BIRDWALKERMONDAY WILDLIFE BLOG

This Blog contains Wildlife, Plants and Bird Photos from Walks, Safaris, Birding Trips and Vacations. Most of the pictures have been taken with my Nikon P900 and P950X cameras. Just click on any image for a larger picture. On the right column under the Blog Archive are the entries by date. Below that under Animal categories all the diffent species of Animals, Birds, Insects and Plants contained in the website are listed. Clicking on any entry will show all the entries for that species.

Sunday, 12 April 2020

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - RED WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus indicus)

2-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - YELLOW THROATED SPARROW (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

The yellow-throated sparrow or chestnut-shouldered petronia (Gymnoris xanthocollis) is a species of sparrow found in southern Asia.

Showing the yellow throat

It has a finer bill than typical sparrows of the genus Passer and unlike them has no streaks on the plumage. The white double wing bar on the shoulder is diagnostic on the otherwise dull grey-brown sparrow. Males have a chestnut shoulder patch which can sometimes be hard to see. They also have a pale yellow spot on the throat in fresh plumage. Females are duller and lack the chestnut shoulder patch. The yellow spot is much reduced or lacking in females.

This species is tree-loving although sometimes seen on wires and on the ground, where it has a hopping gait. The usual call is a chirrup but the song is distinctive and repetitive chilp chalp cholp. It has a bounding flight and dips deeply before rising up.

The species breeds in tree hollows from April to July, often making use of the holes made by primary hole-nesting birds such as barbets and woodpeckers. They may also make use of hollows on buildings. The nest is built mainly by the female, but males may sometimes assist. The female alone incubates the eggs, sometimes leaving the nest during the hotter parts of the day. The eggs hatch after about 12 to 14 days.

They roost communally in low bushes. Some populations are migratory, moving in response to rains.

They feed mainly on grains but also on insects, nectar and berries. An unusual food item is the petals of flowers such as those of Madhuca indica. When they visit flowers such as those of Capparis, Salmalia, Erythrina and Bassia, their foreheads are covered with pollen.

The chestnut-shouldered petronia is found from Turkey into Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and as a vagrant in Sri Lanka and possibly parts of Myanmar. It is found in forest, gardens and open scrub habitats.

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MALLOW BINDWEED (Convolvulus althaeoides)

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COMMON SOW THISTLE (Sonchus oleraceus)

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LONG HEADED POPPY (Papaver dubium)

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FIELD GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus italicus)

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LIME SPECK PUG MOTH (Eupithecia centaureata)

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (MALE) (Monticola solitarius)

Friday, 10 April 2020

8-5-2017 SEVILLE, ANDALUCIA - 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.