10-5-2019 MARXUQUERA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

18-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - LESSER KESTREL (FEMALE) (Falco naumanni)

10-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.

Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.

The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.

Native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia, the house sparrow has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, making it one of the most widely distributed wild birds.

House sparrows are social birds, often seen in flocks. They exhibit a range of behaviors, including dust or water bathing and communal roosting. Males are known to be territorial around their nesting sites.

The house sparrow's vocalizations are predominantly variations of a simple chirping call. Males may sing or give an "ecstatic call" during the breeding season, and the species uses a variety of calls for different social interactions.

House sparrows are generally monogamous and may mate for life. They can breed in the season following their hatching and often produce multiple clutches per year, with each clutch containing up to five eggs. Nest sites are varied, with a preference for cavities.

An opportunistic feeder, the house sparrow's diet consists mainly of seeds from grains and weeds, but it also consumes insects and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when feeding young.

10-5-2019 GANDIA, VALENCIA - BEAR'S BREECHES (Acanthus mollis)

Acanthus mollis, commonly known as bear's breeches, sea dock, bear's foot plant, sea holly, gator plant or oyster plant, is a species of plant in the family Acanthaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a leafy, clump-forming perennial herb, with a rosette of relatively large, lobed or toothed leaves, and purplish and white flowers on an erect spike.

Acanthus mollis is a leafy, clump-forming perennial herb with tuberous roots. It has a basal rosette of dark glossy green, lobed or divided, glabrous leaves 50 cm (20 in) long and 30 cm (12 in) wide on a petiole 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in) long. The flowers are borne on an erect spike up to 200 cm (79 in) tall emerging from the leaf rosette. The sepals are purplish and function as the upper and lower lips of the petals, the upper lip about 4 cm (1.6 in) long and the lower lip 3 cm (1.2 in) long. The petals are about 4–4.5 cm (1.6–1.8 in) long and form a tube with a ring of hairs where the stamens are attached. Flowering occurs in summer and the fruit is a sharply-pointed capsule about 2 cm (0.79 in) long containing one or two brown seeds about 14 mm (0.55 in) long and 8 mm (0.31 in) wide.

9-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SMALL DUSTY WAVE MOTH (Idaea seriata)

The small dusty wave (Idaea seriata) is a moth of the family Geometridae first described by Franz von Paula Schrank in 1802. It is found throughout Western, Central and Northern Europe. In the north, its range extends as far as Denmark and southern Scandinavia. In the east its range extends as far as Russia (Moscow or Veliky Novgorod). Idaea seriata is replaced by the subspecies Idaea seriata canteneraria, from the north-east of Spain and the central and eastern Mediterranean (including the islands, except Crete) to the Crimean peninsula, while the western Mediterranean and the Balearic Islands are inhabited by the sister species Idaea minuscularia. 

Outside Europe it is found in eastern Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, Cyprus, the Caucasus and the northwest of Transcaucasia. In Morocco and western Algeria, it is replaced by the sister species Idaea minuscularia. In the British Isles it is common in England and Wales but is only found in the eastern half of Scotland and it is rare in Ireland.

8-5-2019 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

8-5-2019 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - COMMON SLIDER TERRAPIN (Trachemys scripta)

Common slider terrapins, particularly the red-eared slider, are omnivorous, semi-aquatic turtles that can live for 20-30 years and reach about 6-8 inches in size. They are known for their red "ear" stripe, webbed feet, and love of basking in groups. They require a habitat with both water and a basking area and are known to be a significant invasive species when released into the wild. 

Biology and habitat

Diet: They are omnivores with a diet that includes plants, insects, fish, and amphibians.

Size: Adult red-eared sliders typically grow to 6-8 inches, though some can reach the size of a dinner plate.

Lifespan: Their lifespan is usually 20-30 years, but they can live longer, sometimes exceeding 40 years, especially in captivity.

Common slider terrapins, particularly the red-eared slider, are omnivorous, semi-aquatic turtles that can live for 20-30 years and reach about 6-8 inches in size. They are known for their red "ear" stripe, webbed feet, and love of basking in groups. They require a habitat with both water and a basking area and are known to be a significant invasive species when released into the wild. 

Biology and habitat

Diet: They are omnivores with a diet that includes plants, insects, fish, and amphibians.

Size: Adult red-eared sliders typically grow to 6-8 inches, though some can reach the size of a dinner plate.

Lifespan: Their lifespan is usually 20-30 years, but they can live longer, sometimes exceeding 40 years, especially in captivity.

Habitat: They are freshwater turtles that inhabit ponds, lakes, and swamps and are often found basking in groups.

Identification: A key identifying feature is the reddish stripe behind each eye. 

Behavior and handling

Basking: They are social and frequently bask in groups on land.

Interactions: They are curious but can be skittish and are not a pet for those seeking a highly interactive or cuddly animal.

Handling: They are not fond of handling and can bite. It is best to avoid hand-feeding and use tongs instead.

Salmonella: They can carry Salmonella, which can be transmitted to humans, so hand washing after handling is crucial. 

Invasive species

Impact: When released, common sliders can become invasive, outcompeting native species for food and habitat.

Threats: They can eat native fish and plants, displace nesting birds, and negatively impact water quality.

Legal status: In some areas, it is illegal to keep, sell, or release them without a permit. 

8-5-2019 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - MALLARD (FEMALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard, or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is a familiar and widespread dabbling duck with a presence across temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The male is renowned for its iridescent green head and white collar, while the female sports a brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes boast a speculum—a patch of feathers with iridescent purple or blue hues bordered by white. The Mallard's length ranges from 50 to 65 cm, with a wingspan of 81 to 98 cm, and it typically weighs between 0.7 and 1.6 kg.

Males during the breeding season are unmistakable with their glossy green heads, white collars, and purple-tinged brown breasts. Females are mottled brown with buff cheeks and an eye-stripe. Both sexes have the distinctive speculum on their wings. The male's bill is yellowish-orange tipped with black, while the female's is darker, ranging from black to mottled orange and brown.

Mallards are found in a variety of wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They prefer water depths less than 0.9 meters and are drawn to areas with aquatic vegetation.

8-5-2019 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

9-5-2019 OLIVA CAMPO, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

9-5-2019 OLIVA CAMPO, VALENCIA - FIELD BINDWEED (Convolvulus arvensis)

Convolvulus arvensis, or field bindweed, is a species of bindweed in the Convolvulaceae native to Europe and Asia. It is a rhizomatous and climbing or creeping herbaceous perennial plant with stems growing to 0.5–2 metres (1.6–6.6 ft) in length. It is usually found at ground level with small white and pink flowers.

Other common names, mostly obsolete, include lesser bindweed, European bindweed, withy wind (in basket willow crops), perennial morning glory, small-flowered morning glory, creeping Jenny, and possession vine.

Convolvulus arvensis is a perennial vine that typically climbs to 1 metre (3.3 ft). The vine produces woody rhizomes from which it resprouts in the spring, or when the aboveground vines are removed.

The leaves are spirally arranged, linear to arrowhead-shaped, 2–5 cm (0.79–1.97 in) long and alternate, with a 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) petiole. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, 1–2.5 cm (0.39–0.98 in) diameter, white or pale pink, with five slightly darker pink radial stripes. Flowering occurs in the mid-summer[6] (in the UK, between June and September when white to pale pink, funnel-shaped flowers develop. Flowers are approximately 0.75–1 in (1.9–2.5 cm) across and are subtended by small bracts. Fruit are light brown, rounded and 0.125 inches (3.2 mm) wide. Each fruit contains 2 or 4 seeds that are eaten by birds and can remain viable in the soil for decades. The stems climb by twisting around other plant stems in a counter-clockwise direction.

9-5-2019 OLIVA CAMPO, VALENCIA - CHINABERRY (Melia azedarach)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as the chinaberry tree, pride of India, bead-tree, Cape lilac, syringa berrytree, Persian lilac, Indian lilac, or white cedar, is a species of deciduous tree in the mahogany family, Meliaceae, that is native to Indomalaya and Australasia.

The fully grown tree has a rounded crown, and commonly measures 7–12 metres (20–40 feet) tall, exceptionally 45 m (150 ft).

The leaves are up to 50 centimetres (20 inches) long, alternate, long-petioled, two or three times compound (odd-pinnate); the leaflets are dark green above and lighter green below, with serrate margins.

The flowers are small and fragrant, with five pale purple or lilac petals, growing in clusters.

The fruit is a drupe, marble-sized, light yellow at maturity, hanging on the tree all winter, and gradually becoming wrinkled and almost white.

Melia azedarach has a short lifespan, averaging about 20 years.

Melia azedarach should not be confused with the Azadirachta trees, which are in the same family, but a different genus.

Its common name derives from the fact that its range includes China and it produces berries.

Some hummingbirds like the sapphire-spangled emerald (Amazilia lactea), glittering-bellied emerald (Chlorostilbon lucidus) and planalto hermit (Phaethornis pretrei) have been recorded as feeding on and pollinating the flowers; these only take it opportunistically.

Bees and butterflies do not use the flower (or the nectar) so it serves no pollinator benefit in the US.

Pests such as cape lilac tree caterpillars, Leptocneria reducta, can severely defoliate the tree and cause a lot of damage to the tree in Australia.

Fungal plant pathogen Pseudocercospora subsessilis is found on the leaves of the tree, causing leaf spots.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - VOMITDAISIES (Genus Geigeria)

Geigeria is a genus of African flowering plants in the daisy family.

Species

Geigeria acaulis

Geigeria acicularis

Geigeria affinis

Geigeria alata

Geigeria angolensis

Geigeria aspalathoides

Geigeria aspera

Geigeria brachycephala

Geigeria brevifolia

Geigeria burkei

Geigeria decurrens

Geigeria elongata

Geigeria englerana

Geigeria filifolia

Geigeria hoffmanniana

Geigeria lata

Geigeria linosyroides

Geigeria mendoncae

Geigeria nianganensis

Geigeria obtusifolia

Geigeria odontoptera

Geigeria ornativa

Geigeria otaviensis

Geigeria pectidea

Geigeria pilifera

Geigeria plumosa

Geigeria rigida

Geigeria schinzii

Geigeria spinosa

Geigeria vigintisquamea

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - BRONZE MANNIKIN (Spermestes cucullatus)

                   

The Bronze Mannikin, or Bronze Munia (Spermestes cucullata), presents itself as a diminutive passerine, a member of the estrildid finch family. This bird, with its compact form and a weight between 7 and 12 grams, is the smallest and most widespread of the four munia species found on the African mainland.

Adult Bronze Mannikins are characterized by their black to brownish-black heads, chins, throats, and central chests, with a subtle purple-green iridescence adorning the face and sides of the breast. Their upper parts are greyish brown, while the underparts are white with irregular barring on the flanks and rump. Notably, a small green iridescent patch can be seen on the outer scapular feathers. Both sexes appear similar, and the immature birds are distinguishable by their dun brown upper parts and buff head and underpart plumage.

These birds are commonly found in mesic savanna or forest margin habitats across the Afrotropics.

The Bronze Mannikin is a resident, nomadic, or irruptive species across much of Africa south of the Sahara Desert. It also inhabits the islands of Bioko, Pemba, Zanzibar, Mafia, and Comoro, and has been introduced to Puerto Rico.

Bronze Mannikins are highly social and gregarious, often seen in flocks. They exhibit a communal lifestyle, especially evident in their nesting habits, where they construct ball-shaped nests for roosting. These nests are frequently rebuilt using materials from dismantled ones. The flocks are known to defend their nesting area vigorously, yet they are welcoming to new flock members.

The Bronze Mannikin communicates with a variety of calls, including a 'rreep-rreeep' in flight and a twittering series of wheezy or buzzing notes when perched. The male's song consists of a repetitive series of notes.

Breeding Bronze Mannikins are prolific nest builders, capable of raising up to four broods annually under favorable conditions. Their nests are large domed structures made of grass, placed in trees. Each clutch consists of 4 to 8 small, white eggs, with a 12-day incubation period. Fledging occurs after three weeks, with independence reached three weeks thereafter.

The Bronze Mannikin can be confused with other munia species, but its size and specific plumage details, such as the barring on the flanks and the green iridescent patch, aid in its identification.

Their diet primarily consists of seeds, including those from wild grasses, millet, rice, and grain. They may also consume termites, nectar, or algae.

The Bronze Mannikin is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population across its extensive range.

8-5-2019 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - MALLARD (JUVENILE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

Mallard ducklings are "precocial," meaning they can walk, swim, and find their own food shortly after hatching, though the mother provides guidance and protection. The female builds the nest and incubates the five to 14 eggs for about 27-30 days, while the male leaves after a few days. Ducklings fledge (are able to fly) in 50 to 60 days and stay with their mother for around 42 to 60 days. 

Hatching and early life 

Precocious and mobile: Ducklings are born with downy feathers, alert, and can leave the nest within 12 to 16 hours of hatching.

Follow the leader: Once dry, the female leads the ducklings to water to begin their lives of swimming and feeding.

Independent but protected: While they can find their own food, they rely on their mother for protection, guidance to safe habitats, and waterproofing.

Fledging: The ducklings are able to fly approximately 50 to 60 days after hatching. 

Parenting and nesting 

Female's role: The female builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and raises the young entirely on her own.

Male's role: After a short period of guarding the female during the initial stages of incubation, the male leaves to be with other males.

Nest and eggs: Nests are typically a shallow bowl of grass on the ground, often lined with down. The female lays five to 14 eggs, which take 27-30 days to incubate.

Re-nesting: If a nest is destroyed, a female will re-nest, but she will likely lay fewer eggs in the second nest. 

8-5-2019 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - MALLARD (FEMALE AND YOUNG) (Anas platyrhynchos)

Female mallards, or hens, have mottled brown and buff plumage for camouflage and build their ground nests near water. They are responsible for laying between nine and thirteen eggs, incubating them for about a month, and leading their ducklings to food and water after they hatch. Both sexes have an iridescent purple-blue speculum on their wings, bordered by white. 

Appearance

Plumage: Mottled brown and buff feathers provide camouflage, especially on the ground.

Head: A dark crown and an eye-stripe are visible, with buff cheeks and a darker throat.

Bill: The bill is orange with dark markings.

Wings: Both males and females have a distinct iridescent purple-blue "speculum" on their wings that is edged with white. 

Nesting and reproduction

Nest building: They build nests on the ground, often in a depression lined with grasses, leaves, and down from their own bodies.

Eggs: A typical clutch has nine to thirteen eggs, though they can lay up to 18.

Incubation: The female incubates the eggs for about a month.

Parental care: Once ducklings hatch, they are able to walk, swim, and feed themselves, but the female leads them to food and keeps them safe. 

Diet and behavior

Diet: As omnivores, they eat aquatic vegetation, insects, worms, and snails.

Adaptability: Mallards are highly adaptable and can even nest in urban areas like city parks if a small body of water is nearby.

Flight: They are known to be able to take flight directly from the water when alarmed. 

21-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN STEENBOK (Raphicerus campestris ssp. campestris)

The steenbok /ˈsteɪnbɒk, ˈstiːn-/[a] (Raphicerus campestris) is a common small antelope of southern and eastern Africa. It is sometimes known as the steinbuck or steinbok.

Steenbok resemble small oribi, standing 45–60 cm (16"–24") at the shoulder, and weigh 7–16 kg (15–35 lb). Their coat is any shade from fawn to rufous, typically rather orange. The underside, including chin and throat, is white, as is the ring around the eye. Ears are large with "finger-marks" on the inside. Males have straight, smooth, parallel horns 7–19 cm (2.8–7.5 in) long (see image left). There is a black crescent-shape between the ears, a long black bridge to the glossy black nose, and a black circular scent-gland in front of the eye. The tail is not usually visible, being only 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) long.

There are two distinct clusters in steenbok distribution. In East Africa, it occurs in central and southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. It was formerly widespread in Uganda, but is now almost certainly extinct there. In Southern Africa, it occurs in Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and probably Lesotho.

Steenbok live in a variety of habitats from semi-desert, such as the edge of the Kalahari Desert and Etosha National Park, to open woodland and thickets, including open plains, stony savannah, and Acacia–grassland mosaics. They are said to favour unstable or transitional habitats. At least in the central part of Kruger National Park, South Africa, Steenbok show a distinct preference for Acacia tortilis savannah throughout the year, with no tendency to migrate to moister areas during the dry season (unlike many larger African savannah ungulates, including species sympatric with Steenbok in the wet season).

Population density is typically 0.3–1.0 individuals per square kilometre, reaching 4 per km2 in optimal habitats.

21-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - RED BILLED SPURFOWL (Pternistis adspersus)

The Red-billed Spurfowl, or Pternistis adspersus, presents a striking figure with its barred underparts and a distinctive yellow eye-ring. This bird, also known as the Red-billed Francolin, is a member of the Phasianidae family. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the males are notably larger, reaching lengths of 38 cm and weights between 340-635 grams, while the females are slightly smaller at 33 cm in length and weighing 340-549 grams.

When observing the Red-billed Spurfowl, look for the characteristic barred pattern on the underparts, which sets it apart from similar species such as the Natal Spurfowl. The yellow eye-ring is a conspicuous feature to aid identification. Males are larger than females, which can be a helpful distinction in the field.

The Red-billed Spurfowl is native to Southern Africa, where it frequents a variety of habitats.

This species is widely distributed across Southern Africa, with its range encompassing Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Red-billed Spurfowl is known for its terrestrial habits, often seen foraging on the ground.

The Natal Spurfowl is similar in appearance but can be distinguished by the lack of barred underparts which are present in the Red-billed Spurfowl.

The IUCN Red List has classified the Red-billed Spurfowl as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - NATAL FRANCOLIN (Pternistis natalensis)

The Natal spurfowl, also known as the Natal francolin, is a bird belonging to the family Phasianidae. It is a creature of considerable charm, with a plumage that blends seamlessly into the brushwood thickets it calls home.

When attempting to identify the Natal spurfowl, look for a bird with a robust build typical of the Phasianidae family. Its feathers are artfully patterned to provide camouflage in its natural habitat.

The Natal spurfowl is most commonly found amidst the brushwood thickets, where it can easily conceal itself. These environments provide the cover and resources it requires.

This species graces the landscapes of several African countries, including Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is a bird that knows no borders, thriving across a diverse range of southern African territories.

BirdLife International has classified the Natal spurfowl as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species graces the African skies in healthy numbers.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - JACOBIN CUCKOO (Clamator jacobinus)

The Jacobin cuckoo, also known as the pied cuckoo or pied crested cuckoo, is a medium-sized, slim bird with a distinctive black and white plumage and a crest. Its striking appearance is characterized by a white wing patch on the black wing, which is particularly noticeable in flight.

When observing the Jacobin cuckoo, look for its black and white coloration and the prominent white wing patches and tail edges during flight. The bird's crest and the pattern of its plumage make it unmistakable among its avian peers.

This species favors thorny, dry scrub or open woodland, typically avoiding dense forests or extremely arid environments.

The Jacobin cuckoo is found south of the Sahara in Africa and south of the Himalayas in India, extending to Sri Lanka and parts of Myanmar. It is partially migratory, with some populations moving seasonally.

During the breeding season, these birds are quite vocal and engage in aerial displays, including slow wing-beats and pigeon-like clapping flight. They are known for their brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly babblers.

The Jacobin cuckoo's call is a series of ringing whistling notes, described as "piu-piu." The calls vary slightly between subspecies, with the nominate form's calls being more rapid and slightly mellower.

As a brood parasite, the Jacobin cuckoo does not build its own nest but instead lays eggs in the nests of host species. The eggs of this cuckoo often match the color of the host's eggs, aiding in the deception.

The diet of the Jacobin cuckoo primarily consists of insects, including hairy caterpillars. They have a unique method of pressing caterpillars to remove their guts before consumption and will also eat fruits occasionally.

The Jacobin cuckoo is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or extinction.

6-5-2019 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

The Common Blackbird is territorial, especially during breeding season, with males displaying distinctive threat behaviors to ward off rivals. Outside of breeding season, they can be more sociable, often forming small flocks. The species is known for its adaptability to urban environments, where it may overwinter more readily than in rural settings.

The male's song is a melodious and fluted warble, often heard from elevated perches during the breeding season. The Common Blackbird also has a repertoire of calls including a sharp "seee" when agitated and a "pook-pook-pook" to signal ground predators.

6-5-2019 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

6-5-2019 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)