19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - MALLARD (FEMALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard, or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is a familiar and widespread dabbling duck with a presence across temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The male is renowned for its iridescent green head and white collar, while the female sports a brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes boast a speculum—a patch of feathers with iridescent purple or blue hues bordered by white. The Mallard's length ranges from 50 to 65 cm, with a wingspan of 81 to 98 cm, and it typically weighs between 0.7 and 1.6 kg.

Males during the breeding season are unmistakable with their glossy green heads, white collars, and purple-tinged brown breasts. Females are mottled brown with buff cheeks and an eye-stripe. Both sexes have the distinctive speculum on their wings. The male's bill is yellowish-orange tipped with black, while the female's is darker, ranging from black to mottled orange and brown.

Mallards are found in a variety of wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They prefer water depths less than 0.9 meters and are drawn to areas with aquatic vegetation.

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.

The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

The Eurasian coot is less secretive than many rails, often visible on open water or grasslands. It is territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, with both parents defending their territory. In non-breeding seasons, coots may form large flocks. They are reluctant flyers, preferring to run across water surfaces, and are known for bobbing their heads while swimming.

This species is known for its noisy demeanor, producing a variety of crackling, explosive, or trumpeting calls, which are often heard at night.

Coots build bulky, sometimes floating nests, concealed in vegetation or in the open. Both sexes construct the nest, with the male gathering materials. Clutches typically contain 6-10 buff-colored eggs speckled with black or dark brown. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after 21-24 days. Chicks are precocial and nidifugous, with distinctive orange-red tips on their down.

Omnivorous in nature, the Eurasian coot consumes small live prey, including other birds' eggs, as well as algae, vegetation, seeds, and fruit. It employs various feeding techniques, both on land and in water.

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

The Black-winged Stilt, Himantopus himantopus, is a slender wader known for its strikingly long, pink legs and contrasting black-and-white plumage. This elegant bird is a member of the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae.

Adult Black-winged Stilts measure 33–36 cm in length. They possess a long, thin black bill and display a distinctive black and white coloration. The head and neck are predominantly white, with variable black markings depending on the sex and subspecies. Males typically have a glossy or greenish sheen on their black backs, while females exhibit a more brownish tinge. During flight, their long legs trail behind, and their wingbeats are steady.

These birds favor marshes, shallow lakes, and ponds as their breeding grounds. They are also known to inhabit coastal areas during migration and in the winter months.

The Black-winged Stilt has a wide range, extending across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some populations migrate to coastal regions in winter, while others in milder climates may remain resident or engage in short-range movements.

Black-winged Stilts are often seen foraging in shallow waters, gracefully picking insects and crustaceans from the surface. They are known to nest in small groups, sometimes alongside avocets, and exhibit a variety of courtship behaviors, including intricate displays and duets.

The flight call of the Black-winged Stilt is a sharp and clear kleek, typically heard during its aerial maneuvers.

Nests are simple bare spots on the ground near water. These birds are communal nesters and may breed in loose colonies. They have been known to breed as far north as Britain, with recent successful breeding events recorded in Southern and Northern England.

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - RED CRESTED POCHARD (MALE) (Netta rufina)

The Red-crested Pochard, Netta rufina, is a striking large diving duck. Its name is drawn from the Greek word for duck, 'Netta', and the Latin 'rufina', meaning 'golden-red', a nod to the male's vibrant plumage.

Males are resplendent with a rounded orange head, a red bill, and a contrasting black breast. Their sides are a crisp white, with a brown back and a black tail. Females, on the other hand, are clad in more subdued tones, primarily pale brown with a darker back and crown, and a whitish face. During eclipse, males resemble females but retain their red bills.

These ducks favor lowland marshes and lakes, thriving in the wetland habitats of southern Europe.

The Red-crested Pochard breeds from the steppe and semi-desert regions near the Black Sea to Central Asia and Mongolia. It is a somewhat migratory species, with northern populations wintering in the Indian Subcontinent and Africa.

Gregarious by nature, Red-crested Pochards form large flocks in the winter, often mingling with other diving ducks such as the Common Pochard. They are known to both dive and dabble for their food.

The male emits a distinctive wheezing 'veht', while the female can be heard making a series of hoarse 'vrah-vrah-vrah' calls.

Nests are constructed lakeside amidst vegetation, where they lay clutches of 8–12 pale green eggs.

While unique in appearance, the male Red-crested Pochard can be confused with other pochards during eclipse plumage, but the red bill is a distinguishing feature.

Their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants. These ducks are adept at upending in the water, a method they use more frequently than most diving ducks to forage for food.

The Red-crested Pochard is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, and it is also a species protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - RED CRESTED POCHARD (FEMALE) (Netta rufina)

The Red-crested Pochard, Netta rufina, is a striking large diving duck. Its name is drawn from the Greek word for duck, 'Netta', and the Latin 'rufina', meaning 'golden-red', a nod to the male's vibrant plumage.

Males are resplendent with a rounded orange head, a red bill, and a contrasting black breast. Their sides are a crisp white, with a brown back and a black tail. Females, on the other hand, are clad in more subdued tones, primarily pale brown with a darker back and crown, and a whitish face. During eclipse, males resemble females but retain their red bills.

These ducks favor lowland marshes and lakes, thriving in the wetland habitats of southern Europe.

The Red-crested Pochard breeds from the steppe and semi-desert regions near the Black Sea to Central Asia and Mongolia. It is a somewhat migratory species, with northern populations wintering in the Indian Subcontinent and Africa.

Gregarious by nature, Red-crested Pochards form large flocks in the winter, often mingling with other diving ducks such as the Common Pochard. They are known to both dive and dabble for their food.

The male emits a distinctive wheezing 'veht', while the female can be heard making a series of hoarse 'vrah-vrah-vrah' calls.

Nests are constructed lakeside amidst vegetation, where they lay clutches of 8–12 pale green eggs.

While unique in appearance, the male Red-crested Pochard can be confused with other pochards during eclipse plumage, but the red bill is a distinguishing feature.

Their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants. These ducks are adept at upending in the water, a method they use more frequently than most diving ducks to forage for food.

The Red-crested Pochard is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, and it is also a species protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus, stands as the most widespread and largest member of the flamingo family. This majestic bird is adorned with pinkish-white plumage, save for the red wing coverts and contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers. The bill is a striking pink with a black tip, and the legs are a uniform pink, completing the iconic look of this species.

Adult greater flamingos can be identified by their height, ranging from 110 to 150 cm, and their weight between 2 and 4 kg. The largest males can reach up to 187 cm tall and weigh 4.5 kg. Observers should note the distinctive coloration, with the majority of the body being pinkish-white, red wing coverts, and black flight feathers. The pink bill with a black tip and entirely pink legs are also key identification features. The call of the greater flamingo is reminiscent of a goose-like honking.

Greater flamingos favor mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with saline water, where they can be seen stirring the mud with their feet in search of food.

This species is common in the Old World, with a range that includes Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, and Southern Europe. Notably, they are found in coastal regions and along water bodies such as the Nile River, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.

Greater flamingos are social birds, often found in large flocks. They feed with their heads down, filtering out sustenance from the water with their specially adapted bills. During the breeding season, these birds engage in a fascinating display of spreading uropygial secretions over their feathers to enhance their color, a behavior likened to applying "make-up."

The vocalization of the greater flamingo is a distinctive honking, similar to that of a goose, which can be heard over considerable distances.

The species lays a single chalky-white egg on a mud mound, a typical breeding behavior for flamingos.

While similar to the American flamingo, the greater flamingo can be distinguished by differences in head, neck, body, and bill coloration.

Greater flamingos feed on a diet that includes small shrimp, seeds, blue-green algae, microscopic organisms, and mollusks. They filter their food from the water with their downward-facing heads and movable upper jaws.

The IUCN Red List classifies the greater flamingo as Least Concern, indicating a stable population. However, they face threats from habitat encroachment and pollution in their water supplies.

23-9-2018 PEGO MARJAL, VALENCIA - PLAIN TIGER BUTTERFLY (Danaus chrysippus)

Danaus chrysippus, also known as the plain tiger, African queen, or African monarch, is a medium-sized butterfly widespread in Asia, Australia and Africa. It belongs to the Danainae subfamily of the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. Danainae primarily consume plants in the genus Asclepias, more commonly called milkweed. Milkweed contains toxic compounds, cardenolides, which are often consumed and stored by many butterflies. Because of their emetic properties, the plain tiger is unpalatable to most predators. As a result, its colouration is widely mimicked by other species of butterflies. The plain tiger inhabits a wide variety of habitats, although it is less likely to thrive in jungle-like conditions and is most often found in drier, wide-open areas.

D. chrysippus encompasses three main subspecies: D. c. alcippus, D. c. chrysippus, and D. c. orientis. These subspecies are found concentrated in specific regions within the larger range of the entire species.

The plain tiger is believed to be one of the first butterflies depicted in art. A 3,500-year-old ancient Egyptian fresco in Luxor features the oldest known illustration of this species.

D. chrysippus is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 7–8 cm (2.8–3.1 in). The body is black with white spots. The wings are a brownish orange, the upper side brighter and richer than the underside. The apical half of the forewing is black with a white band. The hindwing has three black spots in the centre. The wings are bordered in black and outlined with semicircular white spots. This species exhibits slight sexual dimorphism, as the male has large scent glands on his hindwings, which the female lacks. They appear as a large black spot with a white centre if viewed from the underside

D. chrysippus is a polymorphic species, so the exact colouring and patterning vary within and between populations.

It is similar in appearance to the Indian fritillary (Argynnis hyperbius), which may coexist with it.

The plain tiger is found across the entirety of Africa, where the predominant subspecies is D. c. alcippus. Its range extends across the majority of Asia throughout Indian subcontinent, as well as many south Pacific islands. The plain tiger is even present in parts of Australia. D. c. chrysippus is most common throughout Asia and in some select regions in Africa, while D. c. orientis is present in more tropical African regions as well as some African islands, including Madagascar and the Seychelles.It is also found in Southern Europe and Kuwait. These insects are considered bioinvaders in North America.

The plain tiger prefers arid, open areas, and is found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, mountains, deciduous forests, and human-tended gardens in cities and parks. It is comfortable at altitudes ranging from sea level to around 1,500 m (4,900 ft).

19-9-2018 PARADOR ALMAGRO, LA MANCHA - MOORISH GECKO (Tarentola mauritanica)

Tarentola mauritanica, known as the common wall gecko, is a species of gecko (Gekkota) native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe. It has been introduced to Madeira and Balearic Islands, and the Americas (in Montevideo, Buenos Aires and California). A nocturnal animal with a predominantly insectivorous diet, it is commonly observed on walls in urban environments in warm coastal areas; it can be found further inland, especially in Spain where it has a tradition of cohabitation with humans as an insect hunter. A robust species, up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long, its tubercules are enlarged and give the species a spiny armoured appearance.

The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is also known as Moorish gecko, crocodile gecko, European common gecko, and, regionally, as osga (in Portuguese), salamanquesa (in Spanish) and dragó (in Catalan).

The Common wall gecko is a small lizard native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe. It is commonly observed on walls in urban environments, mainly in warm coastal areas. However, the Common wall gecko can be found further inland, especially in Spain where it has a tradition of cohabitation with humans as insect hunter. This little creature is brownish-grey or brown in color with darker or lighter spots. These colors change in intensity according to the light. When geckos are active by day their color is darker than during the night.

Common wall geckos are mainly nocturnal or crepuscular. They may also be active during the day, on sunny days especially at the end of the winter. They like to receive sunlight near their refuge. They prefer to forage and spend their time singly; in the warmer months of the year, geckos can often be seen hunting nocturnal insects near light sources and street lamps.

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

With its yellow feet, which are used to flush prey when feeding in shallow water, the Little Egret is a distinctive member of the heron family. Little Egrets first bred in Britain in 1996 and since then have successfully colonised much of southern Britain and Ireland.

Little Egrets first bred in Britain in 1996 and since then have successfully colonised much of southern Britain and Ireland. Most of the breeding colonies have been established within existing Grey Heron colonies, the two species nesting alongside one another.

The winter distribution is also currently restricted to the southern half of Britain & Ireland, despite the fact that young birds are known to move some distance from their natal site.

The little egret, a captivating member of the heron family, Ardeidae, has long enchanted observers with its elegant appearance. Boasting a slender body, pristine white plumage, and long black legs, this bird is the epitome of grace and poise. Found throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and even as far as Australia, the little egret has a wide distribution, allowing it to grace numerous landscapes and ecosystems with its beauty.

While the little egret itself may not feature prominently in folklore or myths, it is worth noting that its close relatives, the herons and egrets, do have cultural significance in various parts of the world. For instance, in Japanese folklore, the white heron is a revered figure that is often associated with purity, elegance, and transformation. These transformed herons, known as “sagi musume,” are believed to have the ability to take on the form of beautiful women, and are depicted in various forms of traditional Japanese art and theater. This cultural association highlights the admiration and respect for the little egret’s larger family of birds and the captivating charm they possess.

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

The Eurasian collared dove, also known as the collared dove or Turkish dove (Streptopelia decaocto), is a bird of modest size, presenting a grey-buff to pinkish-grey plumage that is slightly darker above than below. It is recognized by its distinctive black half-collar edged with white on its nape, from which it derives its name. The species exhibits a blue-grey underwing patch and a tail that is grey-buff above, with dark grey and white-tipped feathers below. The sexes appear similar, with juveniles displaying a less developed collar and a brown iris.

To identify the Eurasian collared dove, look for its medium size, slimmer and longer-tailed body compared to a rock pigeon, and a shorter stature than the wood pigeon. The red legs, black bill, and red iris surrounded by a small area of bare skin, which may appear white or yellow, are key features. The bird's song, a three-part cooing "goo-GOO-goo," and a harsh screeching call are also distinctive identifiers.

This species is often found in proximity to human habitation, particularly where food is plentiful and trees are available for nesting. It is not uncommon to see these doves frequenting bird tables and farms.

Originally from warm temperate and subtropical Asia, the Eurasian collared dove has expanded its range dramatically, colonizing colder countries and becoming a permanent resident in many. Its range now includes Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.

The Eurasian collared dove is known for its dispersive nature rather than migratory habits. It is a monogamous bird that shares parental duties and can breed throughout the year when food is abundant. The male performs a ritual flight during courtship, and the species can produce several broods annually.

The Eurasian collared dove's song is a distinctive "goo-GOO-goo," while its call is a harsh screech lasting about two seconds, often heard in flight before landing.

Breeding occurs close to human settlements, with nests typically within 1 km of inhabited buildings. The female lays two white eggs, which are incubated by both parents. Breeding can happen year-round in favorable conditions.

The diet of the Eurasian collared dove consists mainly of grain, seeds, shoots, and insects. They are gregarious and can form sizeable flocks in winter around food sources.

The Eurasian collared dove is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not at immediate risk of population decline. However, its invasive status in North America is a cause for ecological concern, as it may out-compete native species and potentially spread diseases to domestic poultry and other birds.

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - WHINCHAT (Saxicola rubetra)

The Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) is a small, migratory passerine bird, characterized by its short tail and an affinity for hopping rapidly on the ground. It exhibits a strong supercilium and mottled brownish upper parts, with a pale throat and breast, and a distinctively blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers. During the breeding season, the male sports an orange-buff throat and breast, adding a splash of color to its otherwise muted tones.

To identify the Whinchat, look for the following features: a strong white supercilium and malar stripe, brownish upper parts with darker mottling, and a pale buff to whitish belly. The male, in breeding plumage, has a blackish face mask encircled by the white supercilium, a bright orange-buff throat and breast, and small white wing patches. Females are duller with a browner face mask and smaller or absent white wing patches. Adult males retain white wing patches throughout the year.

The Whinchat favors open grassy country with rough vegetation and scattered small shrubs. It thrives in habitats with high plant species richness and heterogeneous vegetation structure, often found in low-elevation areas with a high density of perches and tussocks.

This species breeds across Europe and western Asia, from Ireland to the Ob River basin and from northern Norway to the Caucasus Mountains. It winters in central Africa, from Senegal to Kenya and south to Zambia. The Whinchat's migration is marked by important stopover sites that aid in crossing barriers like the Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea.

The Whinchat is largely solitary, forming small family groups in autumn. It exhibits a typical behavior of perching on elevated spots to scan for food and display territorial signals. Breeding occurs in late April and May, with the nest built on the ground by the female. Both parents feed the young, which fledge at about eighteen days old and remain dependent for another fortnight.

The Whinchat's main call is a soft "hue-tac-tac," with the male's song being a whistling, crackly but soft melody, often including mimetic phrases from other bird species' songs. The song is used for breeding from April to July and is occasionally heard on the wintering grounds.

Nesting occurs in dense low vegetation, with the female laying a clutch of four to seven eggs. Incubation lasts about thirteen days, and fledging takes place around eighteen days after hatching. The species is known to breed once they reach one year of age.

The Whinchat can be confused with the European stonechat or the Siberian stonechat, but it can be distinguished by its conspicuous supercilium, whiter belly, and longer wingtips, which are adaptations to its long-distance migration.

The diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates, with occasional fruit consumption. Whinchats perch on elevated spots to make sallies for ground insects or flying insects, displaying their white tail and wing flashes while perched.

The Whinchat is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, though some populations, particularly in Western Europe, are in decline due to agricultural intensification. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitat and mitigating the impacts of land use changes.

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - RED CRESTED POCHARD (MALE) (Netta rufina)

The Red-crested Pochard, Netta rufina, is a striking large diving duck. Its name is drawn from the Greek word for duck, 'Netta', and the Latin 'rufina', meaning 'golden-red', a nod to the male's vibrant plumage.

Males are resplendent with a rounded orange head, a red bill, and a contrasting black breast. Their sides are a crisp white, with a brown back and a black tail. Females, on the other hand, are clad in more subdued tones, primarily pale brown with a darker back and crown, and a whitish face. During eclipse, males resemble females but retain their red bills.

These ducks favor lowland marshes and lakes, thriving in the wetland habitats of southern Europe.

The Red-crested Pochard, Netta rufina, is a striking large diving duck. Its name is drawn from the Greek word for duck, 'Netta', and the Latin 'rufina', meaning 'golden-red', a nod to the male's vibrant plumage.

Males are resplendent with a rounded orange head, a red bill, and a contrasting black breast. Their sides are a crisp white, with a brown back and a black tail. Females, on the other hand, are clad in more subdued tones, primarily pale brown with a darker back and crown, and a whitish face. During eclipse, males resemble females but retain their red bills.

These ducks favor lowland marshes and lakes, thriving in the wetland habitats of southern Europe.

The Red-crested Pochard breeds from the steppe and semi-desert regions near the Black Sea to Central Asia and Mongolia. It is a somewhat migratory species, with northern populations wintering in the Indian Subcontinent and Africa.

Gregarious by nature, Red-crested Pochards form large flocks in the winter, often mingling with other diving ducks such as the Common Pochard. They are known to both dive and dabble for their food.

The male emits a distinctive wheezing 'veht', while the female can be heard making a series of hoarse 'vrah-vrah-vrah' calls.

Nests are constructed lakeside amidst vegetation, where they lay clutches of 8–12 pale green eggs.

While unique in appearance, the male Red-crested Pochard can be confused with other pochards during eclipse plumage, but the red bill is a distinguishing feature.

Their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants. These ducks are adept at upending in the water, a method they use more frequently than most diving ducks to forage for food.

The Red-crested Pochard is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, and it is also a species protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - RED CRESTED POCHARD (FEMALE) (Netta rufina)

The Red-crested Pochard, Netta rufina, is a striking large diving duck. Its name is drawn from the Greek word for duck, 'Netta', and the Latin 'rufina', meaning 'golden-red', a nod to the male's vibrant plumage.

Males are resplendent with a rounded orange head, a red bill, and a contrasting black breast. Their sides are a crisp white, with a brown back and a black tail. Females, on the other hand, are clad in more subdued tones, primarily pale brown with a darker back and crown, and a whitish face. During eclipse, males resemble females but retain their red bills.

These ducks favor lowland marshes and lakes, thriving in the wetland habitats of southern Europe.

The Red-crested Pochard breeds from the steppe and semi-desert regions near the Black Sea to Central Asia and Mongolia. It is a somewhat migratory species, with northern populations wintering in the Indian Subcontinent and Africa.

Gregarious by nature, Red-crested Pochards form large flocks in the winter, often mingling with other diving ducks such as the Common Pochard. They are known to both dive and dabble for their food.

The male emits a distinctive wheezing 'veht', while the female can be heard making a series of hoarse 'vrah-vrah-vrah' calls.

Nests are constructed lakeside amidst vegetation, where they lay clutches of 8–12 pale green eggs.

While unique in appearance, the male Red-crested Pochard can be confused with other pochards during eclipse plumage, but the red bill is a distinguishing feature.

Their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants. These ducks are adept at upending in the water, a method they use more frequently than most diving ducks to forage for food.

The Red-crested Pochard is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, and it is also a species protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - WHITE HEADED DUCK (Oxyura leucocephala)

The White-headed Duck, Oxyura leucocephala, presents a striking figure with its distinctive plumage and stout build. Males are adorned with a white head contrasted by a black crown, a blue bill, and a body cloaked in shades of reddish-grey. Females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued palette with a dark bill and less vibrant colouring.

Upon encountering this species, one can identify the male by its white head, black cap, and neck, and a blue bill, while the female can be recognized by her grey-brown body, white face, and darker bill and cap. These ducks measure between 43–48 cm in length and weigh approximately 580–750 g.

The White-headed Duck favors lakes with open water and dense vegetation along the margins, which provide essential cover and nesting sites. These habitats include natural lakes and ponds as well as man-made water bodies.

This species has a breeding range that spans from Spain and North Africa to western and central Asia. Sightings have been reported north of their typical range, though the status of these observations is often uncertain due to the potential for escapees from captivity.

19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola)

The European stonechat, Saxicola rubicola, is a small, charming passerine bird, once thought to be a member of the thrush family but now placed within the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. This species exhibits a striking sexual dimorphism, with males donning a black plumage with vibrant orange throats and females wearing a more subdued brown.

Males in their summer plumage are unmistakable with their black heads, orange throats, and white bellies. They also sport a distinctive white half-collar and small white patches on the wings and rump. Females, on the other hand, are predominantly brown with less pronounced white wing patches. Both sexes have notably short wings, which are shorter than those of their migratory relatives.

The European stonechat favors heathlands, coastal dunes, and open grasslands dotted with shrubs, brambles, and heather. These habitats provide the perfect backdrop for their active foraging and breeding behaviors.

This species is widely distributed across Europe, reaching as far east as Ukraine and the South Caucasus, and can also be found in parts of North Africa.

18-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - GREYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser)

The Greylag Goose (Anser anser) is a large and robust member of the waterfowl family Anatidae, easily recognized by its mottled and barred grey and white plumage. It boasts an orange beak, pink legs, and a sizeable stature, measuring between 74 and 91 centimeters in length and weighing an average of 3.3 kilograms. This species is the progenitor of most domestic goose breeds and exhibits a wide distribution across Europe and Asia.

Adult Greylag Geese have a rotund body, a thick and long neck, and a large head and bill. Their legs and feet are pink, and their bill is orange or pink with a white or brown nail. The wingspan ranges from 147 to 180 centimeters. Males are typically larger than females, and the eastern subspecies rubirostris is larger than the nominate subspecies. The plumage is greyish brown with a darker head and paler underparts, with black spotting that varies among individuals. Juveniles can be identified by their lack of black speckling and greyish legs.

Greylag Geese breed in a variety of wetland habitats, including moorlands, marshes, lakes, and coastal islands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover. In winter, they occupy semi-aquatic habitats such as estuaries, marshes, flooded fields, and agricultural lands.

The Greylag Goose has a Palearctic distribution, with the western subspecies breeding from Iceland to central Europe and the eastern subspecies from Romania to northeastern China. Northern populations often migrate southwards to spend the winter in warmer regions, while many populations are resident year-round.

Greylag Geese are known for their lifelong monogamous pair bonds. They are gregarious and form flocks, which provides safety in numbers. Family groups stay together, migrating southwards in autumn and separating the following year. They are herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses, and can cause damage to agricultural crops.

The call of the Greylag Goose is a loud cackling, similar to that of domestic geese. They use various calls for different situations and can recognize individual geese by voice. Flocks produce a sound reminiscent of baying hounds.

Greylag Geese mate for life and nest on the ground among vegetation. They lay a clutch of three to five eggs, which the female incubates. Both parents defend and rear the young, who are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching.

The Greylag Goose can be confused with other grey geese of the genus Anser, but its larger size, bulkier body, and specific plumage pattern help distinguish it.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of grasses, but also includes grains, tubers, and occasionally small aquatic animals. They have adapted to feed on agricultural crops, which has led to conflicts with farmers.

Conservation status

The Greylag Goose is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable and widespread population. However, some local populations may face threats from habitat loss and conflicts with agriculture.

18-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAMIEL, LA MANCHA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (JUVENILE) (Gallinula chloropus)

The common moorhen, known scientifically as Gallinula chloropus, is a bird of the rail family, Rallidae. It is a bird of striking appearance, with a mix of black and brown plumage, a white under-tail, and white streaks along its flanks. Its legs are a vibrant yellow, and it sports a distinctive red frontal shield. The bill is a matching red with a yellow tip. Juveniles are a duller brown and do not have the red shield.

Adult moorhens can be identified by their red frontal shield, which has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides. The tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is smoothly curved. Their yellow legs and the combination of their black and brown plumage with white markings make them quite distinctive. The young are browner and lack the red shield, making them less conspicuous.

The common moorhen is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, ponds, canals, and lakes that are rich in vegetation. It is also known to inhabit city parks with suitable water bodies.

18-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - DARKLING BEETLE (Scaurus uncinus)

Tenebrionidae, comprising over 20,000 species in a cosmopolitan distribution.

Tenebrio is the Latin generic name that Carl Linnaeus assigned to some flour beetles in his 10th edition of Systema Naturae 1758–59.[1] The name means "lover of darkness"; the English language term 'darkling' means "characterised by darkness or obscurity";[3] see also English 'tenebrous', figuratively "obscure, gloomy."

Many Tenebrionidae species inhabit dark places; in genera such as Stenocara and Onymacris, they are active by day and inactive at night.

Tenebrionid beetles occupy ecological niches in mainly deserts and forests as plant scavengers. Most species are generalistic omnivores, and feed on decaying leaves, rotting wood, fresh plant matter, dead insects, and fungi as larvae and adults.[10] Several genera, including Bolitotherus, are specialized fungivores which feed on polypores. Many of the larger species are flightless, and those that are capable, such as T. molitor, often rarely do so.

Darkling beetle is the common name for members of the beetle family 

The larvae, known as mealworms or false wireworms, are usually fossorial, heavily sclerotized and nocturnal. They may possibly be an important resource for certain invertebrates and small mammals. Adults of many species have chemical defenses and are relatively protected against predators. Adults of most species, except grain pests, have slow metabolisms, and live long lives compared to other insects, ranging from approximately six months to two years.

Some species live in intensely dry deserts such as the Namib, and have evolved adaptions by which they collect droplets of fog that deposit on their elytra. As the droplets accumulate the water drains down the beetles' backs to their mouthparts, where they swallow it.

Humans spread some species such that they have become cosmopolitan, such as Tribolium castaneum, the red flour beetle, which was spread through grain products.

18-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus)

The great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus, is a water bird of the grebe family, notable for its striking black and white plumage and elaborate courtship displays. It is the largest grebe species found in the Old World, with some larger species in the Americas.

Adults are unmistakable in summer with ornate head and neck decorations. In winter, they are whiter than most grebes, with a distinctive white above the eye and a pink bill. Juveniles can be identified by their black and white striped heads, which they lose upon reaching adulthood.

This species prefers vegetated areas of freshwater lakes for breeding.

The great crested grebe has three subspecies: P. c. cristatus in Eurasia, P. c. infuscatus in Africa, and P. c. australis in Australia, Tasmania, and the South Island of New Zealand. The European subspecies migrates from colder regions, while the African and Australasian subspecies are mainly sedentary.

The great crested grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver, pursuing fish underwater. Its mating display is particularly elaborate, involving synchronized dances and poses.

The call of the great crested grebe is a loud barking "rah-rah-rah," complemented by a clicking "kek" and deep growls.

Both sexes build the nest at the water's edge, and the average clutch consists of four chalky-white eggs. Incubation is shared, starting with the first egg and lasting 27 to 29 days. The precocial young are capable of swimming and diving almost immediately and are taught by the adults.

Their diet mainly consists of fish, supplemented by small crustaceans, insects, small frogs, and newts.

The great crested grebe is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Conservation efforts in places like New Zealand's Lake Wānaka have been ongoing since 2013. The species has also been a beneficiary of early protection efforts by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the United Kingdom.