Friday, 3 March 2017
2-3-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus
The booted eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus, is a medium-sized bird of prey, with a stature comparable to the common buzzard. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger, weighing approximately 840–1,025 grams, while males are lighter at 510–770 grams. The species measures around 40 cm in length and boasts a wingspan ranging from 110 to 132 cm. It is characterized by two distinct plumage morphs: a pale variant with light grey feathers and a darker head and flight feathers, and a darker morph with mid-brown plumage and dark grey flight feathers.
When identifying the booted eagle, look for the white markings on the wings, often referred to as "landing lights," which are visible when the bird is in flight. The pale morph is dominant, but the darker morph can be more prevalent in certain eastern populations. The call of the booted eagle is a distinctive shrill "kli-kli-kli."
The booted eagle favors wooded, often hilly landscapes with some open areas. It breeds in rocky, broken terrain but is adaptable during migration, utilizing a variety of habitats except dense forests.
This raptor has a wide distribution, breeding in southern Europe, North Africa, and across Asia, with a disjunct breeding population in southwestern Africa. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, while the southern African populations are sedentary.
The booted eagle is typically observed flying at low altitudes, making it quite conspicuous. It is often seen in pairs or as solitary individuals. The species is known for its sophisticated courtship rituals involving elaborate flight displays.
The booted eagle's vocalization is a piercing "kli-kli-kli," which can be heard during its flight.
Monogamous by nature, the booted eagle lays 1-2 eggs in a nest constructed from sticks and lined with green leaves, either in a tree or on a crag. The female incubates the eggs for about 45 days, while the male provides food. After hatching, the female continues to guard the nest and the young, with the male supplying all the nourishment until the chick fledges after 70-75 days.
The dark morph of the booted eagle may be confused with other local medium-sized birds of prey due to its coloration and size.
The booted eagle hunts small mammals, reptiles, and birds, often stooping from flight with wings folded and feet extended to capture its prey. In Southern Africa, birds are the most common prey, although frogs are also suggested to be an important dietary component elsewhere.
The booted eagle is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, there is a notable lack of research on this species, particularly the Southern African populations, which were only discovered in the 1980s. Changes in climate and human land use may influence migration patterns, underscoring the need for further study to understand the ecology and conservation status of this species.
Wednesday, 1 March 2017
Sunday, 26 February 2017
26-2-2017 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)
The White wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small insectivorous bird of the open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding, where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas, it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It is the national bird of Latvia and has been featured on the stamps of several countries.
The White wagtail is a slender bird with the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail of its genus. There are a number of other subspecies, some of which may have arisen because of partial geographical isolation, such as the resident British and Irish form, the pied wagtail M. a. yarrellii, which now also breeds in adjacent areas of the neighbouring European mainland. The Pied wagtail exchanges the grey colour of the nominate form with black (or very dark grey in females), but is otherwise identical in its behaviour. Other subspecies, the validity of some of which is questionable, differ in the colour of the wings, back, and head, or other features. Some rraces show sexual dimorphism during the breeding season. As many as six subspecies may be present in the wintering ground in India or Southeast Asia and here they can be difficult to distinguish.
White wagtails breed throughout Eurasia, only being absent in the Arctic. They also breed in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. These birds are residents in the milder parts of their range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean, but migratory in much of the rest of their range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, and Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Birds from the North American population also winter in tropical Asia. White wagtails occupy a wide range of habitats but are absent from deserts. They inhabit grasslands, seashores, rocky shorelines, sand beaches, tidepools, rivers, lakeshores, farmland, gardens, and parks. They are also often found in towns and villages.
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 - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)
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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.
Wednesday, 22 February 2017
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.
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 - 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.
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