9-10-2019 CORAL RUBIA, ALBACETE - SONG THRUSH (Turdus philomelos)

The Song Thrush, Turdus philomelos, is a charming bird with a sturdy build. It measures between 20 to 23.5 centimeters in length and tips the scales at a modest 50 to 107 grams. Both sexes share a similar appearance, donning plain brown backs and black-spotted cream or yellow-buff underparts, which grow paler on the belly. The underwing exudes a warm yellow, complementing the yellowish bill and pink legs and feet.

To identify the Song Thrush, look for its brown upper-parts and spotted underparts. The juvenile mirrors the adult but is distinguished by buff or orange streaks on the back and wing coverts. In flight, the red underwing is not visible, unlike in the similar Redwing. The Mistle Thrush is significantly larger and has white tail corners, setting it apart from the Song Thrush.

The Song Thrush thrives in forests with rich undergrowth, gardens, parks, and, in the case of the Hebridean subspecies, even open heathland. It is also a common sight in areas with trees and bushes, such as parks and gardens, and can be found up to the tree-line in mountainous regions.

This species has a breeding range that spans across the West Palearctic and extends to Lake Baikal in Russia. It is partially migratory, with many wintering in southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Song Thrush has also been introduced to New Zealand and Australia.

2-6-2019 LINYANTI, BOTSWANA - VERREAUX'S EAGLE OWL (Bubo lacteus)

Verreaux's eagle-owl (Ketupa lactea), also commonly known as the milky eagle owl or giant eagle owl, is a member of the family Strigidae. This species is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. A member of the genus Ketupa, it is the largest African owl, measuring up to 66 cm (26 in) in total length. This eagle-owl is a resident primarily of dry, wooded savanna. Verreaux's eagle-owl is mainly grey in color and is distinguishable from other large owls by its bright pink eyelids, a feature shared with no other owl species in the world.

Verreaux's Eagle, or the African Black Eagle, is a large, powerful raptor known for its black plumage, white "V" on its back, and preference for rocky African mountains, specializing in hunting rock hyraxes but also taking other small mammals and birds. These monogamous eagles build huge cliff nests, fiercely defend them, and are distinctive for their yellow feet and eyes, with juveniles showing distinct brown and gold plumage before maturing.

Verreaux's eagle-owl is a highly opportunistic predator equipped with powerful talons. Just over half of its known diet is composed of mammals but equal or even greater numbers of birds and even insects may be hunted locally, along with any other appropriately sized prey that is encountered. This species is considered of Least Concern by IUCN as it occurs over a wide range and has shown some adaptability to human-based alterations and destruction of habitat and adaptability to diverse prey when a primary prey species declines in a region. As a large, highly territorial species of owl, it does, however, occur at fairly low densities and some regional declines have been reported.

Verreaux's eagle-owl is found through most of sub-Saharan Africa, though it is absent from most of the deep rainforests. The species is found at the highest densities in eastern and southern Africa. As this species avoids primary forests, it is found very spottily in west Africa. Their western distribution includes The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Eastward from those countries to the Central African Republic, the species is distributed in a narrow transitional zone between the Sahara and rainforests. Seemingly isolated populations occur in central Nigeria and central Mali. In south-western Africa, they range up to as far north as the southern parts of the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, through most of Namibia (excluding the coastal regions) and northern South Africa. In east Africa, their distribution is more or less continuous from southern Sudan, Eritrea and inland Somalia down to South Africa as far as the region of the city of Durban.

3-1-2026 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

The Black Redstart (\(Phoenicurus\) \(ochruros\)) is a small bird, about the size of a robin, known for its dark plumage and bright red tail. It is adaptable and can be found in both natural rocky habitats and urban environments like cities and quarries. Its diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and worms, supplemented by seeds and berries, and some populations migrate in winter. 

Appearance Size: Approximately \(14.5\) cm in length, with a wingspan of \(23-26\) cm.Males: Dark grey body with a black face and throat, and a white patch on the wings.Females and Juveniles: Grey-brown all over.Tail: Both sexes have a bright red tail with a single black band down the middle. 

Habitat and Behavior Habitat: Found in warm, sunny rocky areas, quarries, cliffs, and urban settings like cities and villages.Behavior: They are often seen hopping on the ground and frequently sing from high perches on buildings or rocks.

Diet: Primarily insectivores, they eat insects, larvae, spiders, and worms. In the late summer and autumn, they also eat seeds and berries.

Hunting: They can catch insects in the air, but also hunt by hopping on the ground, rocky outcrops, and rooftops. 

The Black Redstart has adapted remarkably to urban environments, often found nesting in crevices or holes within buildings. Originally a dweller of stony mountainous regions, it now thrives in industrial areas with similar structural features.

3-1-2026 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

The European robin (Erithacus rubecula), known simply as the robin or robin redbreast in Great Britain and Ireland, is a small insectivorous passerine bird, a member of the chat subfamily of the Old World flycatcher family. It is a plucky little bird, with a length of about 12.5–14.0 cm and a weight of 16–22 g. Both sexes are similarly adorned with an orange breast and face, lined with grey, brown upper-parts, and a whitish belly.

Adult robins can be identified by their orange breast and face, bordered by a bluish-grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly is whitish. The bill and eyes are black. Juvenile robins are distinguishable by their spotted brown and white plumage, with patches of orange gradually appearing as they mature.

The European robin is a bird of diverse habitats, found in woodlands, gardens, and parks across its range. It is particularly associated with areas where the soil is dug or disturbed, allowing it easy access This bird has a wide distribution across Europe, extending east to Western Siberia and south to North Africa. It is sedentary in most of its range except the far north, where it is migratory.

2-1-2026 CATARROJA, ALBUFERA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

When identifying the Grey Heron, look for the white head with the black supercilium and crest, the long grey neck, and the ashy-grey wings and back. The underparts are lighter, and the legs are long and brown. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller grey neck and smaller crest. The beak is a useful indicator of age, being brighter in breeding adults.

Grey Herons are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of watery habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal environments. They require shallow waters for foraging or areas with shelving margins where they can wade.

2-1-2026 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita)

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

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

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

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

2-1-2026 SOLLANA SOUTH, ALBUFERA - COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos)

The Common Sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos, is a small wader of the Palearctic region, easily recognized by its greyish-brown upperparts and pristine white underparts. Adults typically measure between 18-20 cm in length, with a wingspan of 32-35 cm. They possess short, dark-yellowish legs and feet, and a bill that is pale at the base with a dark tip.

In the field, look for the Common Sandpiper's distinctive stiff-winged flight pattern, just above the water's surface. During the non-breeding season, they appear duller and exhibit more noticeable barring on the wings, which is most visible at close range. Juveniles display heavier barring above and buff edges to their wing feathers. The species can be differentiated from the similar Spotted Sandpiper by its darker legs and feet and the crisper wing pattern, especially in flight.

These birds are often found near freshwater sources, where they nest on the ground in close proximity to the water's edge.

The Common Sandpiper breeds across much of temperate and subtropical Europe and Asia. It is a migratory bird, wintering in Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. During migration, large numbers may congregate in stop-over locations such as Palau in Micronesia.

Common Sandpipers are typically solitary or found in small groups. They may form larger flocks during migration or at breeding season roosts but seldom join multispecies flocks.

When breeding, these birds nest on the ground near freshwater. A notable behavior is the young's ability to cling to a parent's body, being flown to safety when threatened.

The Spotted Sandpiper (A. macularia) is the most similar species, especially in non-breeding plumage. However, the Common Sandpiper's darker legs and more defined wing pattern in flight help distinguish it.

The Common Sandpiper forages by sight, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates from the ground or shallow water. It is also known to catch insects in flight.

The species is widespread and common, thus classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, it is considered vulnerable in some Australian states. The Common Sandpiper is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

2-1-2026 MUNTANYETA DEL SANS, ALBUFERA - WESTERN MARSH HARRIER (Circus aeruginosus)

The Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), a bird of prey from temperate and subtropical western Eurasia and adjacent Africa, is a large harrier known for its impressive size and sexual dimorphism. Males typically exhibit a cryptic reddish-brown plumage with lighter streaks and a pale greyish-yellowish head and shoulders, while females are predominantly chocolate-brown with a lighter yellowish crown, nape, and throat.

Males can be identified by their three-colored brown-grey-black appearance in flight, with grey rectrices and secondary and tertiary remiges contrasting with brown forewings and black primary remiges. Females have a darker eye area, making their light eyes stand out, and lack the grey wing-patch and tail seen in males. Juveniles resemble females but with less yellow, particularly on the shoulders.

The Western Marsh Harrier is strongly associated with wetland areas, especially those rich in common reed (Phragmites australis). It can also be found in open habitats such as farmland and grassland, particularly where these border marshland.

This species has a wide breeding range from Europe and northwestern Africa to Central Asia and the northern parts of the Middle East. It is migratory or dispersive, with some populations wintering in southern and western Europe, the Sahel, Nile basin, Great Lakes region in Africa, or in Arabia, the Indian subcontinent, and Myanmar.

The Western Marsh Harrier is a territorial bird during the breeding season and less social than other harriers in winter, likely due to habitat preferences. It hunts in typical harrier fashion, gliding low over open ground with wings held in a shallow V-shape.

Breeding season varies, with males often pairing with multiple females. The ground nest is made of sticks, reeds, and grasses, usually in a reedbed. Clutches typically contain three to eight white eggs with a bluish or greenish tinge, incubated for 31–38 days.

The Western Marsh Harrier feeds on small mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and frogs, hunting by gliding low over the ground in search of prey.

Once declining due to persecution, habitat destruction, and pesticide use, the Western Marsh Harrier is now protected and classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has made a comeback in areas like Great Britain and Ireland but still faces threats such as shooting during migration and disturbance during breeding.

1-1-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea minuscularia)

Idaea minuscularia, or the Small Dusty Wave moth, is a small, nondescript geometer moth common in coastal Mediterranean areas (SW Europe, NW Africa, Azores) and sometimes Britain, characterized by variable white to grey wings with faint dark lines, often found near lights on buildings in maquis shrubland; its larvae are generalist feeders on low-growing herbs, including ivy and Oxalis, overwintering as caterpillars, with adults typically flying in summer, often having two generations. 

Key Facts:

Identification: A small moth (wingspan 12-21 mm) with white to grey wings, often with indistinct dark markings, though sometimes quite plain.

Habitat: Found in coastal Mediterranean environments (maquis, villages, cultivated areas) and occasionally woodlands/gardens in Britain.

Behavior: Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights, often seen on walls.

Larval Diet: Feeds polyphagously on ground-level plants like ivy (Hedera helix) and Oxalis.

Generations: Produces one or two broods per year, flying from June to September in warmer areas.

Range: SW Europe, NW Africa, and the Azores; common in the UK (except far north). 

1-1-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - INDIAN MILKWEED BUG (Spilostethus pandurus)

Spilostethus pandurus is a species of "seed bugs" belonging to the family Lygaeidae, subfamily Lygaeinae.

The species was described in 1763 by Scopoli in his "Entomologica carniolica" with locus typicus from the area around Ljubljana. Scopoli does not mention the etymology of the species name but may have named it for the Panduri infantry unit of the Habsburg monarchy.

This species can be found in the Euro-mediterranean-Turaniaan Region, with a more southern distribution than Spilostethus saxatilis.

It is present in Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Israel, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Lebanon, in the Afrotropical realm. and in the southern Asia to India and China.

Spilostethus pandurus can reach a length of 13–15 millimetres (0.51–0.59 in). Body shows a red-black coloration with a white spot in the center of the membrane.

Two wavy, broad, black, longitudinal stripes run from the front to the rear edge of the pronotum. Scutellum is black, sometimes with a small red spot at the end.

1-1-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN NURSERY WEB SPIDER (Pisaura mirabilis)

The nursery web spider Pisaura mirabilis is a spider species of the family Pisauridae.

saura mirabilis are its long legs (the fourth pair being the longest) and its slender abdomen (opisthosoma). The male is between 10 and 13 mm, while the female is 12 to 15 mm. After final ecdysis, the male spiders weigh on average 54 mg and females 68 mg.

The prosoma (cephalothorax) is variable in color, ranging from light to reddish brown and from gray to black. A lighter stripe is visible down the middle of the prosoma. The opisthosoma (abdomen) is long and narrow and tapered towards the rear end.

The female spiders has a dark patch (epigyne) on the underside of her abdomen that includes the copulatory organs. Male genital openings can be found at the same location, but remain inconspicuous.

Patterning and coloration varies due to polymorphism. These patterns, which can be caused by hair and pigments, change with the growth of the spider (ontogenesis).

Male spiders exhibit a stronger contrast than females and appear black, especially when compared to the white nuptial gifts. Females tend to get paler towards the end of summer. The stripe along the back of the body can be found in all spiders and can be seen as crypsis, a protective measure against predators.

31-12-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

The Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a small, charismatic passerine bird, exhibiting a blend of dark and vibrant plumage. Males are distinguished by their dark grey to black upperparts and breast, with a striking orange-red rump and tail. Females and juveniles are more subdued in color, with grey to grey-brown feathers and the same vivid tail coloration that is the hallmark of the species.

Adult males are easily identified by their dark upperparts and black breast, contrasting with the orange-red lower rump and tail. The belly and undertail may vary from blackish-grey to orange-red, depending on the subspecies. Females and juveniles are less conspicuous, with overall greyer tones and a distinctive orange-red rump and tail. The presence of pale fringes on the secondaries forms a whitish wing panel in some subspecies.

The Black Redstart has adapted remarkably to urban environments, often found nesting in crevices or holes within buildings. Originally a dweller of stony mountainous regions, it now thrives in industrial areas with similar structural features.

This species is widely distributed across south and central Europe, Asia, and north-west Africa. It is a resident in milder regions, while populations in the northeast migrate to warmer areas during winter.

29-12-2025 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (Larus michahellis)

The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) is a large, robust seabird with a commanding presence. Its size can be quite variable, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a Common Gull, and the largest males approaching the heft of a Great Black-backed Gull. Adults typically exhibit a grey back, a shade lighter than that of the Lesser Black-backed Gull, and their heads are notably whiter in the autumn months. A distinctive feature is their yellow legs, which give this species its common name.

When observing the Yellow-legged Gull, look for the yellow legs that contrast with the grey back and the white head, which becomes even whiter during the autumn. The wing tips are black with limited white spots, and adults have a red spot on the bill. The eye is surrounded by a red ring. Juveniles can be identified by their paler head, rump, and underparts, dark bill and eyes, and a black band on the tail.

This gull favors a variety of coastal environments, often nesting on sea cliffs, islands, and occasionally on buildings within urban settings. It is also known to breed on trees in some regions.

The Yellow-legged Gull has a breeding range centered around the Mediterranean Sea, extending to the Atlantic islands and coasts as far north as Brittany and west to the Azores. Its presence is also noted on the western side of the Black Sea.

The species is known for its adaptability, with many individuals remaining in the same area year-round, while others migrate to milder regions of western Europe or head south to areas such as Senegal and the Red Sea. Post-breeding dispersal can lead to increased numbers in regions like southern England from July to October.

29-12-2025 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

When identifying the Grey Heron, look for the white head with the black supercilium and crest, the long grey neck, and the ashy-grey wings and back. The underparts are lighter, and the legs are long and brown. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller grey neck and smaller crest. The beak is a useful indicator of age, being brighter in breeding adults.

Grey Herons are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of watery habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal environments. They require shallow waters for foraging or areas with shelving margins where they can wade.

Native to temperate Europe and Asia, as well as parts of Africa, the Grey Heron has a broad range. Northern populations may migrate southwards in autumn, while others remain resident year-round. Vagrant sightings have occurred in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and parts of North America.

The Grey Heron exhibits a slow, deliberate flight with its neck retracted in an S-shape. It is known for its solitary foraging habits, often standing motionless or stalking prey through shallow waters. It is also a communal rooster, often found in trees or cliffs at night.

The primary call of the Grey Heron is a loud croaking "fraaank." At breeding colonies, a variety of guttural and raucous noises can be heard, including greeting calls between mates and alarm calls when predators are nearby.

Breeding takes place in colonies, or heronries, typically in high trees near water. Nests are reused and added to each year. The breeding season sees a clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs laid, which both parents incubate. Chicks fledge at 7-8 weeks old.

Grey Herons are apex predators within their ecosystem, feeding on a variety of aquatic creatures such as fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. They have also been known to consume small mammals and juvenile birds.

29-12-2025 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - EURASIAN GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)

The great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), a robust seabird, is cloaked in predominantly black plumage. It is a member of the cormorant family, with a widespread distribution. The species exhibits considerable size variation across its range, with males generally larger than females. Notable features include a longish tail and a distinctive yellow throat-patch. During the breeding season, adults boast white patches on their thighs and throat.

To identify the great cormorant, look for its large size, heavy build, and thick bill. It lacks a crest and its plumage does not have a green tinge, distinguishing it from the common shag. In North America, it is bulkier than the double-crested cormorant and has less yellow on the throat and bill. The white thigh patches are a key identifier.

Great cormorants are found in a variety of aquatic environments including seas, estuaries, freshwater lakes, and rivers. They often nest in colonies close to these water bodies.

This species has a broad distribution, breeding across the Old World, Australia, and the Atlantic coast of North America. Northern populations tend to migrate southward in winter, seeking coasts rich in fish.

Great cormorants are generally silent but may emit guttural noises at breeding colonies. They are known for their wing-drying posture, often seen with wings outstretched to dry after diving.

Mostly silent, the great cormorant vocalizes with guttural sounds in the vicinity of its breeding colonies.

Great cormorants typically nest in colonies near wetlands, rivers, or sheltered inshore waters, often returning to the same site annually. Their nests are constructed from sticks and can be located in trees, on cliff ledges, or on predator-free ground. They lay clutches of three to five pale blue or green eggs, which are incubated for about 28 to 31 days.

These birds are piscivorous, diving to catch fish such as wrasses, sand smelt, flathead, and common soles. They exhibit seasonal dietary shifts, preferring larger fish in colder temperatures. Their foraging efficiency is influenced by the size of the prey rather than the quantity.

The great cormorant is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Conservation efforts have led to a population rebound, with approximately 1.2 million birds in Europe alone. However, their increasing numbers have led to conflicts with fisheries due to predation on fish stocks.

29-12-2025 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - SHRUBBY GLOBULARIA (Globularia alypum)

The shrubby globularia (Globularia alypum), also known as the Alypo globe daisy, is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub known for its distinctive blue or purple pom-pom-like flowers that often bloom in winter and autumn. 

Appearance: It has woody, brown stems with small, leathery, dark green oblong or narrow leaves. It forms bushes that typically grow between 30 to 80 cm (about 1 to 2.5 feet) in height. The flowers are spherical, blue or purple heads composed of many tiny tubular flowers.

Habitat: Native to the western Mediterranean region, it thrives in dry, rocky, and calcareous (alkaline) soils. It is often found in garrigue scrubland and pine forests.

Flowering Season: Unlike most Mediterranean plants that flower in spring, G. alypum is notable for flowering in the autumn and winter months, a characteristic influenced by precipitation.

Hardiness: It is resistant to harsh environments and drought-tolerant, preferring full sun exposure. It is not very cold-hardy and generally survives in USDA zones 7 through 11, requiring a minimum winter temperature around 10°C (50°F) in cooler zones.

Ecology: It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a good addition to pollinator gardens. In some areas, it is a co-dominant species in the local shrublands.

Historical/Medicinal Use: The plant is known to have purgative properties and has been used in traditional medicine.

Classification: It belongs to the genus Globularia, which is part of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), a recent reclassification from its former family (Globulariaceae). 

29-12-2025 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small, elegant passerine bird, a member of the family Motacillidae, which includes pipits and longclaws. This slender bird measures between 16.5 to 19 cm in length, with East Asian subspecies reaching up to 21 cm. It is characterized by its long, constantly wagging tail, a behavior that has become synonymous with the genus. Weighing an average of 25 g, the White Wagtail can live up to 12 years in the wild.

Adult White Wagtails exhibit a distinctive plumage with a combination of grey, black, and white. The bird's upper parts are generally grey, with a white face, belly, and breast. Males during the breeding season may show a darker back, and the species is known for its sharp, brisk call and more melodious song during courtship.

The White Wagtail is commonly found in open country, often in close proximity to human habitation and water sources. It shows a preference for bare areas which facilitate the sighting and pursuit of prey. This bird has adapted well to urban environments, utilizing paved areas such as parking lots for foraging.

This species has a vast breeding range across Europe, the Asian Palearctic, parts of North Africa, and has a presence in Alaska. It is a migratory bird, with populations moving to Africa and parts of Asia during the winter. In Great Britain and Ireland, the darker subspecies known as the Pied Wagtail is more prevalent.

The White Wagtail is known for its perpetual tail wagging, a behavior that remains somewhat enigmatic but is thought to be a signal of vigilance to predators. It is a monogamous bird that defends its breeding territory with determination.

The call of the White Wagtail is a sharp "chisick," softer than that of the Pied Wagtail. Its song is more structured and is used by males to attract females rather than to mark territory.

White Wagtails are monogamous breeders, with both sexes contributing to nest building. The nest is often placed in crevices or holes near water or in human-made structures. The species lays three to eight cream-colored, speckled eggs, which both parents incubate. Chicks fledge after 12 to 15 days and continue to be fed for a week thereafter.

The diet of the White Wagtail primarily consists of insects and small invertebrates, including beetles, dragonflies, flies, and crustaceans. It continues to feed on insects even in winter, unlike many other insectivorous birds in temperate climates.

The White Wagtail is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population is large and stable, and the species has adapted well to human-altered landscapes. However, it faces threats from being kept as pets, used for food, and potentially from climate change affecting migration patterns.

The White Wagtail is the national bird of Latvia and has been depicted on the postage stamps of several countries. It is celebrated in Latvian folk songs and holds a special place in the cultural heritage of the regions it inhabits.

29-12-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CARPET MOTH (Nebula ibericata)

Nebula ibericata is a geometer moth (family Geometridae) found in Europe, known for feeding on Galium (bedstraw) species, especially G. lucidum, and flying in multiple generations (bi-voltine) from spring to autumn, with larvae specifically eating these plant leaves. It's part of the Nebula genus, characterized by its distinctive patterns, and is studied for its biology and life cycle, often appearing across Spain and other European regions. 

Classification: A moth (Order Lepidoptera) in the Geometridae family (Geometer Moths).

Food (Larvae): Primarily feeds on Galium lucidum (Shiny Bedstraw) and Galium aparine (Goosegrass).

Flight Periods: Bi-voltine, meaning two generations per year, typically from mid-March to late April and again from mid-August to mid-October, with some winter activity.

Habitat/Range: Found in various parts of Europe, with records in Spain, including central Spain.

Identification: A distinct species within the Nebula genus, known for its patterned wings. 

Biology & Behavior:

Monophagous: Larvae are apparently specialists, feeding on very specific host plants within the Rubiaceae family.

Life Cycle: Studied for its larval morphology and phenology (timing of life cycle events). 

29-12-2025 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.

Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.

The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.

Native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia, the house sparrow has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, making it one of the most widely distributed wild birds.

31-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - BROWN HOODED KINGFISHER (Halcyon albiventris)

The brown-hooded kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris) is a species of bird in the subfamily Halcyoninae, the tree kingfishers. It has a brown head and blackish and turquoise wings. It is found in Sub-Saharan Africa, living in woodland, scrubland, forest edges, and also suburban areas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as being of least concern.

This species was described as Alcedo albiventris by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1786. Four subspecies are recognised: Halcyon albiventris albiventris, H. a. orientalis, H. a. prentissgrayi and H. a. vociferans. Subspecies hylophila and erlangeri have also been described, but they are not considered distinct enough.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN MEYER'S PARROT (Poicephalus meyeri ssp. transvaalensis)

Meyer's parrot (Poicephalus meyeri), also known as the brown parrot, is a species of parrot native to Africa. A Meyer's parrot has grey feathers, turquoise belly, blue rump, and bright yellow markings on the carpal joint of the wings. Most subspecies have some yellow on the top of the head as well. Forshaw (1989) recognizes six subspecies of P. meyeri which vary in home range, size and in markings, including the extent of yellow markings to the head and wings, and the intensity of turquoise markings on the belly and rump.

Taxonomy

German physician and ornithologist Philipp Jakob Cretzschmar described Meyer's parrot in 1827. The name commemorates the German ornithologist Bernhard Meyer.

27-12-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea cervantaria)

1.4 to 2.2 cm wingspan. Straw-coloured, with yellowish wings with scattered dark, brown or greyish scales. On each wing it has a wavy line with small pointed spots, pointing backwards. Sometimes these details are barely noticeable. Between these lines and the rear edge, it has dark spots that may have a  light wavy stripe. It has a spot on each wing but those on the front wings may go unnoticed.

There are other similar species that are impossible to distinguish externally, so for a correct and safe identification, genital analysis must be used. Several of them have been found in the province of Malaga, although I. cervantaria is currently the most common and the only one that has been observed in urban environments.

The caterpillars feed on dry leaves of herbaceous plants and in captivity on petals of different Asteraceae and sea alder (Lobularia maritima), the latter common in our province, especially in sunny areas of the limestone mountains, and occasionally used in gardening for the showiness of its inflorescences.

28-12-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - JUMPING BRISTLETAILS (Genus Dilta)

The Machilidae are a family of insects belonging to the order Archaeognatha (the bristletails). There are around 450 described species worldwide. These insects are wingless, elongated and more or less cylindrical with a distinctive humped thorax and covered with tiny, close-fitting scales. The colour is usually grey or brown, sometimes intricately patterned. There are three "tails" at the rear of the abdomen: two cerci and a long central epiproct. They have large compound eyes, often meeting at a central point. They resemble the silverfish and the firebrat, which are from a different order, Zygentoma.

Machilids undergo virtually no metamorphosis during their life cycles, and both nymphs and adults are generally inconspicuous herbivores and scavengers. Many species are restricted to rocky shorelines, but some are found in well-vegetated habitats inland. They can move very fast and often escape by jumping considerable distances when disturbed.

Like all Archaeognatha, machilids transfer sperm indirectly from male to female. Some species can spin silken threads that lead the female to the spermatophore. Other species can produce silken stalks on which they place droplets of sperm.

There are no aquatic species, but some littoral forms, such as Parapetrobius and Petrobius, can swim.

Their fossil records extends back into the Triassic with the genus Gigamachilis from the Middle Triassic of Italy and Switzerland, around 240 million years old.

19-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a bird of modest size, comparable to a sparrow, with a length ranging from 17 to 19 cm. It is predominantly brown with a distinctive broad, white eyebrow stripe and a white rump that becomes conspicuous during flight. Males are marked by a stark black bill, while females exhibit a horn-colored bill, and juveniles possess a pinkish-brown bill. In Zimbabwe, this species may show faint brown spotting across its white breast.

To identify the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, look for the white eyebrow stripe and the white rump in flight. The male's black bill is a key distinguishing feature, contrasting with the female's lighter bill. The bird's size and general brown plumage also aid in identification.

This species is typically found in dry regions with woodland or wooded grassland. It nests in colonies along thornveld and scrubby, dry riverbanks.

The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver is prevalent in north-central southern Africa, with its range extending from Botswana to Tanzania and western Mozambique, and as far north as Ethiopia. It is particularly abundant in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, and southern Malawi.

18-12-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CARPET MOTH (Nebula ibericata)

Nebula ibericata is a geometer moth (family Geometridae) found in Europe, known for feeding on Galium (bedstraw) species, especially G. lucidum, and flying in multiple generations (bi-voltine) from spring to autumn, with larvae specifically eating these plant leaves. It's part of the Nebula genus, characterized by its distinctive patterns, and is studied for its biology and life cycle, often appearing across Spain and other European regions. 

Classification: A moth (Order Lepidoptera) in the Geometridae family (Geometer Moths).

Food (Larvae): Primarily feeds on Galium lucidum (Shiny Bedstraw) and Galium aparine (Goosegrass).

Flight Periods: Bi-voltine, meaning two generations per year, typically from mid-March to late April and again from mid-August to mid-October, with some winter activity.

Habitat/Range: Found in various parts of Europe, with records in Spain, including central Spain.

Identification: A distinct species within the Nebula genus, known for its patterned wings. 

Biology & Behavior:

Monophagous: Larvae are apparently specialists, feeding on very specific host plants within the Rubiaceae family.

Life Cycle: Studied for its larval morphology and phenology (timing of life cycle events).