardens to feed on sunflower seeds and other offerings.

The Coal Tit is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating it is not currently considered a threatened species.

20-10-2020 SIERRA DE ESPUNA, MURCIA - RED CROSSBILL (MALE) (Loxia curvirostra)

The Red Crossbill, known as Loxia curvirostra, is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. This species exhibits a unique adaptation: its mandibles, which cross at the tips, are specialized for extracting seeds from conifer cones and other fruits. Adult males typically display vibrant red or orange plumage, while females are adorned in shades of green or yellow. However, there is considerable variation in both beak size and shape, as well as call types, across its range.

The Red Crossbill is readily identified by its distinctive crossed mandibles, a feature that sets it apart from most other bird species. However, it shares this characteristic with the similar Two-barred Crossbill. The Red Crossbill can be distinguished by its uniformly brownish-black wings, lacking the bright white wing bars present in the Two-barred Crossbill. While there are other closely related crossbills within its range, such as the Parrot, Scottish, and Cassia Crossbills, these are best identified by their calls, as visual differences are minimal.

13-2-2026 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - 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.

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.

The Black Redstart is known for its robin-like movements, including quick ducks of the head and body, and frequent tail flicking. Males possess a rattling song and a tick call, adding to their distinctive presence.

The Black Redstart's vocal repertoire includes a variety of calls, which differ among subspecies. The male's song is a rattling melody, while its call is a sharp 'tick', often heard during its active foraging.

Typically monogamous, the Black Redstart begins breeding in mid-April. Nests are built by females in sheltered nooks, lined with soft materials. Clutches consist of 4 to 6 eggs, incubated primarily by the female. Both parents tend to the fledglings, which leave the nest after 12 to 19 days.

The Common Redstart shares some similarities but can be distinguished by its different behavior, ecological requirements, and less dark plumage.

The Black Redstart's diet includes insects, which it often catches mid-flight. It is also known to forage in coastal areas for tiny crustaceans and flies.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Black Redstart as Least Concern, indicating a stable population across its extensive range.

24-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - WHITE NECKED JACOBIN (MALE) (Florisuga mellivora)

The White-necked Jacobin, scientifically known as Florisuga mellivora, is a medium-sized hummingbird adorned with a striking plumage. The male is particularly distinctive, boasting a dark blue head and chest, contrasted by a pure white belly and tail, the latter tipped with black. A white band graces the nape, setting apart the blue head from the vibrant green back and elongated uppertail coverts. Females exhibit a more variable appearance, often showing green upperparts and a blue-green throat, with white "scales" and a white belly. Their tails are mostly green with a blue terminal band.

Males are unmistakable with their contrasting blue and white plumage. Females and immatures can be more challenging to identify due to their variability, but typically females have less white in the tail and a bronzy hue on the throat and chest.

8-2-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RUSTY DOT PEARL MOTH (Udea ferrugalis)

Udea ferrugalis, the rusty dot pearl, is a moth of the family Crambidae. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1796.

This species can be found in central and southern Europe, Asia Minor, Africa, India and Japan.

The wingspan is 18–22 mm. The forewings of these small moths have yellow, brown or ferruginous ground colour and prominent indistinct dark brown or blackish markings towards the edge. Hindwings are brownish grey. Legs are whitish. Caterpillars can reach a length of 10–15 millimetres (0.39–0.59 in). They are greenish with yellowish head.

These moths are bivoltine or trivoltine. The moth flies through the year, but mainly in the autumn, depending on location. The larvae feed on various herbaceous plants, such as Stachys, Arctium, Lycopus, Mentha, Eupatorium cannabinum and Fragaria vesca. They overwinter in the soil as a chrysalis. This species is sometimes considered a pest, as the larvae attack various crop plants.

5-2-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREEN HUNTSMAN SPIDER (Micrommata ligurina)

Micrommata ligurina is a species of huntsman spider. It was first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1845.

In the females of Micrommata ligurina the body length can reach 9–14 millimetres (0.35–0.55 in), while in the males it is about 6–9 millimetres (0.24–0.35 in). The carapace is long and narrow and the abdomen is elongate. The cephalothorax and the long legs of the females are bright green, with a lighter green abdomen showing an almost indistinct median band.

This spider is very similar to the green huntsman spider (Micrommata virescens), but the females have a black dot on the carapace. Moreover the adult males of M. ligurina have a dark brown median band on abdomen with whitish or gray sides.

The eight eyes are arranged in two rows and surrounded by white hairs. Adults can be found in late winter and in early spring.

Micrommata ligurina occurs from the Mediterranean Basin to Central Asia. The range of this species includes Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Portugal, Romania and Spain.

These huntsman spiders live on herbaceous vegetation.

6-2-2026 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis)

The meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) is a small passerine bird, which breeds in much of the Palearctic, from southeastern Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia, and south to central France and Romania; an isolated population also occurs in the Caucasus Mountains. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in southern Europe, North Africa, and south-western Asia, but is resident year-round in western Europe, though even here many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter.

The nest is on the ground hidden in dense vegetation, with two to seven (most often three to five) eggs; the eggs hatch after 11–15 days, with the chicks fledging 10–14 days after hatching. Two broods are commonly raised each year. This species is one of the most important nest hosts of the cuckoo, and it is also an important prey species for merlins and hen harriers.

Its food is primarily insects and other invertebrates, mostly small items less than 5 mm (3⁄16 in) long. It also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes, and heather, and crowberry berries, mainly in winter.

6-2-2026 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)

The Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus, is a wading bird of the family Threskiornithidae, known for its striking, sickle-shaped bill. This mid-sized ibis measures 48–66 cm in length, with a wingspan of 80–105 cm. Breeding adults boast reddish-brown bodies and iridescent bottle-green wings, while non-breeders and juveniles display a more subdued coloration. The species is characterized by a brownish bill, dark facial skin with blue-gray to cobalt blue borders, and red-brown legs. In flight, the ibis extends its neck and exhibits a graceful V formation.

When identifying the Glossy Ibis, look for its unique glossy feathers and the distinct shape of its bill. The bird's flight pattern is also a telltale sign, as it flies with its neck outstretched, unlike herons. Listen for its various croaks and grunts, particularly the hoarse grrrr sound during the breeding season.

The Glossy Ibis favors freshwater or brackish wetlands with tall, dense emergent vegetation such as reeds, papyrus, or rushes, and low trees or bushes. It can also be found in lagoons, floodplains, wet meadows, swamps, reservoirs, sewage ponds, rice paddies, and irrigated farmland. Coastal habitats like estuaries and salt marshes are less common for this species.

6-2-2026 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (FEMALE) (Saxicola rubicola)

The European stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a subspecies of the common stonechat. Long considered a member of the thrush family, Turdidae, genetic evidence has placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae.

European stonechats breed in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. They are short-distance migrants or non-migratory, with part of the population (particularly from northeastern parts of the range, where winters are colder) moving south to winter further south in Europe and more widely in north Africa.

Perky little bird of open country, especially heathland with gorse, moorland, weedy meadows, scrubby marsh margins, and rough grassland with scattered low bushes. Perches atop bushes and on fences, dropping to the ground to feed, before flying back up to a perch. Male distinctive, with blackish head set off by big white patch on sides of neck, orangey breast. Female brownish overall with paler eyebrow (only behind eye, unlike Whinchat), dull orangey breast; shows paler rump in flight, contrasting with solidly blackish tail. Warbled song is short and buzzy. Calls include dry “tchak” and rising “weet.”

5-2-2026 VILLALONGA CAMPO, VALENCIA - LITTLE OWL (Athene noctua)

The Little Owl, Athene noctua, is a diminutive yet distinctive bird, often associated with the goddess Athena in Greek mythology and Minerva in Roman lore. This bird is characterized by a flat-topped head, a robust, compact body, and a relatively short tail. Its plumage is a mottled greyish-brown, adorned with white spots, streaks, and bars, giving it a cryptic appearance. Both sexes are similar in size, measuring approximately 22 cm in length with a wingspan of 56 cm, and weighing around 180 grams.

The Little Owl possesses a large head, elongated legs, and striking yellow eyes. Its white "eyebrows" lend it a somewhat stern expression. Juvenile birds are somewhat duller than adults and lack the white crown spots. The species is known for its woodpecker-like bounding flight. During the moult, which occurs from July to November, males begin shedding feathers before females.

This owl favors open countryside and thrives in a variety of habitats, including agricultural lands with hedgerows and trees, orchards, woodland edges, parks, gardens, steppes, and semi-deserts. It can also be found in treeless areas such as dunes, and near human-made structures like ruins and quarries.

The Little Owl's range spans much of temperate and warmer parts of Europe, the Palearctic east to Korea, and North Africa. It has been introduced to Britain and the South Island of New Zealand, where it has established populations.

The Little Owl is known for its territorial nature, with males defending their territories from intruders. It is partly diurnal and can often be seen perched in prominent positions during the day. Its diet consists of insects, earthworms, other invertebrates, and small vertebrates. The owl is adept at swooping down on prey from its perch and is known to cache surplus food.

The Little Owl's call is a querulous "kiew, kiew," and it also produces various whistling or trilling sounds. During the breeding season, it may emit more modulated calls, and pairs can engage in duets. Near the nest, the owl may make yelping, chattering, or barking noises.

Breeding season sees increased vocal activity at night in late spring. Nests are located in a variety of places, including tree holes, cliffs, and old buildings. The female lays a clutch of about four eggs, which she incubates. The male provides food during this period, and both parents feed the chicks once hatched. Young owls fledge at about seven weeks of age.

The Little Owl's diet is diverse, including mammals like mice and voles, birds, and a wide range of insects. It hunts both on the ground and in flight, and food caching behavior has been observed.

2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - EUROPEAN PIED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula hypoleuca)

The European pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca, is a diminutive passerine, a member of the Old World flycatcher family. This bird is characterized by its contrasting plumage, with males donning a striking black and white during the breeding season, while females and juveniles exhibit a more subdued brown and white. The species is known for its agility in the air as it pursues its insect prey.

Breeding males are predominantly black above with a white underbelly. Notable features include a large white patch on the wings, white sides on the tail, and a small patch on the forehead. The Iberian subspecies, iberiae, is distinguished by a larger forehead patch and a pale rump. Outside of the breeding season, males, females, and juveniles are more challenging to identify, with black replaced by pale brown, and can be easily confused with other Ficedula species.

These birds are denizens of deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, showing a preference for oak trees. They are adept at utilizing tree holes for nesting and can adapt to open-fronted nest boxes provided by conservation efforts.

The European pied flycatcher boasts a broad range, extending across Europe and the Western Palearctic. It is a migratory species, wintering in tropical Africa. Subspecies are distributed across various regions, from the UK and Scandinavia to the Iberian Peninsula and Russia.