26-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - VESTAL MOTH (Rhodometra sacraria)

Rhodometra sacraria, the vestal, is a moth of the family Geometridae. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1767 12th edition of Systema Naturae.

It can be found throughout Europe, in the Near East, in North Africa, in the Afrotropical realm and in large parts of Asia. It is also found in South America (Chile and Argentina).

Rhodometra sacraria inhabits meadows, forest clearing, paths, gardens and urban environments.

Rhodometra sacraria has a wingspan reaching 22–28 mm, while the length of the forewings is 12–14 mm. The late generations are smaller and the wingspan has an average of 16–26 mm. These moths are easily distinguishable from the mahogany or pink stripe, located on yellowish or cream background, crossing diagonally the dorsal sides of the upperwings from the posterior margin up to the apex. Discal spots are usually present and have the same colour as the postmedial line.

26-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVED UMBER MOTH (Menophra abruptaria)

Menophra abruptaria, the waved umber, is a moth of the family Geometridae. The species was first described by Carl Peter Thunberg in 1792. It is found in south-western North Africa, southern Europe and Anatolia; in the north, it is found from England to Switzerland, south-western Germany, Bangladesh . The wingspan is 36–42 mm. Adults are on wing from April to June. Normally, there is one generation per year, although there can be a partial second generation in summer.

The larvae feed on Ligustrum ovalifolium and Syringa vulgaris.

26-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (FEMALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The Sardinian warbler, Curruca melanocephala, presents itself as a charming and distinctive bird of the Mediterranean. The males are adorned with a sleek grey back and pristine whitish underparts, crowned with a striking black head, a pure white throat, and captivating red eyes. The females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued palette, with brown upperparts and buff underparts, complemented by a subtle grey head.

When attempting to identify the Sardinian warbler, look for the male's black head and red eyes, which contrast with the white throat and grey back. Females can be recognized by their brown and buff coloration with a greyish head. The variability in plumage, including the presence or absence of a reddish hue, can be a helpful clue in distinguishing between subspecies.

This typical warbler favors open landscapes and cultivated areas, where it can find bushes suitable for nesting. Its preference for such environments makes it a familiar sight in the Mediterranean countryside.

The Sardinian warbler is a resident of the southernmost regions of Europe, extending its range into Asia in Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean. While not extensively migratory, some individuals do venture to North Africa for the winter, and the species has been known to appear as a vagrant as far as Great Britain.

This species is known for its affinity for open and cultivated areas with ample shrubbery for nesting. The Sardinian warbler constructs its nest in low shrubs or brambles, where it lays a clutch of 3-6 eggs. Its diet is primarily insectivorous, but it will not shy away from indulging in berries and other soft fruits.

The Sardinian warbler's song is a rapid and rattling melody, a sound that has become synonymous with the Mediterranean landscapes where it thrives.

The breeding habits of the Sardinian warbler involve the construction of nests in low shrubbery, where the female lays a clutch of eggs that both parents will tend to.

The adult female in breeding plumage is duller than male with dull grey head, brownish upperparts and cream-buff underparts with brownish-olive body sides. Bare parts are often paler than in male. In non-breeding plumage, she has tinged brownish head and duller contrasts.

The Sardinian Warbler feeds primarily on arthropods, but it also consumes a large amount of fruit and berries in autumn and winter, and nectar too. Invertebrates include insects and larvae of numerous species, spiders and small snails.

Common in many typical Mediterranean habitats including tall bushes, open woodlands, gardens, coastal scrub, and plantations; also in oases, acacia woodlands, and scrubby desert in non-breeding range.

24-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PINE PROCESSIONARY MOTH (Thaumetopoea pityocampa)

The pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is a moth of the subfamily Thaumetopoeinae in the family Notodontidae, known for the irritating hairs of its caterpillars, their processions, and the economic damage they cause in coniferous forests. The species was first described scientifically by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775, though it was known to the ancients, with remedies described by Theophrastus, Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder. Its processionary behaviour was described in 1916 by the French entomologist Jean-Henri Fabre. It is one of the most destructive species to pines and cedars in Central Asia, North Africa and southern Europe.

The species is notable for the behaviour of its caterpillars, which overwinter in tent-like nests high in pine trees, and which proceed through the woods in nose-to-tail columns, protected from predators by their severely irritating hairs.

The adult is a stout furry moth which holds its wings like a tent over the body, in the manner of the eggar moths (Lasiocampidae). The adult is larger than the oak processionary, Thaumetopoea processionea, has a crescent marking on the wings (unlike the pale eggar moth; the oak processionary has an indistinct marking), and is found in coniferous rather than broad-leaved forests. The caterpillars are readily recognised by their processionary habit and their presence (with large silken nests and signs of defoliation) in coniferous woods. They are orange-brown and hairy with blue bands.

The species is native to the southern Mediterranean area, North Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe. It has been spreading northwards since the 1990s, assisted by climate change and by commercial activities including planting of host trees and transportation, and has reached Brittany, forests to the north of Paris, and Strasbourg in northern France.

25-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (FEMALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/15299-Sylvia-melanocephala

24-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (JUVENILE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The Sardinian warbler, Curruca melanocephala, presents itself as a charming and distinctive bird of the Mediterranean. The males are adorned with a sleek grey back and pristine whitish underparts, crowned with a striking black head, a pure white throat, and captivating red eyes. The females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued palette, with brown upperparts and buff underparts, complemented by a subtle grey head.

When attempting to identify the Sardinian warbler, look for the male's black head and red eyes, which contrast with the white throat and grey back. Females can be recognized by their brown and buff coloration with a greyish head. The variability in plumage, including the presence or absence of a reddish hue, can be a helpful clue in distinguishing between subspecies.

This typical warbler favors open landscapes and cultivated areas, where it can find bushes suitable for nesting. Its preference for such environments makes it a familiar sight in the Mediterranean countryside.

The Sardinian warbler is a resident of the southernmost regions of Europe, extending its range into Asia in Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean. While not extensively migratory, some individuals do venture to North Africa for the winter, and the species has been known to appear as a vagrant as far as Great Britain.

24-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

The Catalonian wall lizard (Podarcis liolepis), often called the Columbretes wall lizard or sargantana bruna, is a slender, 15–20 cm long reptile native to Northeast Spain and Southern France. Known for being highly adaptable, these brownish, long-tailed lizards thrive on rocks, walls, and in human settlements from sea level to 2000m in the Pyrenees. 

Key Facts About the Catalonian Wall Lizard:

Appearance: They are slender with long tails (roughly two-thirds of total length) and narrow, tapered heads. Their color is usually grey-brown, often with faint, reticulated, or striped patterns, especially in females.

Habitat: They prefer sunny areas and are found in rocky areas, dry-stone walls, and buildings. They are highly adapted to climbing.

Distribution: Primarily found in Catalonia (Spain), extending to the Columbretes Islands and parts of Southern France.

Diet: They are insectivores, feeding on insects such as crickets and grasshoppers.

Behavior: They are diurnal (active during the day).

Subspecies: Significant variability exists, with identified forms like P. liolepis cebennensis (Southern France) and P. liolepis atratus (Columbretes Archipelago).

Status: Classified as "Least Concern" (LC) by the IUCN, though they face threats from habitat alteration.

Distinction: Formerly considered a subspecies of the Iberian wall lizard (Podarcis hispanicus), it is now recognized as a distinct species. 

24-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (JUVENILE) (Monticola solitarius)

The blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius ) is a species of chat. This thrush-like Old World flycatcher was formerly placed in the family Turdidae. It breeds in southern Europe, northwest Africa, and from Central Asia to northern China and Malaysia. The blue rock thrush is the official national bird of Malta and was shown on the Lm 1 coins that were part of the country's former currency.

The blue rock thrush is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) in length with a long slim bill. The breeding male of the nominate subspecies is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis has rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast down to the undertail. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of rock thrush.

The male blue rock thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than the call of the rock thrush.

The European, north African and southeast Asian birds are mainly resident, apart from altitudinal movements. Other Asian populations are more migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India and southeast Asia. This bird is a very uncommon visitor to northern and western Europe.

Blue rock thrush breeds in open mountainous areas. It nests in rock cavities and walls, and usually lays 3-5 eggs. An omnivore, the blue rock thrush eats a wide variety of insects and small reptiles in addition to berries and seeds.

Widespread throughout Southern Europe, North Africa and Southern Asia, the blue rock thrush is a large sized chat which is predominantly sedentary, although a partial migrant within specific narrow geographical areas.

Although named as a thrush this bird is actually a chat. The adult male of the nominate race has a dark blue body with darker brown coloured wings and tail. It is the same size as a starling and has a long thick spiky slate grey bill. From a distance the male can appear to be black although the head is a bright blue. The adult female is a dull browny blue grey on the upperparts extending from the forehead, across the crown and down the back. The face is pale and mottled with thin brown markings almost with the appearance of scales, which run down to the mid chest area. 

From the mid chest to the lower belly the body is pale with horizontal dark brown bars across the belly from flank to flank. Juveniles are similar to females but slighter darker with bolder underpart markings, although there is no blue colouration or shading on the plumage whatsoever. There are a total of five sub-species of blue rock thrush. The colour and patternation differences from the nominate of four of the sub-species are subtle, however the adult male of the sub-species Monticola solitarius philippensis is strikingly different, in that whilst the body of the bird is predominantly a bold blue, the breast, belly and undertail areas are a contrasting rufous to chestnut brown shade.

24-8-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - LARGE PSAMMODROMUS LIZARD (Psammodromus algirus)

Psammodromus algirus, known commonly as the Algerian psammodromus or the large psammodromus, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.

Psammodromus algirus is found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) and in Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula: Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar; southernmost France, and Italy near Lampedusa).

P. algirus typically occurs in dense bushy vegetation, but it can also venture to more open areas. It can be found at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level, but it is more common at lower elevations.

Psammodromus algirus mainly feeds on terrestrial arthropods, specifically Orthoptera, Formicidae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae.

P. algirus is threatened by habitat loss.

P. algirus commonly reaches a snout–vent length of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in), occasionally 9 cm (3.5 in). The tail is 2–3 times the body length. Dorsal colouration is usually metallic brownish with a pair of conspicuous white or yellowish stripes on both sides.

It is an animal with daytime habits, although it also has some nocturnal activity in the summer.  They are usually active from February to October, although during the cold months it is frequent on sunny days, especially young individuals. It mainly moves through the litter, on the ground, although it can climb very well and rise the bushes.  It feeds on a variety of small invertebrates hunting them both actively and waiting. It uses its ear to detect insects among leaf litter, as well as the vomeronasal organ (or Jacobson organ) to detect chemical signals.

24-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (FEMALE) (Carduelis carduelis)

The European goldfinch, or simply goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), is a small, vibrant passerine bird belonging to the finch family. This charming avian species is adorned with a striking red face, encircled by black markings near the eyes, and a black-and-white head. The back and flanks exhibit a warm buff or chestnut brown, while the wings are black with a prominent yellow bar. The tail is black, and the rump is a contrasting white. Males and females are similar in appearance, though the male boasts a slightly more extensive red mask.

Upon closer inspection, one can discern the male goldfinch by its larger, more vivid red mask that extends just beyond the eye. The female's red face does not reach past the eye, and her shoulder feathers are brown, as opposed to the male's black. The bill is ivory-colored, long, and pointed, and the tail is forked. Juveniles can be identified by their plain heads and greyer backs, but the yellow wing stripe is a clear indicator of their species.

The European goldfinch favors open, partially wooded lowlands and is a resident in the milder western parts of its range. In colder regions, it migrates to escape the harsh weather.

27-3-2018 FERNKLOOF, SOUTH AFRICA - ORANGE BREASTED SUNBIRD (FEMALE) (Antohobaphes violacea)

The orange-breasted sunbird, Anthobaphes violacea, is a small, nectar-feeding bird endemic to the fynbos biome of southwestern South Africa. It is the sole representative of its genus, Anthobaphes, within the family Nectariniidae. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is a vibrant mix of orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, particularly on the head and neck, while the female is dressed in more subdued olive green tones.

Males can be identified by their metallic green head, throat, and mantle, violet upper breast, and bright orange lower breast, which fades into yellow on the belly. Their long, decurved bills are adapted for nectar feeding, with the male's bill being notably longer than the female's. Females and juveniles are less conspicuous, with olive-greenish grey upperparts and paler underparts.

The orange-breasted sunbird is a denizen of the fynbos, a unique heathland habitat. It is particularly associated with ericas and proteas, which provide much of its nectar diet.

This species is confined to the Western Cape of South Africa, where it is a common breeder within its range.

23-8-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

Large wader (approx 102 cm or 3.5 ft) with an also large wingspan (approx 175 cm or 5.5 ft). Stylized silhouette and long neck. Greyish plumage in general. White head in adults with black forelock and long, black feathers like a plume. Light neck with dark lines. Ashen back and dark spot on the shoulders. Lighter belly. Long, sharp, yellow bill. Yellow legs. Silhouette in flight with neck folded in the shape of an "s" and stretched legs.

Its habitats are principally Wetlands, River and Riverside

It lives in all types of wetlands with salty or fresh water in winter. In the breeding season it needs wetlands with nearby tree vegetation. Also in Reservoirs, lagoons, ditches and irrigation ponds, stream banks, coast line.

This pecies is present in the province all year round, both as a wintering one and in the breeding period. There are also specimens in migratory passage. Gregarious during the reproductive season and lonelier during the rest of the year. Nest in trees or groves of riparian vegetation. One laying of 2 to 5 eggs. The Grey Heron feeds on fish, micromammals, small reptiles, including snakes, amphibians and insects. It shows a very calm behaviour when foraging. This bird explores the water while being very still, waiting for a prey to appear. Once sighted, it shoots the bill as if it were a harpoon.

23-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CRICKET BAT ORBWEAVER (Mangora acalypha)

Mangora acalypha, also known by its common name cricket-bat orbweaver, is a species of spider in the family Araneidae, found throughout the Palearctic realm. This species was originally described by Charles Athanase Walckenaer in 1802 as Aranea acalypha.

Mangora acalypha is common in meadows, forests and gardens.

Male 3 mm, female up to 6 mm. Prosoma light greenish, with black margin and median stripe. Sternum almost black. Legs yellowish. Tibia III with 2 rows of plumose trichobothria. Opisthosoma whitish yellow, rarely greenish, posteriorly with "Cricket Bat" marking consisting of 3 rows of black spots followed by longitudinal stripes, remaining pattern irregular, mostly consisting of longitudinal stripes. Ventrally black with 2 pairs of large, yellow spots.

Occurs on heathland and in open woodland. It can usually be found in the centre of its small but densely woven orb web, which is constructed on low vegetation such as heather and gorse.

Mature early in the season, adults occurring mainly from May to June.

The species has a widespread but patchy distribution in southern England and south Wales.

23-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MANTIS (FEMALE) (Mantis religiosa)

The European mantis (Mantis religiosa) is a large hemimetabolic insect in the Mantidae family, which is the largest family of the order Mantodea (mantises). Their common name praying mantis is derived from the distinctive posture of the first pair of legs that can be observed the mantis is in repose, resembling a praying position. Both males and females have elongated bodies with two pairs of wings. The most striking features that all Mantodea share are a very mobile, triangular head with large compound eyes and their first pair of legs (the 'raptorial legs'), which is highly modified for the efficient capture and restraint of fast-moving or flying prey.

The phenomenon that conspecifics are attacked and eaten after, during, and even before copulation is called sexual cannibalism. Many examples are known in various groups of invertebrates, including the mantids. Some speculations exist about the benefits of this behaviour, but its causes are not fully understood yet.[23] For quite some time, the belief that sexual cannibalism in M. religiosa only occurred in captivity was widespread. It was believed to be an artefact of improper animal keeping (too little food or space). In 1992, however, the cannibalising behaviour of female M. religiosa was observed in a field study. 

Lawrence compared the percentage of cannibalism in natural and manipulated (males and females were put close together in the field) pairings and found rates of 31% and 24%. This proves that sexual cannibalism in this praying mantid is not caused by laboratory conditions. They can, however, intensify the phenomenon; females that were starved for more than three days were more likely to attack males, even before copulation.

In Germany, M. religiosa is listed as Gefährdet [endangered] on the German Red List on the basis of an assessment from 1998. It is not supposed to be caught or held as a pet. At a global level, it is assessed by the IUCN as least concern.

22-8-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops)

The Eurasian hoopoe, with its scientific name Upupa epops, is a bird of unmistakable appearance. It boasts a warm cinnamon plumage, contrasted by striking black and white wings, and a prominent black-tipped, fan-like crest which it can raise and lower. Its tail features a broad white band across a black background. The hoopoe's long, narrow bill curves downwards, adept for probing the soil, and is black with a fawn base.

When identifying the Eurasian hoopoe, look for its unique silhouette, characterized by its long, tapering bill and erectile crest. In flight, its broad and rounded wings display a bold black and white pattern, and its undulating flight is reminiscent of a large butterfly. The hoopoe's size ranges from 25 to 32 cm in length, with a wingspan of 44 to 48 cm, and it weighs between 46 and 89 grams.

The hoopoe is adaptable, favoring habitats with bare or lightly vegetated ground for foraging and vertical surfaces with cavities for nesting. These can include heathlands, wooded steppes, savannas, grasslands, and forest glades.

This species is native to Europe, Asia, and the northern half of Africa. It is migratory in the northern parts of its range, with European and north Asian birds wintering in the tropics. African populations tend to be sedentary throughout the year.

A summer bird, uncommon in some areas and fairly common in others in warmer regions, wintering in Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. It occurs in semi-open habitats such as heaths, farmland, orchards and herbaceous pastures where it feeds on the ground, probing with its long bill for insects. The long crest is usually kept closed but is often unfurled just after landing on the ground. It has a fast and fairly direct flight with a fairly deep wingbeat. It is unlikely to be confused with other birds but can be compared with the Eurasian Jay, the only other bird relatively similar in size and appearance to be seen in Europe.

22-8-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - SILK FLOSS TREE (Ceiba speciosa)

Ceiba speciosa, the floss silk tree (formerly Chorisia speciosa), is a species of deciduous tree that is native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America. It has several local common names, such as palo borracho (in Spanish literally "drunken stick"), or árbol del puente, samu'ũ (in Guarani), or paineira (in Brazilian Portuguese). In Bolivia, it is called toborochi, meaning "tree of refuge" or "sheltering tree". In the USA it often is called the silk floss tree. It belongs to the same family as the baobab; the species Bombax ceiba; and other kapok trees. Another tree of the same genus, Ceiba chodatii, is often referred to by the same common names.

The natural habitat of the floss silk tree is in the northeast of Argentina, east of Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. It is resistant to drought and moderate cold. It grows fast in spurts when water is abundant, and sometimes reaches more than 25 metres (82 ft) in height. Its trunk is bottle-shaped, generally bulging in its lower third, measuring up to 2 metres (7 ft) in girth. The trunk is studded with thick, sharp conical prickles that deter wild animals from climbing the trees. In younger trees, the trunk is green due to its high chlorophyll content, which makes it capable of performing photosynthesis when leaves are absent; with age it turns to gray.

The Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba speciosa, formerly Chorisia speciosa) is a spectacular, fast-growing deciduous tree native to South American subtropical and tropical forests. Famous for its showy, hibiscus-like pink flowers and thorny, bottle-shaped trunk, it is widely planted in warm, sunny climates across the globe.

Key Characteristics & Anatomy

The Trunk: Young trees feature green, photosynthetic bark studded with large, cone-shaped, woody prickles that deter wild animals from climbing. As the tree ages, the bark turns gray, and the base often swells into a distinctive "bottle" shape to store water.

The Flowers: Blooming typically occurs in late summer, autumn, or early winter. The large (10-15 cm) flowers have five frilly petals that are vibrant pink to magenta at the tips and creamy-white with brown spots near the throat. The tree often drops its leaves just before or during its bloom.

The Seeds & Floss: Following the blooms, the tree produces pear-shaped woody seedpods. When the pods mature and split open, they reveal bean-like black seeds embedded in a dense, pure-white, cotton-like fiber that allows the wind to disperse them.

Uses & Practical ApplicationsOrnamental Value: Thanks to its breathtaking canopy of blossoms, it is frequently used as a prized ornamental or shade tree in landscapes and public gardens.The "Silk": The buoyant, cottony floss inside the seedpods was historically harvested by indigenous groups and later used as stuffing for pillows, cushions, and life jackets.

Wood & Craftsmanship: The tree's lightweight, supple wood has been used in craftsmanship to make paper pulp and traditional dugout canoes.Growing ConditionsClimate: It thrives in full sun and is highly drought-tolerant. It is not cold-hardy; while it can survive short, light frosts, prolonged freezing temperatures will damage or kill the tree.

Soil: It is adaptable to various soil types (sand, loam, clay) but requires good drainage.

Maintenance: It has few serious pest issues and is resilient against wind and breakage, though pruning is required in its early years to encourage a strong structural form.

21-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (MALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/15299-Sylvia-melanocephala

19-12-2022 BRUFUT FOREST, GAMBIA - BLACK WINGED BISHOP (FEMALE) (Euplectes hordeaceus)

The black-winged red bishop (Euplectes hordeaceus), formerly known in southern Africa as the fire-crowned bishop, is a resident breeding bird species in tropical Africa from Senegal to Sudan and south to Angola, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

This common weaver occurs in a range of open country, especially tall grassland and often near water. It builds a spherical woven nest in tall grass. 2-4 eggs are laid.

The black-winged red bishop is a stocky 13–15 cm bird. The breeding male is scarlet apart from his black face, belly and wings and brown tail. The conical bill is thick and black. He displays prominently, singing high-pitched twitters from tall grass, puffing out his feathers or performing a slow hovering display flight.

The non-breeding male is yellow-brown, streaked above and shading to whitish below. It has a whitish supercilium. It resembles non-breeding male northern red bishop, but is darker and has black wings. Females are similar, but paler. Young birds have wider pale fringes on their flight feathers.

The black-winged red bishop is a gregarious species which feeds on seed, grain and some insects.

21-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

The Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata, is a modestly adorned yet charming small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and the Palearctic as far as Siberia, and spending the winter months in Africa and southwestern Asia. Despite its widespread presence, there is concern over its decline in certain areas.

Adult Spotted Flycatchers possess grey-brown upperparts and a somewhat pallid underbelly. Their crown and breast are streaked, which is the origin of their common name. They have short, black legs and a black bill shaped to suit their insectivorous diet. Juveniles can be distinguished by their browner plumage and the presence of spots on their upperparts.

These birds favor deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly those with open spaces amidst trees.

The Spotted Flycatcher has a broad breeding range, extending from Europe to western Siberia and northwest Africa. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to southern Africa.

With an upright posture, these flycatchers are often seen hunting from prominent perches, darting out to snatch flying insects and frequently returning to the same spot.

The call of the Spotted Flycatcher is a soft, high-pitched, and slightly descending 'tssssseeeeeppppp'.

The Spotted Flycatcher constructs an open nest in a recess, often against a wall, and is amenable to using open-fronted nest boxes. Clutches typically consist of 4-6 eggs. Remarkably, they exhibit excellent egg recognition, a likely evolutionary response to past parasitism by the common cuckoo.

The Mediterranean flycatcher, previously considered a subspecies, is similar in appearance but has been recognized as a separate species due to genetic differences.

As aerial insectivores, Spotted Flycatchers feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air from their vantage points.

21-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (FEMALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The Sardinian warbler (Curruca melanocephala) is a common and widespread Sylviidae warbler from the Mediterranean region. Like most Curruca species, it has distinct male and female plumages. The adult male has a grey back, whitish underparts, black head, white throat and red eyes. Plumages are somewhat variable even in the same locality, with the intensity of a reddish hue on upper- and/or underside that varies from absent to (in some subspecies) pronounced. The female is mainly brown above and buff below, with a grey head. The Sardinian warbler's song is fast and rattling, and is very characteristic of the Mediterranean areas where this bird breeds.

7-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Dolicharthria bruguieralis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/468398-Metasia-cuencalis