26-2-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

26-2-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

26-2-2017 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis)

26-2-2017 BARRACK PALMA DE GANDIA, VALENCIA - COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita)

The Common Chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita, is a diminutive and sprightly leaf warbler known for its distinctive, onomatopoeic song. This small, migratory passerine is characterized by its greenish-brown upperparts and off-white underparts, with a weight ranging from 6 to 8 grams and a length of 10-12 centimeters.

In the field, look for the Common Chiffchaff's short whitish supercilium, fine dark bill, and dark legs. Its primary projection is short, and the plumage may appear duller and browner as it wears. Juveniles are browner above with yellow-white underparts, but they soon acquire brighter plumage after their first moult.

The Common Chiffchaff breeds in open woodlands with a mix of taller trees and ground cover across northern and temperate Europe, Asia, and parts of north Africa. It prefers woodland with trees at least 5 meters high and an undergrowth of grasses and nettles.

This species has a vast breeding range, extending from Europe to eastern Siberia and northward to about 70 N. It winters in southern and western Europe, southern Asia, and north Africa. The Common Chiffchaff is one of the earliest spring migrants to return to its breeding grounds and one of the last to depart in autumn.

The male Common Chiffchaff is fiercely territorial during the breeding season, defending its core territory against rivals. It exhibits a fearless nature, even attacking predators that threaten its nest. Outside the breeding season, these birds may form small flocks with other warblers.

26-2-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

The European serin, or simply the serin (Serinus serinus), is a diminutive member of the finch family, Fringillidae. This sprightly bird is the smallest within its family, closely related to the Atlantic canary. It is characterized by its short tail and a length that spans a mere 11 to 12 centimeters. The serin's plumage is a tapestry of nature's palette, with upper parts dappled in dark-streaked greyish green and a conspicuous yellow rump. The underparts are a canvas of yellow breast and white belly, both adorned with heavy streaks.

When attempting to identify the European serin, look for the male's radiant yellow face and breast, which stand out against the greenish backdrop of its feathers. The male also boasts yellow wing bars and yellow tail sides, which can be quite helpful in distinguishing it from similar species. Both sexes share a buzzing trill of a song that resonates through their Mediterranean habitats.

The European serin is partial to open woodland and cultivated areas, often with a sprinkling of conifers. These environments provide the perfect backdrop for breeding and foraging.

This species has a breeding range that extends across southern and central Europe and into North Africa. Populations along the southern and Atlantic coasts tend to be resident, while those in the north are migratory, seeking warmer climates in southern Europe during the winter months.

Outside of the breeding season, the European serin is a sociable creature, forming flocks that may sometimes mingle with other finch species. It is an active and often conspicuous bird, its presence easily announced by its distinctive trill.

The serin's song is a distinctive buzzing trill, a sound that becomes part of the ambient music in regions where these birds are common.

The European serin weaves its nest within the shelter of a shrub or tree, where it lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. The chosen breeding habitats are often areas of open woodland and cultivation, with a preference for some conifers.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the European serin is predominantly seeds, but it does not shy away from including insects during the breeding season, providing essential protein for its young.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the European serin as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any imminent threats to its survival.

26-2-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

26-2-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

The White Wagtail is mostly an aquatic bird, but this species can be common in various types of habitats, as well near water to hunt as in urban parks and cities for roosting in trees.

The adult male of nominate race in breeding plumage has black and white head. The forehead, lores, cheeks, ear-coverts and head sides are white. Chin and throat are black, as the rear crown, the nape and the hind neck.

On the upperparts, mantle and scapulars to uppertail-coverts are grey. The upperwing shows greyish, black and white pattern, forming two white wingbars.  

The long tail shows black central pair of rectrices finely edged white. The outer two pairs are white. The tail is similar in length to the wings.  

On the underparts, following chin and throat, breast is black too and contrasts strongly with the white belly. Breast sides and flanks are washed pale grey.

The pointed bill is black. The eyes are blackish-brown. Legs and feet are black.

The female in breeding plumage has slightly duller head pattern, with sometimes some grey on crown and nape. There often are some pale spots on the black throat.

In non-breeding plumage, both sexes have olive-grey wash on both crown and nape. Chin, throat and breast are white with some black mottling.

Immature has brownish-grey head with dusky malar stripe. Chin and throat are greyish-white with narrow grey-brown gorget. The underparts are greyish-white with buff tinge.

22-3-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus)

22-3-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - COMMON CRANE (Grus grus)

The common crane, known scientifically as Grus grus and also referred to as the Eurasian crane, is a majestic bird belonging to the Gruidae family. This medium-sized crane is the only species commonly found in Europe, apart from the demoiselle crane and the Siberian crane, which are primarily seen in the continent's far eastern regions. The common crane is distinguished by its slate-grey plumage, blackish forehead, lores, and a striking bare red crown. A white streak extends from behind the eyes to the upper back, setting it apart from similar species.

Adult common cranes measure between 100–130 cm in length and boast a wingspan of 180–240 cm. Their body weight ranges from 3 to 6.1 kg, with males typically larger and heavier than females. The species exhibits sexual size dimorphism, most notably in weight and wing length. Juveniles can be identified by their yellowish-brown feather tips and lack of adult coloration, including the drooping wing feathers and bright neck pattern.

Common cranes favor wetlands as their preferred habitats, thriving in boreal and taiga forests, mixed forests, and treeless moors. They breed in environments that offer peace and minimal human disturbance, often near small lakes or pools.

The common crane's breeding range spans Europe and the Palearctic to Siberia, with significant populations in Russia, Finland, and Sweden. It migrates to wintering grounds in Portugal, Spain, northern Africa, and parts of Asia, including China and the Indian subcontinent.

These cranes are social birds outside the breeding season, forming flocks that can number up to 400 individuals. They engage in a spectacular dancing display, which includes leaping with wings uplifted. This behavior serves complex social functions and can occur at any time of year.

The common crane's call is a loud, trumpeting sound that can be heard from great distances. It is typically given in flight and during their display dances.

Common cranes are monogamous and may form pair bonds that last for many years. They engage in elaborate courtship rituals each spring, which include synchronized calls and dances. Nests are built in or near shallow water, and the clutch usually contains two eggs. Both parents are fiercely protective of their nest and young.

The common crane can be confused with the hooded and black-necked cranes of Asia, but its unique coloration and display behaviors are distinguishing features.

Omnivorous in nature, common cranes feed on a variety of plant and animal matter. Their diet includes roots, seeds, berries, insects, and small vertebrates. They forage in small groups, benefiting farmers by consuming waste grain in fields.

The common crane is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a global population estimated at around 500,000 individuals. However, habitat loss and degradation pose significant threats to the species, leading to local extinctions and conservation efforts, such as reintroduction projects in the United Kingdom.

22-3-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

The Cattle Egret, a member of the heron family Ardeidae, is a small white bird recognized for its association with grazing animals. It exhibits a stout build, with a wingspan ranging from 88 to 96 cm, and a body length between 46 to 56 cm. The species is relatively light, weighing between 270 to 512 grams. It is characterized by a short, thick neck, a robust bill, and a somewhat hunched posture.

Outside the breeding season, the adult Cattle Egret has predominantly white plumage, a yellow bill, and greyish-yellow legs. Come breeding time, the western variety develops striking orange-buff plumes on the back, breast, and crown, while the bill, legs, and irises turn a vivid red. The eastern variety differs slightly with buff coloration extending to the cheeks and throat during breeding, and the plumes taking on a more golden hue. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though males are marginally larger with longer breeding plumes.

Cattle Egrets are adaptable birds that exploit a variety of drier and open habitats more than other heron species. Their preferred environments include seasonally inundated grasslands, pastures, farmlands, wetlands, and rice paddies.

Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, the Cattle Egret has seen a significant expansion in its distribution, colonizing much of the rest of the world over the last century. It is now found in the tropics, subtropics, and warm-temperate zones globally.

Cattle Egrets are often seen in the company of cattle or other large mammals, benefiting from the insects and small vertebrates these animals disturb. They are known for their migratory behavior, with some populations moving seasonally, while others disperse post-breeding.

At breeding colonies, the Cattle Egret emits a soft, guttural "rick-rack" call but is generally quiet outside this setting.

Breeding occurs in colonies, often near water and in the company of other wading birds. The nest is a platform of sticks in trees or shrubs. Both parents are involved in nest construction and incubation, which lasts about 23 days. Chicks are born with some down and are dependent on their parents for warmth and food.

22-3-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.

Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars. The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.

The Little Egret frequents a variety of wetland habitats, from the shores of lakes and rivers to marshes and coastal regions. It is often found in open environments, such as mangroves, swamps, mudflats, and sandy beaches, as well as human-altered landscapes like rice fields.

The species has a broad breeding distribution across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Africa and southern Asia, while others remain as permanent residents in warmer areas.

Little Egrets are social yet territorial when feeding. They exhibit a range of foraging behaviors, from active chasing to patient ambush. Their movements are often in response to the presence of other animals, which may stir up prey.

The Little Egret's vocalizations include croaking and bubbling sounds at breeding colonies and a harsh alarm call when disturbed. These calls are similar to those of the Black-crowned Night Heron and the Cattle Egret.

Breeding colonies are often mixed with other water birds. Nests are platforms of sticks located in trees, shrubs, or reed beds. Clutches typically consist of three to five bluish-green eggs, incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at approximately six weeks old.

The diet is diverse, including fish, amphibians, small reptiles, mammals, birds, crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders, and worms. The Little Egret employs various hunting techniques, both in water and on land, to capture its prey.

22-3-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - WATER PIPIT (Anthus spinoletta)

22-3-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris)

21-2-2017 BARRANC PALMA DE GANDIA , VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (MALE) (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.

Native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, the European goldfinch has also been introduced to various regions across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay.

The European goldfinch is known for its sociable nature, often forming flocks in the winter. It is a frequent visitor to bird feeders, particularly in the colder months.

The goldfinch's song is a delightful, silvery twittering, while its call is a melodic tickeLIT. Its song comprises a tinkling medley of trills and twitters, always including the tri-syllabic call phrase.

The female goldfinch solely constructs the nest, which is often situated several meters above ground, camouflaged by leaves. The nest is made of mosses and lichens, lined with plant down, and secured with spider silk. Eggs are laid at daily intervals, typically resulting in a clutch of 4-6 eggs. Incubation lasts 11-13 days, with the female being fed by the male. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge 13-18 days after hatching.

Goldfinches have a preference for small seeds, such as those from thistles and teasels, but will also consume insects when feeding young. They are particularly drawn to bird feeders offering niger seed.

20-2-2017 VAL D'EBO, ALICANTE - WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY (Lasiommata megera)

19-2-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - COMMON CRANE (Grus grus)

The common crane (Grus grus), also known as the Eurasian crane, is a bird of the family Gruidae, the cranes. A medium-sized species, it is the only crane commonly found in Europe besides the demoiselle crane (Grus virgo) and the Siberian crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus) that only are regular in the far eastern part of the continent. Along with the sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis), demoiselle crane and the brolga (Antigone rubicunda), it is one of only four crane species not currently classified as threatened with extinction or conservation dependent on the species level. Despite the species' large numbers, local extinctions and extirpations have taken place in part of its range, and an ongoing reintroduction project is underway in the United Kingdom.

19-2-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - WATER PIPIT (Anthus spinoletta)

The Water pipit (Anthus spinoletta ) is a small passerine bird which breeds in the mountains of Southern Europe and the Palearctic eastwards to China. They are short-distance migrants, construct cup-shaped nests, and feed on various small invertebrates picked off the ground or vegetation.

Adult Water pipits in spring plumage have greyish-brown upperparts, weakly streaked with darker brown, and pale pink-buff underparts fading to whitish on the lower belly. There may be some faint streaking on the breast and flanks. Their head is grey with a broad white supercilium. The outer tail feathers are white, and the legs, bill and iris are dark brown or blackish. In non-breeding plumage, the head is grey-brown and the supercilium is less distinct. The upperparts are more streaked, and the underparts are white, marked lightly with brown on the breast and flanks.

The sexes are similar although the female has, on average, a greyer head. Young birds resembles the non-breeding adult, but are browner and more streaked above with prominent streaking on the underparts.

Water pipits breed in the mountains of southern Europe and Asia from Spain to central China, along with the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Corsica. These birds migrate relatively short distances; some populations winter mainly in western and southern Europe and in northwestern Africa; in western Europe some birds show fidelity to the same wintering site, returning each year. Birds in Spain move only lower down the mountains in which they breed. Others winter at lower altitudes near their breeding areas and also in the Arabian Peninsula and northeast Africa. Some birds winter in Pakistan, northwest India, and southern China. Water pipits breed in alpine pastures and high meadows with short grass and some bushes or rocks. They are typically found close to wetter areas and often on slopes. Wintering grounds typically include coastal wetlands, marshes, rice fields, and similar habitats.

Water pipits are wary birds and if approached they fly some distance before landing again. They are active during the day spending most of their time foraging alone or in pairs; in bad weather, they forage more frequently and tend to concentrate around marmot burrow entrances. Water pipits typically sing from a perch or in flight. Their song consists of four or five blocks, each consisting of about half a dozen repetitions of a different short note. It is a sequence of about twenty tinkling ‘cheepa’ notes followed by a rising series of thin ‘gee’ calls, and finishing with a short trill. The call of these birds is a single or double sharp ‘dzip’. Water pipits leave their breeding grounds in mid-September, although eastern populations may start moving south before then. The spring migration starts in February and March and birds return to the breeding grounds in April and May.

Water pipits are mainly monogamous and form pairs, although both, the males and the females may deviate from this occasionally. To attract a female the male performs a display flight in which he climbs to 10-30 meters (33-98 ft), flies in an arc, and glides back down, singing throughout. The female constructs a cup nest from grass and leaves which is lined with finer plant material and animal hairs. The nest is hidden in vegetation on the ground, sometimes in a hollow. The normal clutch is 4-6 eggs laid from the end of April to early July. The female incubates the eggs for 14-15 days until they hatch. Chicks are altricial (helpless); they are fed initially by the male, with both parents sharing the duty after a few days when the female does not need to brood so often. The young fledge in a further 14-15 days and there may be two broods in a year.

17-2-2017 GALLOCANTA, ZARAGOZA - EURASIAN LINNET (MALE) (Linaria cannabina)

17-2-2017 GALLOCANTA, ZARAGOZA - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola)

17-2-2017 GALLOCANTA, ZARAGOZA - EURASIAN LINNET (FEMALE) (Linaria cannabina)

The common linnet, Linaria cannabina, is a small, slender finch with a fondness for seeds, particularly those of hemp and flax. The male, in his breeding plumage, is distinguished by a grey nape, a striking red head-patch, and a red breast, while the female and juveniles are more subdued in coloration with white underparts and buff-streaked breasts.

When identifying the common linnet, look for the long tail and the contrast between the brown upper parts and the sullied white throat. The bill is grey, and the male's red accents are most vibrant during the breeding season.

This species prefers open land with dense shrubbery for breeding, including heathlands and gardens.

The common linnet has a wide range across Europe, the western Palearctic, and North Africa. It is partially migratory, with many birds from the east and north moving southward or toward coastal areas during the non-breeding season.

Outside of breeding season, common linnets may gather in large flocks, occasionally mixing with other finch species. They are known for their delightful song, which features rapid trills and twitters. Breeding involves nest building within bushes and laying clutches of four to seven eggs.

17-2-2017 GALLOCANTA, ZARAGOZA - EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), also known as the European kestrel, Eurasian kestrel or Old World kestrel, is a species of predatory bird belonging to the kestrel group of the falcon family Falconidae. In the United Kingdom, where no other kestrel species commonly occurs, it is generally just called "kestrel".

This species occurs over a large native range. It is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as occasionally reaching the east coast of North America. It has colonized a few oceanic islands, but vagrant individuals are generally rare; in the whole of Micronesia for example, the species was only recorded twice each on Guam and Saipan in the Marianas.

In the cool-temperate parts of its range, the common kestrel migrates south in winter; otherwise it is sedentary, though juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. It is a diurnal animal of the lowlands and prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternative perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant herbaceous plants and shrubs to support a population of prey animals. The common kestrel readily adapts to human settlement, as long as sufficient swathes of vegetation are available, and may even be found in wetlands, moorlands and arid savanna. It is found from the sea to the lower mountain ranges, reaching elevations up to 4,500 m (14,800 ft) ASL in the hottest tropical parts of its range but only to about 1,750 m (5,740 ft) in the subtropical climate of the Himalayan foothills.