6-3-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (FEMALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The Sardinian warbler, Curruca melanocephala, presents itself as a charming and distinctive bird of the Mediterranean. The males are adorned with a sleek grey back and pristine whitish underparts, crowned with a striking black head, a pure white throat, and captivating red eyes. The females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued palette, with brown upperparts and buff underparts, complemented by a subtle grey head.

When attempting to identify the Sardinian warbler, look for the male's black head and red eyes, which contrast with the white throat and grey back. Females can be recognized by their brown and buff coloration with a greyish head. The variability in plumage, including the presence or absence of a reddish hue, can be a helpful clue in distinguishing between subspecies.

This typical warbler favors open landscapes and cultivated areas, where it can find bushes suitable for nesting. Its preference for such environments makes it a familiar sight in the Mediterranean countryside.

The Sardinian warbler is a resident of the southernmost regions of Europe, extending its range into Asia in Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean. While not extensively migratory, some individuals do venture to North Africa for the winter, and the species has been known to appear as a vagrant as far as Great Britain.

14-10-2021 PATMOS, GREECE - HOODED CROW (Corvus cornix)

The Hooded Crow, known scientifically as Corvus cornix, is a striking bird found across parts of Europe and the Middle East. It is characterized by its ashy grey body contrasted with a black head, throat, wings, tail, and thigh feathers. The bird's bill, eyes, and feet are also black, creating a distinctive two-tone appearance. Males are generally larger than females, but both share the same coloration.

Adult Hooded Crows are identifiable by their grey and black plumage, with the grey parts appearing streaky due to the dark shafts. The bill and legs are black, and the iris is dark brown. Juveniles can be recognized by their duller plumage and bluish or greyish eyes, with a red mouth that fades as they mature. The wingspan of this bird is approximately 105 cm, and it weighs around 510 grams on average.

The Hooded Crow is adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats including farmlands, coastal areas, and urban environments. It is also commonly seen in woodlands and on cliffs where it may forage or nest.

31-3-2021 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

                        

The Goldfinch is a colourful finch with a bright red face and yellow wing patch. It's a very sociable bird, often breeding in loose groups. It has a delightful twittering song and call. Their fine beaks allow them to extract otherwise inaccessible seeds from thistles and teasels. Increasingly, they are visiting bird tables and feeders. In winter, many UK Goldfinches migrate as far south as Spain.

The European goldfinch is illegally trafficked and can be found in countries worldwide, including the United States.

They attach their nests to tree twigs using spider silk.

Males and females look similar, but males have slightly larger red face masks that extend to their eyes.

They are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, especially those containing niger seeds.

They forage by hovering over plants and will occasionally feed upside down.

The European goldfinch or simply the goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is a small passerine bird in the finch family that is native to Europe, North Africa and western and central Asia. It has been introduced to other areas, including Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay.

The breeding male has a red face with black markings around the eyes, and a black-and-white head. The back and flanks are buff or chestnut brown. The black wings have a broad yellow bar. The tail is black and the rump is white. Males and females are very similar, but females have a slightly smaller red area on the face.

The goldfinch is often depicted in Italian Renaissance paintings of the Madonna and Child.

The average European goldfinch is 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in) long with a wingspan of 21–25 cm (8.3–9.8 in) and a weight of 14 to 19 g (0.49 to 0.67 oz). The sexes are broadly similar, with a red face, black and white head, warm brown upper parts, white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches, and black and yellow wings.

29-8-2021 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)

The Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey species that belongs to the falcon family Falconidae. This species occurs over a large range and in Britain, where no other kestrel species commonly occurs, it is generally just called "kestrel".

Common kestrels are small compared with other raptors, but larger than most songbirds. They are mainly light chestnut brown in color with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside; the remiges are also blackish. The males have fewer black spots and streaks and their cap and tail are blue-grey. The tail is brown with black bars in females and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. All Common kestrels have a prominent black malar stripe like their closest relatives. The cere, feet, and a narrow ring around the eye are bright yellow; the toenails, bill, and iris are dark. Juveniles look like adult females, but the underside streaks are wider; the yellow of their bare parts is paler.

13-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN CONEHEAD MANTIS (JUVENILE) (Empusa pennata)

Empusa pennata, or the conehead mantis, is a species of praying mantis in genus Empusa native to the Mediterranean Region. It can be found in Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy and on the mediterranean coasts of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Turkey and Egypt. Because of its cryptic nature, or also possibly because of its fragmented, low-density populations, it is rarely encountered in the wild.

Empusa pennata generally has a large, thin body with a low mass, as well as a large pair of wings used for flight. They are mostly found in perennial herbs and scrubs. There are three ways for these insects to find mates: chemical, acoustic, and visual signals. Some predatory insects like mantises rely on cryptic colouration; they use this camouflage to protect themselves from predators and capture prey.

This species of mantis, although similar in size to the common European mantis (Mantis religiosa), is easily distinguished by the protrusion from its crown. Both males and females possess this tall extension from birth, giving them a very 'alien' appearance.

They live in dry, warm environments and use their cryptic colouring of either greens and pinks or various shades of brown to keep hidden from predators. Females may grow to a length of 10 cm, while males are shorter and slimmer. Males have distinctive ‘feather’-type antennae. Empusa pennata overwinters as a nymph and reaches the adult stage by spring. Its eggs develop quickly, especially in the summer months.

12-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RED SHIELD BUG (Carpocoris mediterraneus)

Carpocoris mediterraneus, the red shield bug, is a species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae.

This species is widespread throughout the Mediterranean region (Corsica, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Sardinia, Sicily).

Carpocoris mediterraneus can reach a length of 11–13 millimetres (0.43–0.51 in). The body is shield-like in shape and the elytrae are very thick. The body surface is bright yellow or orange, with four short longitudinal black stripes on the pronotum and five dark spots on the scutellum. The antennae have 5 segments. Legs are yellowish or orange.

This species is similar and can be confused with Carpocoris pudicus, Carpocoris purpureipennis or Carpocoris fuscispinus.

In Carpocoris mediterraneus atlanticus the humeral angles of pronotum are sharp and protruding, the base of scutellum and connexivum are frequently with contrasting black spots and the apex of the scutellum is exceptionally truncated.

These bugs are polyphagous vegetarian. Adults can be found on several flowering plants, especially on parsley (Petroselinum crispum).

9-6-2021 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - LITTLE BITTERN (Ixobrychus minutus)

 Little Bitterns were once widespread in Central Europe. In the meantime it is a poorly distributed breeding bird of the lowlands, sporadically up to low mountain ranges. It occurs from Europe (without regular breeding in Great Britain, Ireland or Scandinavia) to West Siberia up to 56° N. It also occurs in North Africa and southern Iran and south of the Sahara to southern Africa. Isolated populations also exist in Madagascar and Australia. The total population of Europe is about 60,000-120,000 breeding pairs, with occurrences of> 5000 breeding pairs in Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Turkey. In Central Europe (around 2000) about 5300-7800 pairs are breeding, most of it in Hungary. The formerly large population in Germany has decreased to just over 100 breeding pairs. However, inventory information is particularly unreliable for this very secret species.

The little bittern is crepuscular, skulking and normally solitary. It feeds on fishes, amphibians and insects which are caught within reedbeds or at their edges by the bird slowly stalking the prey. The male claims a territory in the Spring, advertising his presence with a deep barking or croaking call and the monogamous pair remain together for at least one breeding season. Eggs are laid in a nest situated in dense reedbeds, rushes or bushes above the water from the middle of May and there is a single brood which is normally 5-6 eggs. These are incubated for 17–19 days and the chicks are fledged after 25–30 days.

In Europe the little bittern is a migratory species, crossing the Mediterranean from Africa in the early Spring and arriving in their breeding wetlands from mid April onwards. The return to Africa occurs in August and September and there are normally only a few juveniles left in Europe by October. The European breeders migrate as far south as the Eastern Cape and Transvaal.

25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - COMMON NIGHTINGALE (Luscinia megarhynchos)

The Common Nightingale, also known as the Rufous Nightingale or simply Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos), is a small passerine bird celebrated for its powerful and enchanting song. This bird, once thought to be a member of the thrush family, is now classified among the Old World flycatchers, Muscicapidae. It is part of a group often referred to as chats, which are more terrestrial in nature.

The Common Nightingale is slightly larger than the European Robin, measuring approximately 15–16.5 cm in length. It has a plain brown upper body contrasted by a reddish tail, while its underparts range from buff to white. Both sexes appear similar, with the eastern and Caucasian subspecies displaying paler upper parts and a more pronounced facial pattern, including a pale supercilium.

Nightingales favor breeding in forests and scrublands within the Palearctic region. They nest on or near the ground amidst dense vegetation, avoiding areas with closed canopies.

As migratory birds, nightingales breed across Europe and parts of the Palearctic, journeying to Sub-Saharan Africa to overwinter. Their distribution is more southerly compared to their close relative, the Thrush Nightingale.

12-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SOUTHERN GLOBE THISTLE (Echinops ritro)

Echinops ritro, the southern globe thistle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, from Spain east to Turkey, Ukraine, and Belarus, and western and central Asia east to Mongolia. The species is also sparingly naturalised in scattered locations within North America.

It is a compact, bushy herbaceous perennial thistle, growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall, with broad prickly leaves and bearing globes of steel-blue flowers 2.5–4.5 cm in diameter, in late summer.

Echinops ritro and the subspecies E. ritro subsp. ruthenicus[7] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Plants previously reported as naturalised in Great Britain are mostly or all the related species Echinops bannaticus.

23-3-2020 SAPSUCKER WOODS, NEW YORK - COOPER'S HAWK (Astur cooperii)

Cooper's hawk (Astur cooperii) is a medium-sized hawk native to the North American continent and found from southern Canada to Mexico. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter.

As in many birds of prey, the male is smaller than the female. The birds found east of the Mississippi River tend to be larger on average than the birds found to the west. It is easily confused with the smaller but similar sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus).

The species was named in 1828 by Charles Lucien Bonaparte in honor of his friend and fellow ornithologist, William Cooper. Other common names for Cooper's hawk include: big blue darter, chicken hawk, flying cross, hen hawk, quail hawk, striker, and swift hawk. Many of the names applied to Cooper's hawks refer to their ability to hunt large and evasive prey using extremely well-developed agility.

This species primarily hunts small-to-medium-sized birds, but will also commonly take small mammals and sometimes reptiles.

Like most related hawks, Cooper's hawks prefer to nest in tall trees with extensive canopy cover and can commonly produce up to two to four fledglings depending on conditions.

Breeding attempts may be compromised by poor weather, predators and anthropogenic causes, in particular the use of industrial pesticides and other chemical pollution in the 20th century. Despite historic declines due to anthropogenic causes, the bird's population is increasing as of 2024.

12-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STONECROP (Petrosedum dianium)

 Petrosedum dianium (often classified as Sedum sediforme subsp. dianium) is a hardy, mat-forming succulent endemic to eastern Spain. Known locally as raïmet de pastor (pastor's grapes), it is traditionally harvested for culinary uses and is celebrated for its extreme drought resistance, distinctively flat leaves, and vibrant yellow flowers.

Key Facts & Characteristics

Botanical Classification: A member of the Crassulaceae family, its exact taxonomic rank is sometimes debated but widely recognized as a unique subspecies of pale stonecrop (Petrosedum sediforme).

Physical Traits: Distinguished from other stonecrops by its characteristically flat leaves (especially on the flowering stem) and its intense, star-shaped yellow flowers that typically bloom in the summer.

Habitat: Thrives in dry, well-draining, and rocky limestone outcrops, often growing wild in the mountains and coastal regions of the Valencian Community and beyond.

12-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PYRALID SNOUT MOTH (Bostra obsoletalis)

 Bostra obsoletalis is a species of moth in the family Pyralidae described by Josef Johann Mann in 1864. It is found in southern Europe, Yemen, Sudan, the Palestinian territories, Tunisia and Morocco.

The wingspan is 14–15 mm. Adults are on wing from June to August.

The etymology of Bostra obsoletalis refers to the genus name "Bostra," which is derived from the ancient Nabataean city of Bosra (also spelled Bostra). The species name "obsoletalis" is likely derived from the Latin word "obsoletus," meaning "worn out" or "faded," potentially referring to the moth's coloration or appearance.

12-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

The scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Its common names include broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter.

The scarlet dragonfly is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa. It also occurs across western Asia as far as southern China. It is a very rare vagrant in Britain. Its first record in the country was at Hayle Kimbro Pool, The Lizard, Cornwall, on 7 August 1995. Since then there have been a few further records at scattered coastal or near-coastal locations in southeastern England from Dorset to Norfolk.

A wide range of both running and standing waters, except those that are shaded. Adults may be found some distance from water in habitats ranging from desert to open woodland; absent from dense forest.

Crocothemis erythraea can reach a length of 33–44 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in). These dragonflies haves a flattened and rather broad abdomen. The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. Also the veins on the leading edges of the wings are red. Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

8-4-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The great tit (Parus major) is a small passerine bird, easily recognized by its black head and neck, striking white cheeks, olive upperparts, and vibrant yellow underparts. This bird is the most widespread species in the genus Parus, found across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Males are characterized by their bright plumage, with a black bib that extends down the belly, bordered by a lemon-yellow breast. Females and juveniles are similar but have duller coloration. The black line down the belly is also narrower and sometimes broken in these birds.

Great tits favor a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, and even urban parks and gardens. They are also found in riverine woodlands and, in some regions, boreal taiga.

10-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WHITE FACED BUSH CRICKET (Decticus albifrons)

The White-faced Bush-cricket (Decticus albifrons), also known as the Southern Wartbiter, is a large, Mediterranean insect (up to 7 cm long) often found in warm, dry, scrubby habitats. Characterized by a distinct white face patch, this species is largely carnivorous or omnivorous, feeding on other insects and plants, and is known for its loud, long,, high-pitched song. 

Key Facts About the White-Faced Bush-Cricket

Appearance: They are large, robust insects often displaying vibrant green or brownish, with wings that typically extend past the abdomen.

Appearance: Their most notable feature is a white, cream, or light-colored patch on the face.

Habitat: Primarily found in the Mediterranean region in scrub, grassland, sand pits, and gardens, favoring hot, sunny, and dry conditions.

Diet: They are opportunistic feeders (omnivores), consuming small invertebrates like grasshoppers, as well as plants.

Behavior: They are not strong flyers, relying on walking and jumping to move, but they are capable of flight.

Reproduction: The male produces a long, loud, high-pitched, continuous sound similar to a sewing machine, typically during the day in warm, sunny weather.

Lifespan: They have an annual lifecycle, with nymphs appearing in spring and adults present from July through early autumn.

Interaction with Humans: They are generally harmless, but like other large Tettigoniids, they can deliver a strong,, though rarely breaking,, bite or pinch if handled. 

1-12-2021 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - COMMON CHAFFINCH (MALE) (Fringilla coelebs)

The male Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is a small, vibrant songbird. It is easily identified by its striking blue-grey cap, rust-red to pink underparts, and contrasting black-and-white wing bars. Widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it is frequently spotted in woodlands, parks, and gardens.

Key Biological & Behavioral Facts:

Plumage: Males display their brightest colors during the spring breeding season, while their colors mute slightly in the winter. Females and juveniles are much duller and more camouflaged. Both sexes share prominent white outer tail feathers that are highly visible in flight.

Diet: Primarily feeds on seeds and invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when they need protein-rich insects for their chicks. They are ground foragers and often hop beneath feeders rather than perching on them directly.

20-2-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - 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.

The robin is diurnal and is known for its boldness in human presence, often seen investigating gardeners at work. It is territorial, with males known to fiercely defend their territory. The robin's diet is primarily composed of insects and worms, but it will also consume berries and fruit, especially in autumn and winter.

The robin's song is a delightful fluting warble, more plaintive during the winter months. Both sexes sing, with the male's song typically starting before dawn and ending after dusk. Urban robins may sing at night, possibly to avoid noise pollution during the day.

Robins are versatile in their choice of nesting sites, often opting for unusual locations such as nooks in machinery or even discarded clothing. They typically lay two or three clutches of eggs per season, with the eggs being cream, buff, or white and speckled with reddish-brown.

Robins primarily feed on insects, spiders, and worms. During colder months, their diet is supplemented with berries and fruit. They are also known to visit bird tables for seed mixtures and suet.

The European robin is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable and possibly increasing population. It does not face any significant threats that would warrant concern for its long-term survival.

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - LARGE FOOTED FINCH (Pezopetes capitalis)

The Large-footed Finch, Pezopetes capitalis, is a robust, terrestrial bird, notable for its impressive stature among its kin. Adults measure around 20 cm in length and weigh approximately 56 grams, making them one of the heaviest in the Passerellidae family. They exhibit a slate grey head, with the throat, forehead, and crown sides transitioning to black. The upper parts are a dark olive, while the wings and tail are black with olive fringes. The underparts are a vivid olive, with a brownish hue on the flanks and lower belly.

When identifying the Large-footed Finch, look for its slender bill, modestly sized tail, and particularly its very large and powerful feet and legs. The adult's coloration is distinct, with the contrast between the slate grey head and the black throat area being quite prominent. Juveniles can be recognized by their streaked dark olive head, blackish scaling on the upperparts, and buff-olive underparts.

This species thrives in the undergrowth of mountain forests, second growth, and bamboo clumps. It is also found in scrubby pastures and the scrubby páramo, at altitudes ranging from 2150 meters to 3350 meters.

Endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, the Large-footed Finch is a common sight in locations such as Cerro de la Muerte.

Typically observed in pairs, the Large-footed Finch is a ground-dweller. It is known for its powerful double scratches when foraging, capable of sending debris up to 30 cm away. This bird is also known to pick berries from low bushes.

The male Large-footed Finch serenades with a song composed of whistles, warbles, chatter, and mimicry, often performed from the ground or a low perch. Additionally, the species emits a thin 'seet' call.

The female constructs a large, loose cup-shaped nest from plant material, usually situated less than 2 meters above ground in bamboo or a dense shrub. The typical clutch consists of one or two brown-marked white or blue-white eggs. The female incubates these eggs alone for a period of 12 to 14 days before they hatch.

The diet of the Large-footed Finch includes insects, spiders, and seeds, which it extracts from the leaf litter. It also consumes berries, which it gathers from low-growing vegetation.

9-12-2021 CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, VALENCIA - EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus ostralegus)

The Eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) also known as the common pied oystercatcher, or (in Europe) just oystercatcher, is a wader in the oystercatcher bird family Haematopodidae. It has striking black and white plumage, a long straight orange-red bill, red eyes and relatively short dull pink legs. The sexes are similar in appearance but the bill of the female is longer than that of the male.

It is the most widespread of the oystercatchers, with three races breeding in western Europe, central Eurosiberia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. No other oystercatcher occurs within this area.

The Eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) is a wading bird with striking black and white plumage. It is a noisy plover-like bird, and despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The bird still lives up to its name, as few if any other wading birds are capable of opening oysters.

Eurasian oystercatchers have black and white plumage, pink legs, and a strong broad red bill used for smashing or prising open mollusks. The sexes are similar in plumage but the female has a longer bill than the male. This oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight, with white patches on the wings and tail, otherwise black upperparts, and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar, and a duller bill.

Eurasian oystercatchers breed in western Europe, central Eurosiberia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. No other oystercatcher occurs within this area. Eurasian oystercatchers are migratory over most of their range. They can be found on coastal saltmarshes, beaches, and dunes, along the shores of lakes, or rivers. They can also occur on agricultural grass and fields not far from water.

24-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)

The brown jay (Psilorhinus morio ) is a large American jay which has the habitus of a magpie, but is slightly smaller and with a shorter tail, though the bill is larger.

It occurs from Mexico south into Central America on the Gulf slope. The northernmost extent of the bird is in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Brown jays vary in plumage geographically: there are two main groups. Northern birds are almost completely dark brown, with lighter brown on the underparts. Southern birds are white-bellied and have bright white tips to the outer tail feathers. The intergrade zone is in Veracruz, Mexico.

Adults in both populations have black bills, legs, and feet. Immatures have yellow bare parts, including yellow eye-rings.

The voice is a loud but low-pitched pee-ah call and is often modified to suit its situation or mood.

In Central America, the brown jay is not found in El Salvador; the range is on the Pacific side of Central America in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama. It does not extend into South America.

24-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - CHESTNUT HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)

The chestnut-headed oropendola (Psarocolius wagleri) is a New World tropical icterid bird. The scientific name of the species commemorates Johann Georg Wagler, who established Psarocolius, the oropendola genus.

The male is 35 cm (14 in) long and weighs 225 g (7.9 oz); the smaller female is 28 cm (11 in) long and weighs 125 g (4.4 oz). The wings are very long. Adult males are mainly black with a chestnut head and rump and a tail which is bright yellow apart from two dark central feathers. The iris is blue and the long bill is whitish. Females are similar, but smaller and duller than males. Young birds are duller than adults and have brown eyes. The populations south of an area around the border of Honduras and Nicaragua are sometimes separated as a subspecies P. w. ridgwayi, but the separation of this form has been questioned.

The distinctive songs of the male include a gurgle followed by a crash guu-guu-PHRRRRTTT. Both sexes have loud chek and chuk calls.

It is a resident breeder in the Caribbean coastal lowlands from southern Mexico to central Costa Rica, both slopes of southern Costa Rica and Panama, and the Pacific lowlands of Colombia and north-eastern Ecuador. Though it usually stays below 1,000 m (3,300 ft) ASL, it has also been recorded as much as 1,300 m (4,300 ft) ASL, for example in the Serranía de las Quinchas of Colombia. It may in be more common at such high altitudes at particular times or in particular places, but its altitudinal movements are insufficiently understood. The species is common across its large range and is not considered threatened by the IUCN.

The chestnut-headed oropendola inhabits forest canopy, edges and old plantations. It is a quite common bird in parts of its range, seen in small flocks foraging in trees for large insects, fruit and berries.

The Chestnut-headed Oropendola (Psarocolius wagleri) is a striking Central and South American Icteridae bird known for its bright blue iris, pale yellow bill with a frontal shield, and bright yellow tail. It is famous for building long, hanging woven nests in colonies at the edges of humid forests.

Distinctive Characteristics and Behavior

Physical Traits: Males are larger (about 35 cm long) than females (28 cm long), but both boast a rich brown/chestnut head and a bold yellow tail, excluding two dark central feathers.

Vocalizations: They are extremely noisy and social, performing elaborate singing routines that involve unique liquid gurgles, harsh squawks, and sharp clicks. Males also perform physical displays involving bowing and tail-fanning.

Nesting: Females weave large, pendulous nests that hang several feet below tree branches. Often, these colonies are built near active wasp nests to protect their young against predators.

7-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BARBARY GRASSHOPPER (Calliptamus barbarus)

Calliptamus barbarus is a species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in the Palearctic.

Calliptamus barbarus or Costa's rose wing is a right-winged insect from the family locust (Acrididae). The scientific name of this species was first validly published in 1836 by Oronzio Gabriele Costa.

The Barbarian grasshopper is not toxic and does not usually pose a threat to human health. There is no need to be overly concerned.

The Barbarian grasshopper feeds on plants and usually does not cause a major problem. However, If you observe the number getting larger, you need to take it seriously.

6-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - 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).

6-7-2026 CANOPY LODGE, PANAMA - CHESTNUT HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri) WEBCAM

The chestnut-headed oropendola (Psarocolius wagleri) is a New World tropical icterid bird. The scientific name of the species commemorates Johann Georg Wagler, who established Psarocolius, the oropendola genus.

The male is 35 cm (14 in) long and weighs 225 g (7.9 oz); the smaller female is 28 cm (11 in) long and weighs 125 g (4.4 oz). The wings are very long. Adult males are mainly black with a chestnut head and rump and a tail which is bright yellow apart from two dark central feathers. The iris is blue and the long bill is whitish. Females are similar, but smaller and duller than males. Young birds are duller than adults and have brown eyes. The populations south of an area around the border of Honduras and Nicaragua are sometimes separated as a subspecies P. w. ridgwayi, but the separation of this form has been questioned.

The distinctive songs of the male include a gurgle followed by a crash guu-guu-PHRRRRTTT. Both sexes have loud chek and chuk calls.

3-1-2021 POTRIES, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (FEMALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The female Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) is a small, energetic Mediterranean songbird. Unlike the male's striking black hood, she is drabber, featuring a solid grey head, brownish back, buffy-brown underparts, and a white throat. She is also recognized by a distinctive orange or red eye-ring.

Key Facts & Characteristics

Size & Shape: Compact and big-headed, measuring about 13–14 cm (5–5.5 inches) in length with a long, rounded tail and a thin, slightly curved beak.

Habitat: Common year-round in the Mediterranean basin. She prefers dense scrubland, maquis, and garrigue, but frequently nests in low bushes, parks, and gardens.

Diet: Primarily insectivorous, hopping actively through thick vegetation in search of insects. She supplements her diet with seeds and autumn fruits.

Breeding: The breeding season spans from March to July. The female builds a small, cup-shaped grass nest low to the ground, usually 30–60 cm up in thick undergrowth. She lays clutches of 3 to 5 eggs, and both parents share incubation duties.