Tuesday, 22 December 2020
Sunday, 20 December 2020
19-12-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN PALE GLOW-WORM CATERPILLAR (Nyctophila reichii)
Nyctophila reichii, commonly known as the Mediterranean firefly, is a species of firefly. The species is very common in the southern and eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula.
The Mediterranean firefly is a small beetle, typically measuring 15-18 mm for the male and up to 4 cm for the female. Its body coloration is predominantly black or brown.
These organisms exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, with females tending to have a morphology more similar to that of larvae, while males have a more classic beetle shape.
Females, therefore, are flightless, although they have vestigial wings and have an elongated shape. They are characterized by the ability to generate a large amount of greenish light in the ventral region of the last three abdominal segments. Furthermore, they can expose more of the bioluminescent region by twisting the terminal area of their body.
Males, on the other hand, have a more classic beetle shape, with elytra that cover the entire abdomen and membranous wings that allow flight. Their pronotum is wide, light-colored, with a reddish spot on its surface, and conceals well-developed eyes for detecting the bioluminescence of females. It's worth noting that, unlike other fireflies, these males are not capable of generating bioluminescence.
Saturday, 19 December 2020
Friday, 18 December 2020
16-12-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - 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.
This ibis is the most widespread of its kind, breeding in warm regions across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. It is migratory, with European birds wintering in Africa and North American birds migrating southward. The species has been expanding its range, with increasing numbers in Europe and successful breeding in Britain as of 2022.
The Glossy Ibis is known for its nomadic tendencies and dispersal movements post-breeding. Northern populations are migratory, traversing vast distances such as the Sahara Desert. The species nests in mixed colonies and forms large flocks during migration and winter. It often roosts communally with other species, sometimes in trees far from feeding areas.
The Glossy Ibis is relatively quiet, but it does produce a range of vocalizations, including croaks and grunts. A distinctive hoarse grrrr can be heard during the breeding season.
Nesting occurs above water on platforms of twigs and vegetation, with both parents incubating the 3 to 4 eggs laid. Chicks leave the nest after about a week but are fed by parents for another 6 to 7 weeks, fledging around 28 days old.
The ibis's diet is seasonal and opportunistic, feeding on a variety of prey such as insects, annelids, molluscs, crustaceans, and occasionally fish, amphibians, lizards, small snakes, and nestling birds.
The Glossy Ibis is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it faces threats from habitat degradation and loss due to drainage, salinity changes, groundwater extraction, and invasive plant species. It is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
Thursday, 17 December 2020
16-12-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
The great egret, known scientifically as Ardea alba, is a majestic bird with a stately bearing and an impressive wingspan. This large egret is adorned with all-white plumage and can stand up to a meter tall. It is a cosmopolitan species, found across temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
To identify the great egret, look for its yellow bill and contrasting black legs and feet, which may vary slightly during the breeding season. During this time, the bill may darken, and the lower legs may lighten. The great egret also sports ornamental feathers on its back when in breeding plumage. Both sexes appear identical, and juveniles resemble nonbreeding adults. The great egret can be distinguished from the intermediate egret by the gape of its bill, which extends well beyond the back of the eye.
The great egret favors habitats close to water, such as large lakes with reed beds and other extensive wetlands. It nests in colonies, often at heights of 10 to 40 feet within trees.
This bird has a vast range, occurring worldwide in suitable habitats. It is particularly common across the Sun Belt of the United States and throughout the Neotropics.
The great egret is known for its slow, graceful flight with its neck retracted, a characteristic of herons and bitterns. It walks with its neck extended and wings held close. Generally silent, it may emit a low, hoarse croak when disturbed and a louder croaking at breeding colonies.
The great egret's vocalizations include a low croak when disturbed and various croaking and squawking sounds during the breeding season.
Breeding begins at 2-3 years of age with monogamous pairings. The male initiates nest building to attract a female. The nest is a sizable structure of sticks, lined with plant material. The species lays up to six bluish-green eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties over 23-26 days. The young are fed by regurgitation and can fly within 6-7 weeks.
The great egret can be confused with the snowy egret, which is smaller with a black bill and yellow feet. In North America, it may also be mistaken for the white morph of the great blue heron, which is larger with a thicker bill.
The great egret's diet consists of fish, frogs, small mammals, reptiles, crustaceans, and insects. It typically forages in shallow water, standing still or slowly stalking its prey before impaling it with its sharp bill.
The great egret is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has recovered from historical threats such as plume hunting and has adapted well to human presence. It is partially migratory, with some populations moving south during colder winters. The species is a symbol of conservation success and represents the National Audubon Society.
Wednesday, 16 December 2020
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