TOTAL PAGEVIEWS

1900964

TRANSLATE

Sunday, 16 April 2017

14-4-2017 GIBRALTAR - BARBARY MACAQUE (Macaca sylvanus)



The unique Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) are the only primates, occurring north of the Sahara in Africa. In addition, these animals are the only macaques, found outside of Asia. As highly adaptable creatures, they are capable of surviving in various environments and temperatures from fir and mixed oak forests to sheer cliffs. Moreover, the Barbary macaques are among the few monkeys, inhabiting cold and snowy regions. They are communal foragers, looking for food both terrestrially and in trees.





The Barbary macaque has a dark pink face with a pale buff to golden brown to grey pelage and a lighter underside. The color of mature adults changes with age. In adults and subadults, the fur on the back is variegated pale and dark which is due to banding on individual hairs. In spring to early summer, as the temperatures rise, the adult macaques molt their thick winter fur. The species shows sexual dimorphism with males larger than females. The boneless vestigial tail is greatly reduced compared with other macaque species and, if not absent, measures 4-22 mm (0.16-0.87 in).


The natural range of these primates covers the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco in North Africa. The Barbary monkeys have also been introduced from Morocco to Gibraltar, where these animals currently occur in a small population. They are most commonly found in high-altitude mountains, rocky cliffs, and gorges. The ideal habitat of this species is cedar forest, although the animals often inhabit mixed forests of cedar and holm-cork oak, pure oak forests, shrubby rock outcrops along coasts as well as grasslands, found at low elevations within their range.


Barbary macaques are generally active during the daytime hours, sleeping at night in single-sex clusters of 2-3 macaques. Most of their active time is spent traveling and looking for food. The Barbary macaques are highly social animals, gathering in groups of up to 59 individuals with an average of 24. These troops contain individuals of both sexes with equal proportions. Both males and females have their separate hierarchies. Females form strictly matrilineal hierarchies, where each individual is specifically ranked. Meanwhile, the social system of males is somewhat looser. In addition, males of this species are less aggressive than females. Mutual grooming is a common activity in these primates. It's an important part of their life, which helps remove parasites and reduce stress as well as enhances interpersonal relationships between members of a group. About half of all communication between conspecifics contains aggressive behavior. However, the Barbary macaques are more peaceful animals, than most primates.

Barbary macaques have a polygynandrous (promiscuous) mating system, where individuals of both sexes have numerous mates. They breed in November-December and produce offspring in April-June. A single infant is born after a gestation period of 158-170 days. The Barbary macaques are known to practice cooperative breeding, which means that all members of the troop take care of newborn babies. Weaning occurs at about 1 year old. The age of reproductive maturity is 4.5-7 years old in males and 2.5-4 years old in females, after which the latter continue living with their natal troop, whereas the former have to disperse.

Saturday, 15 April 2017

14-4-2017 GIBRALTAR - SPANISH FESTOON BUTTERFLY (Zerynthia rumina)


Zerynthia rumina, the Spanish festoon, is a butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae. It is a widespread species in Iberia and frequents most habitats.

It is found in North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula and southern France.

Zerynthia rumina is an extremely striking species. In south east France it can be confused with the southern festoon (Zerynthia polyxena). The two can be told apart by the presence of blue on the hindwing of the southern festoon.


The Spanish festoon also has extensive red on the forewings.

The flight period is generally in April and May with the possibility of a very small second brood in September.

Its size is 40-45 mm wingspan
Prefers calcareous hillsides with low, abundant vegetation
Altitude is up to 2,200 metres



It develops in a single generation between February and June, and in coastal areas it has a second generation in autumn.
It perches in the sun on the ground and on wild flowers 
Host plant Aristolochia, A. pistolochia, A. rotunda, A. longa,  Aristolochia baetica , A. fontanesi


Although it is not in danger in most of its flight territory, there are two endemic subspecies that are close to extinction if immediate protective measures are not taken. One of them is cantabricae Gómez-Bustillo (between the southwest of Santander, Palencia and Burgos) and the other, minima Gerhandinger (El Regajal, Aranjuez-Madrid) (Source MMA)

Tuesday, 11 April 2017

10-4-2017 PUNTA DEL GARDO, THE AZORES - AZOREAN CHAFFINCH (Fringilla coelebs ssp. moreletti)


The Azores chaffinch (Fringilla moreletti) is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is a subspecies of the common chaffinch that is endemic to the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, part of Macaronesia in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is locally known as the tentilhão or sachão.

The head and part of the dorsum are bluish gray, with the rest of the dorsal area being greenish; the wings and tail are black and white; the throat and chest are pink. The bill is lead-colored. The paws are pinkish brown. The plumage of the females is more discreet, dominating the brown tones.

The Azores chaffinch inhabits all of the Azorean Islands and is one the most common birds in the archipelago, It can be seen from sea-level to the mountainous interior, including the highest areas of Pico.

Sunday, 9 April 2017

10-4-2017 PUNTA DEL GARDO, THE AZORES - AZOREAN BULLFINCH (Pyrrhula murina)


The Azores bullfinch, or São Miguel bullfinch, known locally as the priolo, is a passerine bird belonging to the true finch family. This plump bird, with its shorter wings and longer tail, is endemic to the island of São Miguel in the Azores. It measures 15–17 cm in length and weighs around 30 grams, with males being marginally larger than females. The plumage is more subdued than its Eurasian counterpart, featuring a black cap, face, wings, and tail, with the remainder of the body in shades of grey or pale grey-brown.

Males and females are almost indistinguishable, though males may show a faint pinkish hue on the belly and flanks. The Azores bullfinch can be recognized by its melancholic, flute-like whistle, which serves as its contact call.

This bird is found primarily in native laurisilva forests at elevations of 300–800 meters above sea level, particularly in the Serra da Tronqueira range and, seasonally, around Salto do Cavalo.

The Azores bullfinch is confined to São Miguel Island in the Azores, with its presence notably absent from the western end of the island.

The species exhibits seasonal movements within its range, tracking the availability of food sources throughout the year.

10-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - SOUTHERN LEOPARD FROG (Lithobates sphenocephalus)


The southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus or Rana sphenocephala ) is a medium sized anuran in the family Ranidae (The True Frogs). It is native to eastern North America from Kansas to New York to Florida. It is also an introduced species in some areas. This species lives in cool, clear water in the north, whereas in the south it occurs in warmer turbid and murky waters of coastal and floodplain swamps, twilight zones of caves, and abandoned mines.

This frog is up to 13 cm long. It is green or brown in color with a yellowish ridge along each side of the back. Rounded dark spots occur on the back and sides; a light spot is seen on each eardrum. The male has larger fore limbs than the female. The breeding male's vocal sacs are spherical when inflated. The call is described as a "ratchetlike trill", "chuckling croak", or a "squeaky balloon-like sound".

The larva is mottled, and the eyes are positioned on the top of the head. It grows to 7.6 cm in length before maturing. The female lays an egg mass that is "baseball-sized" when close to hatching time, and contains up to 1500 eggs.

Friday, 7 April 2017

8-11-2017 HANNINGFIELD RESERVOIR, ESSEX - BRITISH DUNNOCK (Prunella modularis ssp. occidentalis),


The dunnock (Prunella modularis) is a small passerine, or perching bird. It is the most widespread member of the accentor family.

he dunnock has a drab appearance which may have evolved to avoid predation. It is brownish underneath and has a fine-pointed bill. Adults have a grey head, and both sexes are similarly colored. Unlike any similar-sized small brown bird, dunnocks frequently flick with their wings, especially during territorial disputes or when competing for mating rights. This gives rise to one of their common names, "shufflewing".

unnocks are native to large areas of Eurasia, inhabiting much of Europe including Lebanon, northern Iran, and the Caucasus. They are partially migratory; some populations are resident while birds in northern and eastern parts of the range are migratory. Dunnocks favor habitats that include forests, woodlands, shrubs, gardens, parks, and hedgerows.

Dunnocks are active during the day typically feeding on the ground. They are usually seen alone, but sometimes, may join foraging flocks. Dunnocks are territorial, especially during the breeding season, and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nests. Males sometimes share a territory and exhibit a strict dominance hierarchy; older birds tend to be the dominant males and first-year birds are usually sub-dominant. Female territorial ranges are almost always exclusive. However, sometimes, multiple males may cooperate to defend a single territory containing multiple females. The main call of dunnocks is a shrill, persistent 'tseep' along with a high trilling note, which betrays the bird's otherwise inconspicuous presence. The song is rapid, thin, and tinkling, a sweet warble that can be confused with that of the Eurasian wren but is shorter and weaker.

Sunday, 2 April 2017

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - RED WINGED BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Agelaius phoeniceus)


The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a striking and abundant passerine bird, belonging to the family Icteridae. Exhibiting pronounced sexual dimorphism, the male is resplendent with glossy black plumage, accented by a vibrant red shoulder patch edged with a yellow border. The female, in contrast, is cloaked in more subdued hues of brown, adeptly blending into her surroundings.

Males are easily identified by their jet-black feathers and the scarlet and yellow "epaulets" on their wings. Females are more cryptic, with a mottled brown appearance, often with streaks or lighter undersides. Both sexes possess a pointed bill and a medium-length, rounded tail.

Red-winged Blackbirds are versatile in their choice of habitat, though they show a strong affinity for wetlands. They are commonly found in freshwater and saltwater marshes, particularly where cattails are present. They also inhabit dry upland areas such as meadows and prairies.

This species is widespread across North America, from Alaska and Newfoundland, extending south to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and parts of Central America. They are also found in isolated regions of El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)


The Snowy egret (Egretta thula ) is a small white heron. It is the American counterpart to the very similar Old World Little egret, which has become established in the Bahamas. At one time, the plumes of the snowy egret were in great demand as decorations for women's hats. They were hunted for these plumes and this reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels. Now protected in the United States by law, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, this bird's population has rebounded.

Adult Snowy egrets are entirely white in color apart from the yellow lores between the long black bills and the eye, black legs, and bright yellow feet. The nape and neck bear long, shaggy plumes known as aigrettes. Immature Snowy egrets have duller, greenish legs.


Snowy egrets are native to North, Central, and South America. They are present all year round in South America, ranging as far south as Chile and Argentina. They also occur throughout the year in the West Indies, Florida, and coastal regions of North and Central America. Elsewhere, in the southern part of the United States, they are migratory, breeding in California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Snowy egrets live in wetlands of many types; this includes marshes, riverbanks, lakesides, pools, salt marshes, mangroves, and estuaries.

Snowy egrets are highly social and often forage in groups with gulls, terns, ibises, and other herons; they also nest in colonies. Snowy egrets are active at dawn and dusk and rest during the day. They stalk prey in shallow water, often running or shuffling their feet, flushing prey into view by swaying their heads, flicking their wings, or vibrating their bills. They may also hover, or "dip-fish" by flying with their feet just above the water surface. Snowy egrets may also stand still and wait to ambush prey, or hunt for insects stirred up by domestic animals in open fields. These birds are usually silent; during courtship displays, when threatened or defending their territory they make a harsh squawk.


Snowy egrets are monogamous, which means that both males and females have only one partner. The breeding season starts in spring. The male establishes a territory and starts building the nest in a tree, vines, or thick undergrowth. He then attracts a female with an elaborate courtship display which includes dipping up and down, bill raising, aerial displays, diving, tumbling, and calling. The female finishes the construction of the nest with materials brought by the male. It is constructed from twigs, rushes, sedges, grasses, Spanish moss, and similar materials and may be 15 in (38 cm) across. The female lays up to 6 pale bluish-green eggs which hatch after about 24 days. The young are altricial and covered with white down when first hatched. They leave the nest after about 22 days and become reproductively mature at 1 to 2 years of age.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - RED BELLIED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes carolinus)


The red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a medium-sized woodpecker of the family Picidae. It breeds mainly in the eastern United States, ranging as far south as Florida and as far north as Canada. Though it has a vivid orange-red crown and nape it is not to be confused with the red-headed woodpecker, a separate species of woodpecker in the same genus with an entirely red head and neck that sports a solid black back and white belly. The red-bellied earns its name from the pale reddish blush of its lower underside.

These birds mainly search out arthropods on tree trunks. They may also catch insects in flight. They are omnivores, eating insects, fruits, nuts and seeds. Their breeding habitat is usually deciduous forests. They nest in the decayed cavities of dead trees, old stumps, or in live trees that have softer wood such as elms, maples, or willows; both sexes assist in digging nesting cavities. Areas around nest sites are marked with drilling holes to warn others away.

Though the species is not globally threatened, it depends on large trees for nesting. In areas that are extensively deforested, the birds will sometimes utilize gardens, but for the most part they simply will not be present in any numbers.


In early May, the red-bellied woodpeckers begin breeding activities by drumming patterns, such as slow taps followed by short rapid drumming. The red-bellied woodpeckers use vocal signals to attract and communicate with potential mates. A low "grr, grr" sound is observed in a pair of woodpeckers from the start of courtship until the end of the breeding season.[12] In an intraspecific conflict, red-bellied woodpeckers usually make a loud "chee-wuck, chee-wuck, chee-wuck" sound. As indicated by Kilham 1983, the red-bellied woodpecker drums with its bill during conflict situation and taps to maintain pair bonding. An example of a conflict event would be competing for the same mate. Nevertheless, red-bellied woodpeckers are known to be in monogamous relationships. They have been known to rapidly peck on aluminum gutters of houses to produce a loud noise in order to attract females.

Woodpeckers depend on dead and drying wood for nesting purposes. The male red-bellied woodpecker takes the initiative in locating a nest hole. He will then seek approval from his mate by mutual tapping. The red-bellied woodpecker excavates holes in trees for nesting and roosting. By excavating cavities, they play an important role in forest communities for other species as well. For example, squirrels and bats use these cavities as shelter. The female red-bellied woodpecker accepts the nesting site by completing the excavation and entering the nest hole.

Researchers have documented that red-bellied woodpeckers tend to nest in clear areas with only a few trees. Studies have indicated that close canopy areas do not impact the bird's nesting behavior; however, further studies are needed and are in progress. Red-bellied woodpeckers breed once per year and are territorial during the nesting season. A pair begins nesting in April or May holding a year-round territory and showing high site fidelity.
Red-bellied woodpeckers depend on dead trees for nesting. Recent studies have shown that these woodpeckers experienced low breeding due to cutting sites of dead trees; however, predators are still of main concern. The juvenile red-bellied woodpecker is ready to fledge at 24 to 26 days of age. Natal dispersal has been observed in juvenile red-bellied woodpeckers. The juvenile red-bellied woodpecker remains in its natal area for approximately  weeks after fledging. In some cases, the woodpecker may return to its natal area for breeding, depending on predation levels and food resources.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis)


The Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America; there it is the most prodigious and ecologically essential natural forest regenerator. Widely introduced to certain places around the world, the Eastern gray squirrel in Europe, in particular, is regarded as an invasive species.

The Eastern gray squirrel is a squirrel of medium size, and both males and females are of the same size and color. Its fur is mainly black or gray, the gray color being grizzled and often banded with gray and black guard hairs, tinged white, with the underside being white. Its tail is quite bushy and sometimes reddish in color and is used for maintaining balance while it leaps between branches. The overall fur color may change with different seasons, with the grayish fur being tawnier during summer, and the tail whiter.

Eastern gray squirrels are native to the eastern and mid-western parts of America, and to the south of the eastern parts of Canada. They range from Manitoba to New Brunswick, and south to Florida and East Texas. They inhabit large areas of mature, dense woodland ecosystems. These forests usually contain large mast-producing trees such as oaks and hickories, providing ample food sources. Close to human settlements, Eastern gray squirrels are found in parks and backyards of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - BLACK BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)


The grey plover (Pluvialis squatarola), known as the black-bellied plover in North America, is a large cosmopolitan plover breeding in Arctic regions. It is a long-distance migrant, with a nearly worldwide coastal distribution when not breeding.


Their breeding habitat is Arctic islands and coastal areas across the northern coasts of Alaska, Canada, and Russia. They nest on the ground in a dry open tundra with good visibility; the nest is a shallow gravel scrape. Four eggs (sometimes only three) are laid in early June, with an incubation period of 26–27 days; the chicks fledge when 35–45 days old.

They migrate to winter in coastal areas throughout the world. In the New World they winter from southwest British Columbia and Massachusetts south to Argentina and Chile, in the western Old World from Ireland and southwestern Norway south throughout coastal Africa to South Africa, and in the eastern Old World, from southern Japan south throughout coastal southern Asia and Australia, with a few reaching New Zealand. Most of the migrants to Australia are female. It makes regular non-stop transcontinental flights over Asia, Europe, and North America, but is mostly a rare vagrant on the ground in the interior of continents, only landing occasionally if forced down by severe weather, or to feed on the coast-like shores of very large lakes such as the Great Lakes, where it is a common passage migrant.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - AMERICAN WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)


The American white ibis (Eudocimus albus) is a striking wader of the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. It is a medium-sized bird with a predominantly white plumage, which contrasts with its bright red-orange down-curved bill and long legs. The tips of its wings are black, a detail most apparent when the bird is in flight. Sexual dimorphism is present, with males being larger and possessing longer bills than females.

Adult American white ibises have distinctive pink facial skin and black wingtips visible in flight. In non-breeding condition, their bill and legs are a vivid red-orange. During breeding, the bill darkens at the tip and the legs take on a purple hue. Juveniles are brown and white, with the white becoming more prevalent as they mature. The species is relatively short-legged and bulky for its size, with a wingspan ranging from 90 to 105 cm.

The American white ibis frequents a variety of wetland habitats, including shallow coastal marshes, mangrove swamps, and inland wetlands such as marshes, ponds, and flooded fields. It adapts well to both natural and man-made water bodies.

This ibis is found from Virginia through the Gulf Coast of the United States, extending south through the coastal New World tropics. Its breeding range includes the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts, as well as the coasts of Mexico and Central America. The non-breeding range extends further inland and includes the Caribbean and parts of South America.

The American white ibis is a sociable bird, often seen in large flocks. It is territorial during the breeding season, with pairs forming monogamous bonds. Males may engage in extra-pair copulation to increase reproductive success. The species is known for its undulating flight pattern and honking calls.


The primary call is a honking sound, used in various contexts such as flight and courtship. Additional vocalizations include a muted foraging call and a high-pitched begging call from young in the nest.

Breeding occurs in large colonies near water, with both parents caring for the young. Nesting begins with the availability of suitable habitat, and the female is responsible for nest construction. Clutch sizes vary, with crayfish being the preferred food for chicks.

The American white ibis can be confused with the glossy ibis or the wood stork, but can be distinguished by its white plumage and red-orange bill and legs. Juveniles may be mistaken for the scarlet ibis, but the latter has darker legs.

The diet primarily consists of small aquatic prey, with crayfish being favored. The ibis probes shallow waters with its beak to locate and capture prey, which it does not visually see. Diet varies with habitat and prey availability.

The American white ibis is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Populations are stable, though they can fluctuate and move between states. Conservation efforts focus on preserving wetland habitats and monitoring environmental impacts such as pollution.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)


The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is a small, secretive wader, cloaked in an iridescent greenish-black cap and a rich chestnut neck. Its wings are a tapestry of grey-black that transitions into hues of green or blue. The adult's plumage is complemented by grey underparts and short yellow legs, while its bill is a dark, pointed instrument of precision. Females are generally smaller and exhibit less vibrant plumage, especially during the breeding season. Juveniles present a more muted appearance with streaked brown and white head sides, neck, and underparts, and their legs and bill bear a greenish-yellow tinge.


Adult length: Approximately 44 cm (17 inches)
Wingspan: 25.2–26.8 inches (64–68 cm)
Weight: Around 8.5 oz (240 g)
Distinguishing features include a glossy greenish-black cap, a chestnut neck with a white line down the front, and short yellow legs.
 
The Green Heron favors small wetlands nestled within low-lying areas, where it can be most often observed during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn.

This heron is native to North and Central America, with migratory populations moving between breeding and wintering grounds. It is a rare vagrant to western Europe and may occasionally stray as far as Hawaii from the Pacific coast of North America.


The Green Heron is a solitary feeder, often seen standing motionless on the shore or perched on branches, patiently awaiting its prey. It is known for its remarkable use of tools, such as dropping bait onto the water's surface to lure fish—a testament to its ingenuity.

The call of the Green Heron is a sharp and sudden "kyow," with a series of softer "kuk" calls. During courtship, males emit a variety of sounds including "raah-rahh," "whoom-whoom-whoom," and "aroo-aaroo" to attract a mate.

These herons are seasonally monogamous, with pairs forming in the breeding range after males perform elaborate courtship displays. They nest in forest and swamp patches, constructing platforms of sticks, often in shrubs or trees. Clutches typically consist of 2–6 pale green eggs, incubated by both parents.


The Green Heron can be confused with its sister species, the Striated Heron (Butorides striata), with which it was once considered conspecific under the name "green-backed heron."

The diet of the Green Heron is varied, including small fish, frogs, aquatic arthropods, and any invertebrate or vertebrate prey within its grasp. It is an opportunistic feeder, also consuming leeches, earthworms, dragonflies, damselflies, waterbugs, grasshoppers, spiders, crayfish, prawns, mice, other rodents, lizards, tadpoles, and snakes.

The Green Heron is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, at present, it does not face any immediate threat of population decline that would warrant a higher risk category.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)


The tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor), formerly known as the Louisiana heron, is a small species of heron native to coastal parts of the Americas. The species is more solitary than other species of heron in the Americas and eats a diet consisting mostly of small fish.

Habitat, breeding, and distribution
Tricolored herons breed in swamps and other coastal habitats and nests in colonies, often with other herons, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. In each clutch, three to seven eggs are typically laid. The tricolored heron is the second most coastal heron in the United States.
The species' range follows the northeastern United States, south along the coast, through the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, to northern South America as far south as Brazil. In the Pacific region, it ranges from Peru to California, but it is only a nonbreeding visitor to the far north.

It was likely the most numerous heron in North America until the cattle egret arrived to the continent in the 1950s. While the species' population appears to be on the decline, it remains quite common. The bird is listed as "Threatened" by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.


This species measures from 56 to 76 cm (22 to 30 in) long and has a typical wingspan of 96 cm (38 in). The slightly larger male heron weighs 415 g (14.6 oz) on average, while the female averages 334 g (11.8 oz). It is a medium-large, long-legged, long-necked heron with a long, pointed, yellowish or greyish bill with a black tip. Its legs and feet are dark. The plumage of the triclolored heron changes dramatically from its juvenile form to its adult form.

Adults have a blue-grey head, neck, back, and upper wings, with a white line along the neck. The belly is white. In breeding plumage, they have long, blue, filamentous plumes on their heads and necks, and buff ones on their backs.


The tricolored heron is more solitary when foraging than other North American herons. When it forages for its prey, it is typically belly-deep in water, alone or at the edge of a mixed flock. Kent (1986) found that the diets of tricolored herons in Florida consisted of 99.7% fish and prawns. While other members of Egretta may also eat crabs and opportunistically forage for terrestrial arthropods, the tricolored heron has been consistently observed to be almost exclusively piscivorous, primarily feeding on members of Poeciliidae.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - BLACK NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)


The Black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) is an American shorebird that lives in wetlands and coastlines. It is often treated as a subspecies of the Black-winged stilt, however, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) has always considered it a species in its own right.

Black-necked stilts have long pink legs and a long thin black bill. They are white below and have black wings and backs. The tail is white with some grey banding. A continuous area of black extends from the back along the hind neck to the head. There, it forms a cap covering the entire head from the top to just below eye level, with the exception of the areas surrounding the bill and a small white spot above the eye. Males have a greenish gloss to the back and wings, particularly in the breeding season. This is less pronounced or absent in females, which have a brown tinge to these areas instead. Otherwise, the sexes look alike. Downy young are light olive brown with lengthwise rows of black speckles (larger on the back) on the upperparts - essentially where adults are black - and dull white elsewhere, with some dark barring on the flanks.


Black-necked stilts occur from the coastal areas of California through much of the interior western United States and along the Gulf of Mexico as far east as Florida, then south through Central America and the Caribbean to Brazil, Peru, and the Galápagos Islands, with an isolated population, the Hawaiian stilt, in Hawaii. The northernmost populations, particularly those from inland, are migratory and spend winters from the extreme south of the United States to southern Mexico, rarely as far south as Costa Rica; on the Baja California peninsula, they are only found regularly in winter. Black-necked stilts are found in estuarine, lacustrine, salt ponds, lakeshores, alkali flats, flooded fields, and emergent wetland habitats; they usually occur in lowlands but in Central America, they can also be found in mountainous areas.

Black-necked stilts are crepuscular birds. They forage by probing and gleaning primarily in mudflats and lakeshores, but also in very shallow waters near shores. Outside of the breeding season, they are gregarious; they feed and roost in groups and migrate in large flocks. They often roost and rest in alkali flats, lake shores, and islands surrounded by shallow water. Black-necked stilts have a very interesting behavior. Since these birds live in areas with hot climates, they have to cool off the nest. To do that, parents will carry water in their ventral feathers to the nest and can make many trips a day. Fall migration of the northern birds takes place from July to September, and they return to the breeding grounds between March and May. Usually, the entire population breeding at any one site arrives, mates, incubates eggs for about a month, and protects and broods the young until they are capable of sustained flight; this population then leaves again migrating in flocks of about 15 individuals sometimes juveniles congregating in small groups and other times siblings with family groups.

Saturday, 1 April 2017

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - DOUBLE CRESTED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax auritus)


The double-crested cormorant, Nannopterum auritum, is a robust waterbird with a long neck and a stout, hooked bill. Its plumage is predominantly black, with some individuals displaying a greyish back and coverts. During the breeding season, adults develop distinctive nuptial crests above their eyes, which can be white, black, or a combination thereof. The species is named for these crests, and it also features a patch of orange-yellow facial skin. The double-crested cormorant measures 70–90 cm in length, with a wingspan of 114–123 cm, and weighs between 1.2 and 2.5 kg.

Adults in breeding plumage are mostly black with possible white crests and orange facial skin. Non-breeding adults lack the crests and have more yellowish facial skin. Juveniles are grey or brown with lighter underparts. The double-crested cormorant can be distinguished from the great cormorant by its more extensive yellow throat and bill, and from the neotropic cormorant by its range and size.

This species is found in a variety of aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. It is adaptable and can be seen perching with wings outstretched to dry its feathers after diving.

The double-crested cormorant is widely distributed across North America, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Florida and Mexico. It is a migratory bird, with some populations moving southward in winter to ice-free coastal areas.

The double-crested cormorant is an adept swimmer and diver, using its feet for propulsion to catch prey. It is often observed standing with wings spread to dry its non-waterproof feathers. In flight, it has a characteristic posture with its bill tilted slightly upward.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)


The turkey vulture, known scientifically as Cathartes aura, is a bird of prey that is the most widespread of the New World vultures. It is a large bird, with a wingspan of 160–183 cm (63–72 in), a length of 62–81 cm (24–32 in), and weight ranging from 0.8 to 2.41 kg (1.8 to 5.3 lb). The adult turkey vulture is recognized by its bald red head, dark plumage, and a relatively short, hooked, ivory-colored beak. The underwing coverts are silvery-gray, providing a contrast against the darker wing linings.

When observing the turkey vulture in flight, look for its distinctive silhouette with wings held in a shallow V-shape. The bird often rocks or tips from side to side, allowing the silvery-gray flight feathers to catch the light. The small, red head is proportionally small compared to its body, and the beak is short and hooked. The legs and feet are pinkish in color, often stained white due to urohidrosis, a cooling behavior where the bird defecates on its own legs.


Turkey vultures inhabit a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts. They are often found in areas that juxtapose with woodlands, which are important for nesting and roosting.

The turkey vulture's range extends from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It is a permanent resident in the southern United States, with northern populations migrating as far south as South America.

Turkey vultures are gregarious and roost in large community groups. They are known for their soaring flight, utilizing thermals to stay aloft with minimal flapping. On the ground, they have an ungainly, hopping walk and require significant effort to take flight. They are also known for their horaltic pose, where they spread their wings to dry, warm their body, or bake off bacteria.

Lacking a syrinx, the turkey vulture's vocalizations are limited to grunts or low hisses.


Breeding season varies with latitude, starting in March in the southern United States and extending into August in northerly latitudes. Turkey vultures nest in protected locations such as cliffs, caves, or hollow trees, laying one to three cream-colored eggs with brown or lavender spots. Both parents incubate and care for the altricial chicks by regurgitating food.

The black vulture is similar in appearance but can be distinguished by its shorter tail and wings, which make it appear smaller in flight.

Diet and Feeding
Turkey vultures feed almost exclusively on carrion, preferring recently dead animals and avoiding putrefied remains. They have a keen sense of smell and can detect the gases produced by decaying animals, which aids in locating food.

The turkey vulture is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Populations appear stable, and it has not reached the threshold for inclusion as a threatened species.

10-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - SLATY SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (Libellula incesta)


Libellula incesta, the slaty skimmer, is a dragonfly of the skimmer family, native to eastern United States and southern Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. Adults are 5.28 cm (2.08 in) long. Mature males are dark blue with black heads. Females and juveniles have brown abdomens with a darker stripe down their backs. Adults fly from June to August. Larvae are habitat specialists, found in the benthos of permanent lakes. 

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)


The royal tern (Thalasseus maximus) is a tern in the family Laridae. The species is endemic to the Americas, though strays have been identified in Europe.
This is a large tern, second only to the Caspian tern but is unlikely to be confused with the carrot-billed giant, which has extensive dark under-wing patches.

The royal tern has an orange-red bill, pale grey upperparts, and white underparts. Its legs are black. In winter, the black cap becomes patchy. Juvenile royal terns are similar to non-breeding adults. Differences include juveniles having black splotched wings and a yellower bill. An adult royal tern has an average wingspan of 130 cm (51 in), for both sexes, but their wingspan can range from 125–135 cm (49–53 in). The royal tern's length ranges from 45–50 cm (18–20 in) and their weight is anywhere from 350–450 g (12–16 oz).

The calls of the royal tern are usually short, clear shrills. Some of the shrills sound like kree or tsirr; the royal tern also has a more plover-like whistle that is longer, rolling, and more melodious.

In parts of its range, the royal tern could be confused with the elegant tern, but the elegant tern has a longer, more curved, bill and shows more white on the forehead in winter.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - NORTHERN CARDINAL (MALE) (Cardinalis cardinalis)


The northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), known colloquially as the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or just cardinal, is a bird in the genus Cardinalis. It can be found in southeastern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Minnesota to Texas, New Mexico, southern Arizona, southern California, and south through Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. It is also an introduced species in a few locations such as Bermuda and Hawaii. Its habitat includes woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetlands.

The northern cardinal is a mid-sized perching songbird with a body length of 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) and a crest on the top of the head. The species expresses sexual dimorphism: Females are a reddish olive color, and have a gray mask around the beak, while males are a vibrant red color, and have a black mask on the face, as well as a larger crest.

The northern cardinal is mainly granivorous, but also feeds on insects and fruit. The male behaves territorially, marking out his territory with song. During courtship, the male feeds seed to the female beak-to-beak. A clutch of three to four eggs is laid, and two to four clutches are produced each year. It was once prized as a pet, but its sale was banned in the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918
 

30-3-2017 HOTEL BOUGANVILLEA,COSTA RICA - TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)


The Tropical Kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus, is a robust member of the tyrant flycatcher family. This avian species is characterized by its pale gray head adorned with a darker eye mask and an orange crown stripe. It boasts a heavy gray bill, a grayish-green back, and brown wings and forked tail. The underparts are a vibrant yellow, transitioning from a pale gray throat to an olive breast. Both sexes share a similar plumage, while juveniles can be distinguished by pale buff edges on their wing coverts.

Adults measure approximately 22 cm in length, weigh around 39 g, and have a wingspan ranging from 38 to 41 cm. Observers should look for the distinctive orange crown stripe and the bird's habit of perching openly, often high in trees.

The Tropical Kingbird favors semi-open areas with an abundance of trees and shrubs. It thrives in gardens, along roadsides, and in other areas where it can find a prominent perch to survey its domain.


This species has a broad range, breeding from southern Arizona and the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas through Central and South America to central Argentina and eastern Peru. It is also found on Trinidad and Tobago. Birds from the extreme northern and southern parts of their breeding range migrate to warmer areas after the breeding season.

The Tropical Kingbird is known for its acrobatic flights to catch insects mid-air, a behavior known as hawking. It may also hover to glean food from vegetation. These birds are fiercely territorial, defending their space against intruders of all sizes, from frigatebirds to hawks.

The call of the Tropical Kingbird is a high-pitched, twittering trill, described as "tree-e-e-e-e-e-e." Males sing a more complex version of this call at dawn.


Pairs of Tropical Kingbirds are monogamous and often remain together throughout the year. They nest high in trees, sometimes near water, constructing a bulky nest of vines, rootlets, and twigs. The female incubates a clutch of two to four eggs for about 16 days, with the young fledging after another 18 to 19 days.

Their diet consists mainly of insects such as beetles, bees, wasps, and dragonflies. They also consume berries and fruits from various plant species, including common guava and gumbo-limbo.

The IUCN lists the Tropical Kingbird as Least Concern, with a population trend that is increasing. Estimates suggest a global breeding population of around 200 million, and the species is considered to have a low conservation concern.