1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - FULVOUS WHISTLING DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor)

The Fulvous Whistling Duck, or Fulvous Tree Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor), is a medium-sized, long-legged member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is characterized by its rich buff head, neck, and breast, with a darker back and mantle. The species exhibits a striking white band across its black tail when in flight, and possesses a long grey bill and grey legs.

Adults measure between 45–53 cm in length, with a wingspan of 85 to 93 cm. Males weigh between 748–1,050 g, while females are slightly lighter. The plumage is mainly reddish-brown, with a dark stripe running down the back of the neck. In flight, the lack of white markings on the wings and the white crescent on the rump are distinctive. The call is a clear whistling kee-wee-ooo, often heard at night.

The Fulvous Whistling Duck favors wetlands with abundant vegetation, such as shallow lakes and paddy fields. It avoids wooded areas and is typically found in lowland marshes and swamps.

This species has a vast range, breeding across tropical regions in Mexico, South America, the West Indies, the southern United States, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. It is known for seasonal movements in response to water and food availability.

14-5-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - THERESIAN MOTH (Lamoria anella)

Lamoria anella is a species of snout moth described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775 found in Africa, Asia and Europe.

The wingspan is 18–28 mm in the male and 30–40 mm in the female.[2] Head, thorax and abdomen greyish brown. Forewings grey brown, often entirely suffused with red or fuscous. There is an indistinct highly dentate antemedial line. A more or less developed speck in the cell and discocellular spot. A highly dentate postmedial line sharply angled on vein 4 and often reduced to streaks on the veins. A marginal specks series present. Hindwings pale semi-hyaline, suffused with fuscous towards margin.

It is found in most of Europe (except Ireland, Great Britain, Fennoscandia, Denmark, the Baltic region and Slovenia), the Canary Islands, as well as North Africa (including Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt), South Africa, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.

The first confirmed British record was recorded in a garden at Hartford, Huntingdonshire on 5 October 2018, possibly as a migrant.

16-5-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED THINTAIL (Meliscaeva auricollis)

Meliscaeva auricollis is a West Palearctic species of hoverfly.

Wing length 6-9·5 mm. Elongated body. Lunula yellow with a black mark above it. Facial knob or more black; wing. Alula triangular. Tergite 2 usually with small elongate yellow marks, or small triangular marks. Tergites 3 and 4 with a pair of spots or narrowly connected bands. Elongated body. The male terminalia are figured by Hippa (1968). Larva described and figured by Rotheray (1994). See references for determination.

Palearctic Fennoscandia South to Iberia, the Mediterranean basin. Ireland East through Europe into European parts of Russia and Turkey. 

Habitat: Deciduous, broad-leaved evergreen and coniferous forest. Flowers visited include white umbellifers, Arbutus unedo, Chaerophyllum, Euonymus, Euphorbia, Filipendula, Hedera, Rubus, Salix, Sorbus, Viburnum opulus. The flight period is March to October (earlier and longer in southern Europe). The larva feeds on aphids or pysillids on trees.

29-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRILANKA - COMMON TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus sutorius)

The common tailorbird, Orthotomus sutorius, is a diminutive yet vibrant songbird, cloaked in bright green upperparts contrasted with creamy underparts. With a size ranging from 10 to 14 centimeters and a weight between 6 to 10 grams, it is a small bird with a wren-like appearance, characterized by short rounded wings, a long and often upright tail, and a sharp, curved bill. The crown is a distinctive rust color, and both sexes are similar, though males may sport elongated central tail feathers during the breeding season.

To identify the common tailorbird, look for its rust-colored forehead and crown, and listen for its loud and distinctive cheeup-cheeup-cheeup call. The bird's long tail is typically held upright and can be quite animated. During vocalization, dark patches on the sides of the neck, caused by pigmented and bare skin, become visible. Juveniles are duller in color compared to adults.

This species thrives in a variety of environments, including open farmland, scrub, forest edges, and urban gardens. It is adept at navigating the dense undergrowth where it often remains concealed.

The common tailorbird is widely distributed across tropical Asia, with several recognized subspecies inhabiting South Asia and Southeast Asia. These range from the lowlands and highlands of Sri Lanka, across the Indian peninsula, to the Terai of Nepal, the hills of Northeast India, and further east to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, China, and Java.

Tailorbirds are typically observed alone or in pairs, foraging low in vegetation or occasionally hopping on the ground. They are primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, bugs, and insects attracted to flowers. During the breeding season, pairs may roost side by side, and outside of this period, they roost alone.

The common tailorbird's song is a loud and repetitive cheeup-cheeup-cheeup, with variations across its range. Its calls are a key identifier, often revealing the bird's presence within its preferred dense habitats.

The breeding season aligns with the wet season, peaking from June to August in India. The tailorbird's nest is an architectural marvel, constructed from leaves sewn together with plant fiber or spider silk to form a cradle. The actual nest is a deep cup lined with soft materials, cleverly camouflaged by the outward-facing upper surfaces of leaves. The clutch typically consists of three eggs, with both parents involved in feeding and caring for the young.

Insects form the staple of the common tailorbird's diet. It is particularly drawn to beetles and bugs and is known to frequent the inflorescences of mango trees. It also consumes nectar from flowers such as Bombax and Salmalia.

16-5-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPECKLED ROSE CHAFER (Protaetia morio)

 

A very large dark-grey chafer with small white spots on the pronotum and elytra. It is related to the metallic-green Northern Rose Chafer (P. metallica) and like that species has a large projection on each side of the body that is exerted when it is handled.

Adults can be observed on flowers such as thistles and ragworts and also visit ripe fruit. Within the British Isles it is only known from the Channel Islands.

This species is sometimes referred to as Netocia morio (others treat Netocia as a subgenus of Protaetia).

The Speckled rose chafer ( Oxythyrea funesta ) is generally considered not dangerous to humans or pets. However, they can be a nuisance in gardens, especially to certain plants, and the larvae are considered a pest to some extent. 

They are not known to transmit diseases. 

The larvae, also known as grubs, feed on decaying plant matter and may damage some plants if they are in large numbers. 

The adult beetles can damage plants by feeding on flowers, buds, and leaves, particularly of certain plants like roses and peonies.

29-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRILANKA - SCALY BREASTED MUNIA (Lonchura punctulata)

The Scaly-breasted Munia, also known as the Spotted Munia, is a diminutive estrildid finch native to the tropical regions of Asia. It is recognized by its unique scale-like feather markings on the breast and belly, which give rise to its name. Adults exhibit a brown plumage above with a dark conical bill, while the underparts are white with dark scalloping.

Adult Scaly-breasted Munias are characterized by their stubby dark bills, adapted for grain consumption, and their distinctive scale-like pattern on the underparts. Males and females are similar in appearance, though males may display slightly darker markings and throat. Juveniles lack the dark head of adults and have uniform buff underparts, which can lead to confusion with other munia species.

These birds are commonly found in proximity to water and grasslands, particularly favoring paddy fields in India where they are known to feed on grain. They are typically seen on the plains but can also be found at higher elevations, such as the foothills of the Himalayas and the Nilgiris during summer months.

The Scaly-breasted Munia is endemic to Asia, with a range extending from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia and the Philippines. It has been introduced to various other parts of the world, establishing feral populations in locations such as Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, parts of Australia, and the United States.

Highly social, these munias form flocks that can number up to 100 individuals. They communicate with a repertoire of soft calls and whistles and exhibit tail and wing flicking behaviors. They may roost communally, often in close contact with one another, and engage in allopreening, particularly on the face and neck.

The Scaly-breasted Munia's vocalizations include a short whistle, a "kitty-kitty-kitty" call, and a sharp chipping alarm note. The male's song, heard mainly during the breeding season, is a soft but complex jingle, audible only at close range.

Breeding typically occurs during the summer rainy season. Both sexes participate in constructing dome-shaped nests from grass or bamboo leaves, often placed in trees or under house eaves. Clutches usually contain 4 to 6 eggs, which are incubated by both parents and hatch within 10 to 16 days.

The diet of the Scaly-breasted Munia primarily consists of grass seeds, supplemented with small berries and insects. They forage in flocks, and their feeding behavior aligns with the optimal foraging theory, balancing time and energy to maximize food intake.

The Scaly-breasted Munia is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large and stable population across an extensive range. While common throughout most of its range, some populations have been affected by the bird trade. In certain areas, they are considered agricultural pests due to their feeding habits in cereal crops.

29-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRILANKA - ORIENTAL GARDEN LIZARD ( Calotes versicolor)

The oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor), also called the eastern garden lizard, Indian garden lizard, common garden lizard, bloodsucker or changeable lizard, is an agamid lizard found widely distributed in Indo-Malaya. It has also been introduced in many other parts of the world.

During the breeding season, the male's head and shoulders turns bright orange to crimson and his throat black. Males also turn red-headed after a successful battle with rivals. Both males and females have a crest from the head to nearly the tail, hence their other common name, "crested tree lizard".

Unlike some other lizards, they do not drop their tails (autotomy), and their tails can be very long, stiff and pointy. Like other reptiles, they shed their skins. Like chameleons, changeable lizards can move each of their eyes in different directions.

The native range of the species includes southeastern Iran, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India (including the Andaman Islands), Indonesia (Sumatra), Malaysia (western), Maldives, Mauritius (Reunion, Rodrigues), Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Thailand, Vietnam (including Pulo Condore Island). It has been introduced to Brunei, Celebes, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore and United States. The lizards were introduced to Singapore from Malaysia and Thailand in the 1980s. In Singapore, they are a threat to the native green-crested lizard.[4] The changeable lizard is relatively common and found in a wide range of habitats. They appear to adapt well to humans and are thus not endangered. They are commonly found among undergrowth, in open habitats as well as highly urban areas. However, in China people regularly kill them, as they are viewed as pests.

Changeable lizards eat mainly insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and ants; as well as small vertebrates, including rodents and other lizards including common house geckos and day geckos.[citation needed] They have teeth which are designed for gripping prey and not tearing, and thus they usually shake prey to stun it then swallow it whole. Sometimes, young, inexperienced changeable lizards may choke on prey that is too large. Changeable lizards also occasionally consume vegetable matter.

15-5-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOOKED STRIKING JUMPING SPIDER (Icius hamatus)

Icius hamatus is a species of 'jumping spiders' belonging to the family Salticidae.

This species is mainly present in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Poland, Greece and Romania.

The adults of these spiders reach approximately 5–7 millimetres (0.20–0.28 in) of length. They prefer dry and hot habitats ("xerothermic") and can mainly be encountered on sunny bushes, shrubs and walls of houses (synanthropic organism), where they actively pursue their preys.

In males the basic color of the hairy body is rusty brown, with a white longitudinal stripe and a white line on the edge of the opistosoma. The prosoma is mainly rusty brown, while the pedipalps and the legs are whitish. In the females the basic color is mainly brownish or greyish, with darker markings. These spiders have eight eyes with very large anterior median eyes and smaller on each side. Their eyesight is excellent and very useful in their way of hunting.

30-3-2025 GOATFELL NUMARA ELIYA, SRI LANKA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (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.

14-5-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - TRIANGULATE COMBFOOT SPIDER (Steatoda triangulosa)

The triangulate cobweb spider (scientific name: Steatoda triangulosa; also called the triangulate bud spider) is a common spider in the genus Steatoda. It is well known for the triangle-shaped pattern on the dorsal side of its abdomen.

The adult female triangulate cobweb spider is 3 to 6 mm long (1/8 to 1/4 inch), with a brownish-orange cephalothorax and spindly, yellowish legs, and tiny hairs. The round, bulbous abdomen is creamy in color, with parallel purply-brown zigzag lines running front to back. This distinctive pattern sets it apart from other theridiids in its area.

The triangulate cobweb spider is known to prey on many other types of arthropods, ants (including fire ants), other spiders, pillbugs, and ticks. It preys on several other spiders believed to be harmful to humans, including the brown recluse. Anything it catches in the web it preys upon.

The egg sac of the triangulated cobweb spider is made from loosely woven silk, and is about the same size as the spider itself. Each egg sac contains approximately 30 eggs. They may reproduce via parthenogenesis. Cobweb spiders typically live on windows or in dark areas. They eat for a margin of their day and spend hours developing their web; it does not break if it is woven well. Below or in its web, there may be many dead insects, ranging from stinkbugs to other spiders including Lycosidae, to large Scutigera and even wasps. Of the Steatoda, they are the most voracious and prey-driven despite being one of the smaller species.

31-3-2025 GOATFELL LODGE, SRI LANKA - PEA BLUE BUTTERFLY (Lampides boeticus)

Lampides boeticus, the pea blue, or long-tailed blue, is a small butterfly that belongs to the lycaenids or gossamer-winged family.

The Latin species name boeticus refers to Baetica, a province of the Roman Empire in the Iberian Peninsula . Its common name refers to the long streamers on its hind wings, the male's bright iridescent blue colour, and peas, which is the typical host plant of the butterfly.

This species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1767 and was initially named Papilio boeticus.

This species can be found in Europe, Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Australia. It is also found in the Hawaiian islands. In New Zealand this species is regarded as being self introduced as was first observed in November 1965.

 

This species inhabits the edge of forests, mountain meadows and hot flowery places at an elevation up to 2,700 metres (8,900 ft) above sea level. 

31-3-2025 GOATFELL LODGE, SRI LANKA - LICHEN MOTH (Schistophleps bipuncta)

Schistophleps bipuncta is a moth in the subfamily Arctiinae. It was described by George Hampson in 1891. It is found in India (Assam, Belgaum, Nilgiris), Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Its wingspan is about 21 mm. It is an ochreous semi-diaphanous whitish moth. Forewings with an indistinct antemedial rufous line with some fuscous suffusion on it inner edge. There are black specks at center and end of cell. Postmedial discal area is suffused with rufus. A series of indistinct submarginal streaks and marginal specks present. Hindwings are hyaline (glass like).

31-3-2025 GOATFELL LODGE, SRI LANKA - SOUTHERN BRACKET (Ganoderma australe)

Ganoderma tornatum is a fungal plant pathogen in the genus Ganoderma. It is a species of basidiomycete fungi in the family Polyporaceae. Members are also known as bracket fungi, or polypores.

Like other polypores, its physical characteristics include a rigid and tough texture and a shelf-like appearance. Most specimens of G. tornatum have a dark brown upper surface, though the ones found in the northwest of India and Pakistan have a lighter appearance. G. tornatum also have thin, shiny horn-like layers, distinguishing them from G. applanatum. It does not have a long and thin stipe like G. cochlear.

Physiologically, their mode of transmission is likely primarily through air-borne spores, as no rhizomorphs have been found.  While temperature increases decrease their spore size  its spore size was found to be 7.5–9.5 x 5–7 micrometers in one sample. In addition to parasitizing oil palms, G. tornatum has a variety of hosts, in comparison to other Ganoderma species.

It is distributed widely throughout the tropics, appearing to be one of the most common species of Ganoderma there. Some places it occurs is south of the Sahara desert, the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Canada, and the north west of India and Pakistan, and from the Philippines to New Caledonia and Papua. It is not clear if this species occurs in South America, as few specimens are available.

28-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - ASIAN COMMON TOAD (JUVENILE) (Duttaphrynus melanostictus)

Duttaphrynus melanostictus is commonly called Asian common toad, Asian black-spined toad, Asian toad, black-spectacled toad, common Sunda toad, and Javanese toad. It is probably a complex of more than one true toad species that is widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia.

The species grows to about 20 cm (8 in) long. Asian common toads breed during the monsoon, and their tadpoles are black. Young toads may be seen in large numbers after monsoon rains finish.

28-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - ORIENTAL MAGPIE ROBIN (Copsychus saularis)

The Oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) is a small, striking passerine bird, once grouped with thrushes but now classified among the Old World flycatchers. Males are characterized by their black upperparts, head, and throat, contrasted with a white shoulder patch and white underparts extending to the sides of their long tail. Females, on the other hand, display a more subdued greyish black above and greyish white below. Juveniles bear scaly brown upperparts. This species is known for its long tail, typically held upright, and its melodious song, which has made it a favored cagebird in the past.

The Oriental magpie-robin measures about 19 centimeters in length, including its distinctive long tail. The male's black and white plumage and the female's greyish tones are key identification features. The tail is often cocked upright when the bird is active on the ground, but it assumes a normal position during singing.

These birds are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from urban gardens to forests. They are often seen close to the ground, foraging in leaf-litter or perching conspicuously.

28-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - COMMON KINGFISHER (MALE) (Alcedo atthis)

The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), also known as the Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher, is a vibrant, pocket-sized gem among birds. With its unmistakable silhouette characterized by a stout body, large head, and a long, sharp bill, it is a sight to behold. The male boasts a striking palette with blue upperparts, an orange belly, and a conspicuous white throat and collar. The female mirrors the male's vivid colors but can be discerned by her orange-red lower mandible with a black tip.

To identify the Common Kingfisher, look for its bright blue and orange plumage and its rapid, low flight over water. The male's bill is predominantly black with some red at the base, while the female's bill features an orange-red lower mandible. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, greener upperparts and paler underparts. Their black bill and legs gradually acquire the adult coloration.

The Common Kingfisher is found along clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, as well as lakes with well-vegetated banks. It prefers areas with overhanging branches that provide vantage points for hunting. In winter, it may move to coastal regions, frequenting estuaries, harbors, and rocky shores.

31-3-2025 GOATFELL LODGE, SRI LANKA - MONTBRETIA (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora)

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora, or montbretia, is a garden hybrid of C. aurea and C. pottsii, first bred in 1880 in France by Victor Lemoine. The basionym of the hybrid is Montbretia crocosmiiflora Lemoine. In 1932 it was reclassified as C. × crocosmiiflora (Lemoine) N.E.Br., but the common name "montbretia" is still often found in horticultural literature, and is commonly used in the British Isles for orange-flowered cultivars that have naturalised, while "crocosmia" is reserved for less aggressive red-flowered cultivars.

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora grows to 90 cm (36 in.) high, with long sword-shaped leaves, shorter than the flowering stem and arising from the plant base, ribbed and up to 20mm wide. The base is a corm, a swollen underground stem lasting one year. The flowers are up to 5 cm long and coloured deep orange.

In the United States, Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora is considered suitable for planting in hardiness zones 5–9, but in more northerly locations it can be planted in the spring and the corms dug out in the fall. The corms should be planted in a well-drained garden soil in full sun to partial shade. The hybrid will set viable seed that can be grown as soon as ripe, but as a hybrid it will not breed true to colour. In Belfast, Northern Ireland, it is recorded as well-established in a wide range of locations.

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora is deemed an invasive plant in the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man; also in New Zealand, where it is common on roadsides in the northern parts of the West Coast of the South Island. The New Zealand Department of Conservation classes it as an environmental weed.

31-3-2025 GOATFELL LODGE, SRI LANKA - NATAL SWAMPLILY (Crinum moorei)

Crinum moorei is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae, and native to South Africa (the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal).

Crinum moorei (Natal Lily) is an elegant bulbous perennial boasting nodding clusters of large, fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers, sometimes tinged light pink. Blooming in succession from late summer to fall, the eye-catching blossoms rise well above a rosette of long, wavy-edged, bright green leaves, up to 3 ft.

12-5-2025 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Colias croceus)

Colias croceus, clouded yellow, is a small butterfly of the family Pieridae, the yellows and whites.

Colias croceus is one of the most widespread species in Europe. The common clouded yellow's breeding range is North Africa and southern Europe and eastwards through Turkey into the Middle East, but it occurs throughout much of Europe as a summer migrant, in good years individuals reaching Scandinavia. In Asia, its range extends into central Siberia in the north and barely into India in the south; it is not found in Central Asia.

This species is primarily an immigrant to the UK, originating from southern Europe and northern Africa. In the UK they can be seen on the south coast almost every year in varying numbers, and regularly breed there. Occurrence in the rest of the UK varies considerably from year to year, but they are increasingly observed as far north as Dumfries and Galloway. It has also been recorded in Ireland from the Raven, Co. Wexford, to Belfast, Co. Down.

A truly migratory European butterfly, this species is famous for occasional mass migrations and subsequent breeding, which are often referred to in the United Kingdom as "clouded yellow years". Notable clouded yellow years include 1877, 1947, 1983, 1992, 1994, 1996 and 2000.

These butterflies may live in any open area in the countryside, including downland, coastal cliffs and fields containing the caterpillar's host plants, at an elevation up to 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above sea level.

12-5-2025 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - SMALL WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rapae)

Pieris rapae is a small- to medium-sized butterfly species of the whites-and-yellows family Pieridae. It is known in Europe as the small white, in North America as the cabbage white or cabbage butterfly, on several continents as the small cabbage white, and in New Zealand as the white butterfly. The butterfly is recognizable by its white color with small black dots on its wings, and it can be distinguished from P. brassicae by the latter's larger size and black band at the tip of the forewings.

The caterpillar of this species, often referred to as the "imported cabbageworm", is a pest to crucifer crops such as cabbage, kale, bok choy and broccoli. Pieris rapae is widespread in Europe and Asia; it is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Europe, and to have spread across Eurasia thanks to the diversification of brassicaceous crops and the development of human trade routes. Over the past two centuries, it spread to North Africa (about 1800), North America (1860s), Hawaii (1897), New Zealand (1930), and Australia (1937), as a result of accidental introductions.

30-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - SPOTTED DOVE (Spilopelia chinensis)

The Spotted Dove, known scientifically as Spilopelia chinensis, is a small, long-tailed pigeon that graces the Indian subcontinent and parts of East and Southeast Asia with its presence. This bird, with its gentle buff brown plumage and distinctive white-spotted black collar patch, is a familiar sight in many urban and rural landscapes. The tail tips are a contrasting white, and the wing coverts are adorned with light buff spots, adding to its delicate appearance.

To identify the Spotted Dove, look for the unique black collar on the back and sides of the neck, which features white spots. The bird's underparts are a rosy buff that transitions to grey on the head and belly. Both sexes are similar in appearance, but juveniles can be distinguished by their duller coloration and lack of neck spots until maturity. The length of these doves ranges from 28 to 32 centimeters.

The Spotted Dove thrives in a variety of environments, including light forests, gardens, and urban areas. It has a preference for the ground, where it forages for seeds, or low vegetation.

Native to Asia, the Spotted Dove has spread its wings far and wide, establishing feral populations across the globe, including Hawaii, southern California, Mauritius, Australia, and New Zealand.

These doves are sociable creatures, often seen in pairs or small groups. They exhibit a quick, fluttering flight from the ground and may glide gracefully to a perch. During the breeding season, males engage in cooing and aerial displays to court females.

The Spotted Dove's call is a soft cooing, consisting of a "Krookruk-krukroo… kroo kroo kroo," with variations in the number of terminal 'kroos' depending on the population.

The breeding season varies with climate, occurring in summer in temperate zones and throughout the year in warmer regions. Nests are often built in low vegetation, and both parents participate in nest building, incubation, and feeding of the young. The eggs hatch after about 13 days, with fledging occurring two weeks later.

Primarily seed-eaters, Spotted Doves forage on the ground for grass seeds, grains, and occasionally insects, such as winged termites.

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Spotted Dove as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats at this time.

30-4-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - RED KNOBBED COOT (JUVENILE) (Fulica cristata)

The Red-knobbed Coot, also known as the Crested Coot, is a striking waterbird with a predominantly black plumage contrasted by a distinctive white frontal shield. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring 35–42 cm in length with a wingspan of 75–85 cm. The males, slightly larger than the females, weigh between 770 and 910 grams, while females range from 455 to 790 grams. Both sexes appear similar in plumage. The species is characterized by its long, strong toes with partial webbing, an adaptation to its aquatic lifestyle.

To distinguish the Red-knobbed Coot from its close relative, the Eurasian Coot, one must look for the two small red knobs atop the facial shield, which are only present during the breeding season and are not visible from afar. The black feathering between the shield and the bill is rounded, as opposed to the pointed feature in the Eurasian Coot. Additionally, the bill of the Red-knobbed Coot has a subtle bluish-grey hue. In flight, unlike the Eurasian Coot, it lacks the white trailing edge on its secondaries.

This coot favors freshwater lakes and ponds as its primary habitat, where it can be seen swimming or walking along the water's edge.

30-4-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - 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 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.

31-3-2025 GOATFELL LODGE, SRI LANKA - BLUE LILY (Agapanthus praecox)

Agapanthus praecox (common agapanthus, blue lily, African lily, or lily of the Nile is a popular garden plant around the world, especially in Mediterranean climates. It is native to the Kwa-Zulu Natal and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Local names include agapant, bloulelie, isicakathi and ubani. Most of the cultivated plants of the genus Agapanthus are hybrids or cultivars of this species. It is divided into three subspecies: subsp.praecox, subsp. orientalis and subsp. minimus.

Agapanthus praecox is a variable species with open-faced flowers. It is a perennial plant that can live for up to 75 years. Its evergreen leaves are 2 cm wide and 50 cm long. Its inflorescence is an umbel. The flowers are blue, purple or white and bloom from late spring to summer, followed by capsules filled with black seeds. Its flowering stem reaches one meter high. Its roots are very powerful and can break concrete.

Subspecies Agapanthus praecox subsp. praecox

This subspecies occurs in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It usually grows to between 0.8 and 1 metre tall and has 10 to 11 leathery leaves. The blue flowers appear from December to February. These have perianth segments which are greater than 50 mm in length.

This subspecies occurs in the Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal. Although it is about the same height as subsp. praecox, it has up to 20 poisonous, strap-like leaves per plant which are arching and are not leathery. These range in length from 20 to 70 cm and are 3 to 5 cm wide. Flower colour ranges from blue to white. Shiny black seeds are produced in three-sided capsules. These have perianth segments which are less than 50 mm in length. 

Occurring in the southeastern Western Cape and Eastern Cape, this subspecies is the smallest, ranging in height from 300 to 600 mm. It has a longer flowering season, from November to March. Flower colour includes white and various shades of blue.

The plant prefers a well-drained soil, but supports a poor soil. Exposure to full sun is preferable, but it supports partial shade. It has low tolerance to being moved. It can be multiplied by sowing (flowering under 3 to 4 years) or division. It tolerates drought once well installed, but watering is preferable in case of long dry periods. It overwinters as a stump and therefore completely disappears during the cold months. Contrary to popular belief, this species can withstand wind, frost and cold up to −15 °C provided that the strains are protected for the first two years with mulching.

Young shoots need to be protected from slugs and snails. A contribution of 2 or 3 handfuls of wood ash around the stump in the spring may keep the gastropods away and make a good contribution of potash.

The species is naturalised in Australia, New Zealand and the Isles of Scilly. It is reportedly naturalised in Madeira, the Canary Islands, Eritrea, Ethiopia, St. Helena, Jersey, Norfolk Island, Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica and Tristan da Cunha.

Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis is highly regarded for being tough in sun and heat, long-flowering, and is a favourite for many councils in Australia for the landscaping of roads and other public areas which do not get watered. The plant is still widely planted but in some areas it is considered a weed, and planting has been discontinued, although it is not generally regarded as highly invasive.

31-3-2025 GOATFELL LODGE, SRI LANKA - DULL BLUE FLYCATCHER (Eumyias sordidus)

The Dull-blue Flycatcher, Eumyias sordidus, presents itself as a small passerine bird, a member of the flycatcher family Muscicapidae. This species, with its ashy blue plumage and a whitish belly, measures approximately 15 cm in length. A distinctive black patch can be found between its broad black bill and the eye, framed by brighter blue above and below. Both sexes share a similar appearance, though the female may appear slightly less vibrant.

Adult Dull-blue Flycatchers can be identified by their ashy blue coloration and the contrasting black patch near the eye. Juveniles, however, are brown with heavy spotting on the head, back, wing-coverts, and breast in pale buff, and their flight feathers are edged with blue-grey. Observers should note the bird's size and shape, which is akin to that of the Spotted Flycatcher.

This bird favors the deciduous mountain forests of central Sri Lanka, thriving in well-shaded areas and typically found at elevations above 600 meters, though it is less common below 900 meters.

The Dull-blue Flycatcher is an endemic resident breeder to the central highlands of Sri Lanka, with Horton Plains National Park being one of its notable habitats.

Despite its preference for forest habitats, the Dull-blue Flycatcher is relatively easy to observe. It is an active bird, primarily feeding on flying insects, beetles, caterpillars, and other insects, but it will also consume berries.

The Dull-blue Flycatcher is known for its loud and melodic song, which adds a musical backdrop to its native forested environments.

The breeding season for this species peaks in March and April, with a possibility of a second brood later in the year. The nest is a cup-shaped, compact mass of moss, typically situated on a well-shaded rock ledge. The clutch usually consists of two or three brown-spotted pink eggs.

While similar in shape to the Spotted Flycatcher, the Dull-blue Flycatcher can be distinguished by its unique coloration and habitat preferences.

The diet of the Dull-blue Flycatcher is composed mainly of flying insects, beetles, caterpillars, and other insects, supplemented by berries.

The Dull-blue Flycatcher is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it faces threats that could lead to its vulnerability in the near future.