Saturday, 26 September 2020
26-9-2020 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.
Hoopoes are known for their sunbathing and dust-bathing behaviors, often spreading their wings and tail against the ground. They are solitary foragers, predominantly feeding on the ground with occasional aerial pursuits.
The hoopoe's call is a soft, melodic "oop-oop-oop," which may vary between two to four syllables. This call is the likely origin of both its English and scientific names.
Hoopoes are monogamous, with pair bonds lasting a single season. They nest in cavities, with the female solely responsible for incubation. Clutch sizes vary geographically, with larger clutches in higher latitudes. The eggs are initially milky blue, becoming discolored in the nest.
The hoopoe's diet consists mainly of insects, but it may also consume small reptiles, frogs, seeds, and berries. It uses its bill to probe the soil for larvae, pupae, and insects, which are then beaten against a surface to remove indigestible parts.
The Eurasian hoopoe is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. However, there has been a noted decline in populations since 2008, attributed to habitat loss and over-hunting in certain areas. Conservation efforts are in place in regions where the species is threatened.
Friday, 25 September 2020
25-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Genus Eupithecia)
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Eupithecia is the largest genus of moths of the family Geometridae, and the namesake and type genus of tribe Eupitheciini. Species in the genus are, like those of other genera in the tribe, commonly known as pugs. The genus is highly speciose, with over 1400 species, and members of the genus are present in most of the world with exception of Australasia. Roughly a quarter of described Eupithecia species occur in the Neotropical realm, where they have an especially high species diversity in the montane rain forests of the Andes. The genus includes a few agricultural pest species, such as the currant pug moth, Eupithecia assimilata, which is a pest on hops, and the cloaked pug moth, Eupithecia abietaria, which is a cone pest in spruce seed orchards.
Adult specimens of Eupithecia are typically small, often between 12 and 35 mm, with muted colours, and display a large amount of uniformity between species. As a result, identification of a specimen as part of genus Eupithecia is generally easy, but identifying the exact species is difficult and often reliant on examination of the dissected genitals. Most species share a characteristic resting pose in which the forewings are held flat at a right angle to the body—that is, the costal margins of both forewings form a more-or-less horizontal line—while the hindwings are largely covered by the forewings. They are generally nocturnal.
Thursday, 24 September 2020
24-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GRASS EGGAR MOTH (Lasiocampa trifolii)
Lasiocampa trifolii, the grass eggar, is a moth of the family Lasiocampidae first described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775 and found in Europe.
The Grass Eggar (Lasiocampa trifolii) is a medium-to-large, hairy, reddish-brown moth found across Europe and in coastal areas of the UK. Active in late summer (August-September), adults are nocturnal, attracted to light, and do not feed. They are classified as Nationally Scarce in the UK.
Key Facts about the Grass Eggar Moth:
Appearance: Adults have a 40–60mm wingspan, with females generally larger than males. They are reddish-brown with a distinct white spot in the center of the forewing and a curved outer line. A pale, straw-colored form (f. flava) also exists.
Habitat: Primarily found in coastal sand dunes, shingle beaches, and maritime cliffs, though some populations exist on inland heathland.
Life Cycle & Behavior:
Larvae: The caterpillars are hairy, typically yellow, and feed at night on various plants, including grasses, Calluna, and shrubs like bramble.
Pupation: They pupate in a tough, brown cocoon on the ground.
Overwintering: They overwinter as eggs, which are laid loosely among vegetation.
Flight Time: Adults fly at night from June to September, depending on the location.
Conservation Status: The species is considered "Nationally Scarce" in the UK. In some parts of Europe, it is threatened by habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and changing grazing practices.
Differences from Similar Species: It is often compared to the Oak Eggar (Lasiocampa quercus) but is generally smaller and paler.
Wednesday, 23 September 2020
Tuesday, 22 September 2020
22-9-2020 MARXUQUERA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)
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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.
Monday, 21 September 2020
21-9-2020 CASTELLONET DE CONQUESTA , VALENCIA - EPAULET SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Orthetrum chrysostigma)
Orthetrum chrysostigma, the epaulet skimmer, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Burundi as well as Canary Islands, Israel, and Portugal. It was recorded in the Maltese Islands in 2010. One was also spotted in Tel Aviv, Israel in August 2022.
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, rivers, intermittent rivers, shrub-dominated wetlands, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, and freshwater springs. The adults prey on various flying insects. The bodies of adult males are blue, and those of young and females are yellow and brown.
Sunday, 20 September 2020
20-9-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias niger)
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The Whiskered Tern, Chlidonias hybrida, is a member of the tern family Laridae, exhibiting a swallow-like appearance, as suggested by its genus name derived from the Ancient Greek khelidonios. This species is the largest of the marsh terns, showcasing a blend of features from both the white Sterna terns and the black tern.
Adult Whiskered Terns in summer plumage are characterized by their robust bill, measuring 29–34 mm in males and 25–27 mm in females, with a pronounced gonys. They possess a black cap and a short, forked-looking tail. The cheeks are white, and the legs and bill are a vibrant red. Juveniles display a white-flecked crown and a more uniformly blackish hindcrown, while the winter adult has a similar pattern with additional white flecking. The black ear-coverts create a C-shaped band when viewed from above. Throughout the year, the rump maintains a pale grey hue. The call of the Whiskered Tern is a distinctive "krekk."
Whiskered Terns breed in colonies on inland marshes, often in the company of black-headed gulls, which offer a degree of protection.
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The Whiskered Tern has several geographical races, varying mainly in size and minor plumage details. The Eurasian Whiskered Tern (C. h. hybrida) is found in warmer parts of Europe and the Palearctic, while the African Whiskered Tern (C. h. delalandii) resides in east and south Africa, and the Australasian Whiskered Tern (C. h. javanicus) ranges from Java to Australia. The tropical forms are resident, but European and Asian birds migrate south to Africa and the Indian Subcontinent for wintering.
European and Asian Whiskered Terns are migratory, traveling south during the winter months. A tagged individual was observed in April 2021 at the Manakudi Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, India.
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The Whiskered Tern is known for its characteristic "krekk" call.
This species breeds in colonies on inland marshes, sometimes amongst black-headed gulls.
The diet of the Whiskered Tern includes small fish, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans.
The Whiskered Tern is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.
20-9-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava)
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The Western Yellow Wagtail, Motacilla flava, is a small, graceful passerine bird belonging to the wagtail family, Motacillidae. This species is noted for its slender build and the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail, a hallmark of its genus. Among its European relatives, it boasts the shortest tail. The adult male in breeding plumage is predominantly olive above with a vibrant yellow underbelly. Females and non-breeding males may exhibit a paler yellow, often intermixed with white.
To identify the Western Yellow Wagtail, look for a bird measuring about 15–16 cm in length. Breeding males display a variety of head colors and patterns, which can be quite distinctive, depending on the subspecies. In general, males have a more vivid plumage compared to the females, which are more subdued and often have a greenish wash.
20-9-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias niger)
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The Whiskered Tern, Chlidonias hybrida, is a member of the tern family Laridae, exhibiting a swallow-like appearance, as suggested by its genus name derived from the Ancient Greek khelidonios. This species is the largest of the marsh terns, showcasing a blend of features from both the white Sterna terns and the black tern.
Adult Whiskered Terns in summer plumage are characterized by their robust bill, measuring 29–34 mm in males and 25–27 mm in females, with a pronounced gonys. They possess a black cap and a short, forked-looking tail. The cheeks are white, and the legs and bill are a vibrant red. Juveniles display a white-flecked crown and a more uniformly blackish hindcrown, while the winter adult has a similar pattern with additional white flecking. The black ear-coverts create a C-shaped band when viewed from above. Throughout the year, the rump maintains a pale grey hue. The call of the Whiskered Tern is a distinctive "krekk."
Whiskered Terns breed in colonies on inland marshes, often in the company of black-headed gulls, which offer a degree of protection.
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The Whiskered Tern has several geographical races, varying mainly in size and minor plumage details. The Eurasian Whiskered Tern (C. h. hybrida) is found in warmer parts of Europe and the Palearctic, while the African Whiskered Tern (C. h. delalandii) resides in east and south Africa, and the Australasian Whiskered Tern (C. h. javanicus) ranges from Java to Australia. The tropical forms are resident, but European and Asian birds migrate south to Africa and the Indian Subcontinent for wintering.
European and Asian Whiskered Terns are migratory, traveling south during the winter months. A tagged individual was observed in April 2021 at the Manakudi Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, India.
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The Whiskered Tern is known for its characteristic "krekk" call.
This species breeds in colonies on inland marshes, sometimes amongst black-headed gulls.
The diet of the Whiskered Tern includes small fish, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans.
The Whiskered Tern is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.
20-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HORSE CHESTNUT MOTH (Pachycnemia hippocastanaria)
Pachycnemia hippocastanaria (Horse Chestnut Moth) is a small geometrid moth with a 28–32 mm wingspan, appearing in grey, brown, and red tones. Native to European heathlands, it has two broods (April-May, August) and feeds on Heather (Calluna vulgaris), not Horse Chestnut trees. It is distinct from the invasive Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella).
Key Facts about Pachycnemia hippocastanaria
Appearance: A relatively small, slender-bodied moth with a wingspan of 28–32 mm. The forewings are typically a mixture of grey, brown, and reddish tones with darker markings.
Habitat: Primarily found in warm, dry, open habitats such as heathlands.
Distribution: A southern species in Britain, restricted to heathlands in the southernmost counties. It is also found in various parts of Europe.
Life Cycle: It is double-brooded, with adults appearing in April and May, and a second, sometimes smaller brood appearing in August.
Larval Foodplant: Contrary to its name, the larvae feed on heathland plants, specifically Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix).
Behaviour: Both males and females are attracted to light.
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